Sub-NANO-scale CM characterization using Atom Probe Tomography and Critical Minerals

This project aimed to advance critical minerals research by providing access to the Geoscience Atom Probe (GAP) Facility at Curtin University, enabling nanoscale analysis of mineral elements crucial for Australia's economic and security interests.

Overview

The "Nano-scale Critical Minerals characterisation using Atom Probe Tomography" project provided researchers with specialised access to the Geoscience Atom Probe (GAP) Facility at Curtin University. As the world’s only laboratory dedicated to the advanced nanoscale analysis of geological materials, this facility offers a unique opportunity to study the intricate makeup of minerals essential for modern technology.

Led by Prof. Steven Reddy, the project was designed to support scientists by delivering high-tech instrumentation and the expert knowledge required to process and interpret complex data, enabling enhanced critical mineral research.

The Challenge

Australia possesses significant critical mineral reserves that are vital to the national economy and global supply chains, yet efficiently exploring and extracting these resources is a major technical challenge. Many important elements are scattered unevenly at a nanoscale within their host minerals, making them difficult to locate and analyse without specialised tools. Furthermore, access to atom probe tomography facilities is extremely limited worldwide and is often too costly for individual research teams to utilise independently.

Expected Outcomes

  • Enhanced access to Atom Probe Analysis: This has enabled end users to conduct advanced atom probe tomography for studying critical minerals. This has lowered the technical and financial barriers for researchers, allowing a broader scientific community to contribute to Australia’s critical minerals research and development efforts.

  • Expert Data Processing and Interpretation: By receiving professional guidance, researchers can ensure their data is accurate and reliable, leading to better exploration models and more efficient mineral extraction techniques.

  • Expansion of nanoscale atom probe datasets on the AuScope Discovery Portal: By increasing the number of high-quality datasets uploaded to the AuScope Discovery Portal and other public repositories, this has fostered global collaboration and ensured that valuable geological data is preserved for future scientific and industry use.

Who will benefit

Researchers and industry professionals involved in critical minerals research will benefit from enhanced access to advanced atom probe tomography facilities and expertise.

Software, Datasets and Tools

 
 

Project Name
Sub-NANO-scale CM characterisation using Atom Probe Tomography and Critical Minerals

Project Lead

Timeframe
2023 to 2024

Status
Completed

Funding
RIIP22

Host
Curtin

NCRIS Collaborators
ARDC
Microscopy Australia

AuScope Programs

Acknowledging AuScope

This project was made possible by support from the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) through AuScope. Acknowledging AuScope and NCRIS helps us demonstrate the value of shared research infrastructure, ensuring continued support and resources for the research community.

If you helped deliver this project or have benefited from its outputs, please credit AuScope so we can include your work in our impact reporting. For examples of acknowledgment, please visit our ‘How to Acknowledge AuScope’ page.

We’d love to see your work—please tag us on social media using:

@auscope | #AuScopeImpact | #NCRISimpact

ECEGuest UserRIIP22, critical minerals, Geoscience Atom Probe, Mineral Host Element Distribution, John De Laeter Centre, Atom Probe Tomography, Completed