The Minerals Down Under Flagship will receive $A34.6 million from the Australian Government over four years, and will be a collaboration between the CSIRO, Geoscience Australia and industry.

Research will focus on discovery through the development of advanced exploration systems, drilling and development of future mining systems, processing technologies for resources, and development of solutions for sustainable processing.

CSIRO chief executive Dr Geoff Garrett said the flagship will enable the Australian minerals industry to realise up to $A1 trillion worth of new resources.

“Research investment now will help provide sufficient lead time to develop new technologies to reach deposits yet to be accessed,” Garrett said.

“The flagship will aim to more than double the size of the existing related services and technology sector.”

CSIRO’s National Research Flagships were launched in 2003 to address major national challenges in areas such as energy, water and health and also opportunities for industry development and job creation.