Critical minerals for a thriving society

Earth Science Week 2026: Critical minerals for a thriving society - Phil Gilmore (Geological Society of Australia) and Dr Tara Djokic (Geological Survey of NSW). Critical minerals are chemical elements that have properties that make them essential for society to function – including energy, technology, economic and security applications – and are subject to supply chain risks. But which minerals are critical? Why do minerals have differing physical and chemical properties? What do we use these properties for that makes them critical to our society? Why do they only form in certain geological conditions? And why do some countries have abundant critical mineral resources and others have none? The talk will also explore critical minerals in NSW and the role of the Geological Survey of NSW in investigating and preserving the state's baseline geological data. The speakers will answer these questions, examine critical minerals in NSW and much more, including samples of critical minerals.