What makes a mineral ‘critical’? Where are critical mineral deposits found? Who controls critical mineral supply chains? And what technologies do we need to mine and process critical minerals ethically and sustainably now and into the future?

These sorts of questions are crucial for the energy transition, and cannot be answered using a single disciplinary approach. This cross-disciplinary unit thus aims to provide students with a 360° perspective of the critical minerals value chain and its relevance to the energy transition. The course will be designed for a cohort of students from diverse academic programs, so no prior knowledge is assumed. The course will bring together ANU scholars from across disciplines to cover a broad range of topics including environmental science, geology and mining, environmental impacts, geopolitics and political economy, macroeconomics and sociology. Students will develop skills to critically evaluate, report and communicate on current topics relating to critical minerals and the energy transition. This unit will provide a timely, societally relevant, innovative, and well-rounded foundation for students to proceed onto more specific areas of relevant study.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Independently research and critically analyse contemporary key topics in critical minerals and the energy transition including technological, geological, geopolitical, economic, social and environmental aspects;
2. Define critical minerals and evaluate in the context of the 21st century a range of societal, economic and environmental impacts of extractive technologies on indigenous Australian communities and broader Australian and global society;
3. Describe the supply and demand of critical minerals, including geological settings in which the major types of critical mineral ore deposits form and how we find these deposits;
4. List key technologies that use critical minerals and explain (in lay terms / scientific terms) their relevance to critical minerals and carbon emissions;
5. Compare the geopolitical, environmental and macroeconomic implications of critical mineral dependencies, and assess the supply risks in relation to critical minerals;
6. Apply research to generate original written work and present ideas in an effective and accessible manner, using an appropriate medium such as oral, poster, report, video etc.

Research-Led Teaching

Students will be required to research their chosen critical resource throughout the course, in the context of the content of each weeks lectures.

Field Trips

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Additional Course Costs

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Required Resources

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Recommended Resources

Whether you are on campus or studying online, there are a variety of online platforms you will use to participate in your study program. These could include videos for lectures and other instruction, two-way video conferencing for interactive learning, email and other messaging tools for communication, interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities, print and/or photo/scan for handwritten work and drawings, and home-based assessment.

Other information is also available about the various Learning Platforms you may use.

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	What are critical minerals and what is their role in the energy transition and other modern technologies? Introduction, admin, assign groups. Broad introductory discussion of critical minerals and their role in the energy transition in the context of current climate models and the Paris Agreement	Students choose their favourite critical commodity either individually or in groups of 2 or 3, depending on enrolment numbers.
2	Formal definition of critical minerals Definition of critical minerals and their importance to 21st century human society. Which metals are critical in which countries and why. Which countries produce various metals and why are these metals considered critical?	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-1)
3	Technologies that use critical minerals Which technologies use critical minerals with emphasis on mitigation of carbon emissions. Cover the basic science behind permanent magnets in wind turbines and other applications and in different types of storage batteries.	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-2)
4	Geology of critical minerals ore deposits Different types of ore bodies for critical metals and the geological and geographical settings in which they form. Fundamental geological models for how these deposits form. How we find these deposits.	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-3)
5	Mining and metallurgical extraction of critical minerals Complexities of approaches to the mining of critical metals and their metallurgical extraction, emphasizing the Australian context. Reprocessing of waste rock and tailings from earlier base metal mining operations.	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-4)
6	New mineral dependencies - a curse or a blessing? Managing environmental and social burdens	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-5)
7	New mining frontiers Deep sea and lunar frontiers	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-6)
8	Environmental impacts of enhanced levels of extraction of critical minerals Environmental impacts and economic aspects of different extractive approaches	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-7)
9	Social, environmental and justice impacts of critical minerals mining Indigenous rights: Social, environmental and justice impacts of the enhanced levels of mining required for the energy transition, on indigenous Australian communities and broader Australian and global society	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-8)
10	Macro-economic importance of the critical minerals industry Macro-economic importance of the critical minerals industry in the Australian and global contexts	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-9)
11	Geopolitics and security in relation to critical minerals Geopolitics and security: trade wars and supply risks in relation to critical minerals	Students research their critical commodity and prepare a 2-page report (Weekly report-11)
12	Presentation of final reports Student presentations of their accumulated reports on particular critical metals or groups of critical metals.	Submission of final written report, which is an edited and formatted compilation of the weekly reports.Presentation to class of final. report, either by oral presentation, poster, video etc.

Tutorial Registration

ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Due Date	Learning Outcomes
Group written sub-reports 1/10	4 %	14/08/2026	2,3,4
Group written sub-reports 2/10	4 %	21/08/2026	1,2,3,4
Group written sub-reports 3/10	4 %	28/08/2026	1,2,3,4
Group written sub-reports 4/10	4 %	04/09/2026	1,2,3,4
Group written sub-reports 5/10	4 %	25/09/2026	1,5,6
Group written sub-reports 6/10	4 %	02/10/2026	1,5,6
Group written sub-reports 7/10	4 %	09/10/2026	1,5,6
Group written sub-reports 8/10	4 %	16/10/2026	1,5,6
Group written sub-reports 9/10	4 %	23/10/2026	1,5,6
Group written sub-reports 10/10	4 %	30/10/2026	1,5,6
Final written report (20% of final mark)	20 %	30/10/2026	6
Presentation of final report (20% of final mark)	20 %	06/11/2026	6
Final exam (20% of final mark)	20 %	*	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Examination(s)

A final exam covering all aspects of the course will be held in the semester 1 examination period (20% of final mark).

Assessment Task 1

Group written sub-reports 1/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 2

Group written sub-reports 2/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 3

Group written sub-reports 3/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 4

Group written sub-reports 4/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 5

Group written sub-reports 5/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 6

Group written sub-reports 6/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 7

Group written sub-reports 7/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 8

Group written sub-reports 8/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 9

Group written sub-reports 9/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 10

Group written sub-reports 10/10

Group written sub-reports handed in weeks 2-11, based on chosen critical metal or critical metal group, aligned with the learning for that week. It is anticipated these sub-reports will be about 2 pages in length. Each is worth 4% of the total assessment.

Assessment Task 11

Final written report (20% of final mark)

Final written report which is an edited and structured compilation of the weekly reports.

Assessment Task 12

Presentation of final report (20% of final mark)

Peer assessed presentation of the final report (oral, poster, video etc.)

Assessment Task 13

Final exam (20% of final mark)

A final exam covering all course content, to be held during the Semester 2 exam period.

Please check the ANU final Examination Timetable https://www.anu.edu.au/students/program-administration/assessments-exams/examination-timetable to confirm the date, time and location exam.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Canvas.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission not permitted. If submission of assessment tasks without an extension after the due date is not permitted, a mark of 0 will be awarded.
• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Student work will be returned via Canvas.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students