Godolphin’s strategic focus is on critical minerals and green metals. The supply of these is essential for the ongoing transition to renewable energy and developing clean energy technology. The supply of these critical metals will need to rapidly increase in the coming years.
Rare Earth Elements
Rare Earth Elements play a critical and diverse role in the world today, underpinning technological advancements across various industries. These include:
- Magnets – motors, generators, HD drives, audio and other;
- Automotive – batteries for electric vehicles;
- Clean energy and pollution control;
- Metal alloys – superalloys, oxygen sensors, LEDs and cutting lasers; and
- Medical, industrial and strategic applications – unique catalytic, metallurgical, nuclear, electrical, magnetic and luminescent properties.
Godolphin’s Narraburra Rare Earth Project has been recognised as a key project by the Australian government and could potentially supply in-demand REEs:
- Identified by the Australian Government’s ‘Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ in its report of ‘Australia’s 2022 Critical Minerals Strategy’ as a major deposit of REE.
- Listed as a critical minerals project by the Australian Government’s ‘Australian Trade and Investment Commission’ in its report ‘Critical Minerals Projects in Australia 2020’.
Copper
Copper is considered a critical mineral due to its essential role in various industries and its economic significance, including:
- Conductivity: Copper is versatile with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity, making it indispensable for electrical wiring, electronics, and telecommunications. It is also used in plumbing, heating systems, and industrial machinery;
- Infrastructure and Construction: It is a key component in infrastructure development, including power generation and distribution, transportation systems, and building construction. Its durability and corrosion resistance make it vital for longlasting structures;
- Renewable Energy: The transition to renewable energy sources relies heavily on copper for solar panels, wind turbines, and energy storage systems. Copper’s conductivity and efficiency are crucial for these technologies; and
- Transportation: The automotive industry depends on copper for vehicle manufacturing and electrification. Electric vehicles, in particular, use more copper than traditional internal combustion engine vehicles.