The carbonate geology of the critical metal niobium

The project aims to determine how the critical metal niobium is concentrated in the Earth's crust to levels sufficient for economically viable mining. It will have significant economic benefits to Australias critical metals exploration, mining and manufacturing sectors. Niobium is an important commodity, used in the transport, pipe-line and construction industries, as well as in medical imaging equipment. Australia has known but unexploited niobium resources. Studies of Australia's geology indicate that it is highly likely more, undiscovered niobium deposits exist. This research will generate better understanding of how niobium deposits form in the Australian crust. New experimental data will allow development of exploration vectors, which will indicate the likely proximity of, and general direction to a niobium deposit buried deep in the crust, even in the absence of exposure at the surface. This will improve the chances of success in niobium exploration programs. It will a