New research centre for strategic metals
In order to cope with the green energy transition and society's climate adaptation, raw materials, metal and minerals are critical. A new multidisciplinary research centre soon sees the light of day, bringing together experts in geoscience, nanotechnology, drilling technologies and data analytics. The Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Gothenburg is one of several partners in the research centre.
– This is a fantastic opportunity for us to use our world-class geochemical facilities to contribute to important research on critical metals and minerals, says Thomas Zack, senior lecturer in geochemistry and research leader for the Microgeochemistry Group at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Gothenburg.
It is the Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) that has granted SEK 60 million to the multidisciplinary research center "Smart Exploration Research". Under the leadership of Uppsala University, both basic and applied research on strategic and critical metals and minerals will be conducted.
According to SSF, the goal is to create a responsible, socially acceptable, robust and sustainable supply of strategic metals and minerals, something that is necessary for the ongoing energy transition and climate adaptation of society.
Academia and industry partnering up
Smart Exploration Research will become a hub to accelerate the growing need for exploration of critical raw materials in Sweden, the Nordic countries and the rest of the world. In the center, Gothenburg, Stockholm and Lund Universities will collaborate with several industry partners.
The research centre is expected to offer training for at least 15 doctoral students and employment for postdocs and junior researchers. It is supported by the Nordic Geological Surveys and global exploration and mining companies. Partners will collaborate on knowledge exchange, mobility and joint research and development projects. Smart Exploration Research is expected to start as early as January 2024 and initially run for six years under the leadership of Uppsala University.
For further information about the research centre, please contact:
Alireza Malehmir, professor of geophysics, Uppsala University, prospective research director for Smart Exploration Research, e-mail: alireza.malehmir@geo.uu.se
Thomas Zack, senior lecturer in geochemistry, University of Gothenburg, e-mail: thomas.zack@gu.se
BY: JENNY MEYER
