Insights

Discover how lithium is processed from hard rock, brines, and sedimentary clays to power global EV, grid storage, and defence supply chains.

The global solar energy boom is driving increased demand for low-iron, high-purity silica sand. Fortunately for Australia, that is exactly what the nation’s silica sand mining industry can deliver.

The Trump administration is actively investing in rare earths and other critical minerals projects as it attempts to break China’s stranglehold on the sector. Can Australian miners take advantage?

US Government investments, as well as an easing of oversupply, have boosted
sentiment among Australia’s lithium miners. With strong demand growth forecast due to the growth in electric vehicles and the battery energy storage system deployment, new projects could be essential to meeting the anticipated increased demand.

Australian miners are taking on the challenge of ending China’s near monopoly on rare earths supply amid intensifying geopolitical competition over critical minerals. With Beijing’s latest moves rattling the global automotive and manufacturing sectors, can the West mount a serious response?

Silica sand is fast becoming one of Australia’s key critical minerals exports, with a raft of new projects underway. With the global solar boom showing no signs of slowing, the industry’s new players are confident of a bright outlook for the mineral, which is key to decarbonisation

With growing global demand for minerals such as coal and iron ore, as well as precious metals and rare earth elements, greater emphasis is being placed on water’s role in maintaining consistent and sustainable operations.

Gold prices have hit a series of record highs in 2025 on safe-haven buying by investors and central bank demand. Can Australian miners capitalise on the yellow metal’s gains?

Let’s walk through a few of the major segments within the ever-changing Australian resources landscape – gold, copper, lithium, rare earths and silica sands.

Since 1981, the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) has been battling on behalf of hundreds of Australian miners, explorers, and resource service businesses​. AMEC is not just another industry group – it is the collective voice and support system of Australia’s mineral exploration and mining sector.

High-purity silica sand, primarily made up of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), goes far beyond being just another critical material – it is essential to a host of modern industries. 

Rare earth elements fuel renewable energy, advanced tech, and defence. Learn why they matter and how recycling is helping secure a stable supply.