Critical Minerals, Critical Moment
Description
From King Island and the North West to global supply chains, Tasmania is part of the critical minerals story.
The global clean energy transition depends on these resources: from the copper in transmission lines to the lithium, nickel and tungsten essential for batteries, electric vehicles and renewable technologies.
As demand accelerates and supply chains tighten, attention is shifting to how these materials are sourced, governed and integrated into a low-carbon future.
Bringing together research, industry and on-the-ground experience, this discussion considers how Tasmania can navigate economic opportunity, environmental responsibility and energy priorities, while contributing to a more responsible global approach to critical minerals development.
Speakers
Dr Rebecca Sproule, Chief Government Geologist, Mineral Resources Tasmania
Dr Rebecca Sproule is a geologist with nearly three decades of global, multi-commodity experience in mineral exploration and geoscience leadership. Born and raised in Tasmania, she earned a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Geology from the University of Tasmania. Dr Sproule’s career spans more than 28 years, during which she has worked across five continents in roles encompassing exploration, development and operations. In November 2024, she was appointed Tasmania’s Chief Government Geologist. In this role, she leads the Geological Survey at Mineral Resources Tasmania, bringing her global expertise to support the state’s mineral exploration and development initiatives.
Angela Isaura Santos Costa, Geologist and PhD Candidate, CODES (Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences), University of Tasmania
Angela Isaura Santos Costa is a Brazilian geologist and PhD candidate at CODES (Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences), University of Tasmania, contributing to a major initiative on critical minerals in Tasmania. She previously worked for more than four years in Brazil’s mining industry and holds a Bachelor of Geology and an MBA in Data Science from the University of São Paulo.
Corey Jago, Geology Superintendent, MMG
Corey Jago is a versatile geologist with extensive experience in the minerals industry, as well as significant exposure to research. He is currently the Geology Superintendent at MMG’s Rosebery Mine. His career spans more than 20 years, working across Australia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he has contributed to exploration and resource development across a range of base and precious metal deposits. Corey graduated from the University of Tasmania in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) and returned to complete a Master of Economic Geology in 2021. He is currently a PhD candidate at the W.H. Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre (BRC) within the Sustainable Minerals Institute. His research focuses on multiscale characterisation of the controls on base, precious and critical metals at the polymetallic Rosebery deposit in western Tasmania.
Dr Lejun Zhang, Associate Professor in Economic Geology, CODES (Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences), University of Tasmania
Associate Professor Lejun Zhang is an economic geologist at CODES, University of Tasmania. His work focuses on critical minerals and on developing new approaches to better understand and discover the resources required for modern technologies and the energy transition. His experience spans projects across Australia, Asia, North and South America, and Europe. He is also Technical Lead and co-creator of ScopeIR, an initiative advancing innovative spectral technologies for geoscience. In addition, he teaches economic geology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, helping students connect geology with real-world challenges in mineral exploration, mining, and sustainable resource development.
Event Schedule
- 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Complimentary refreshments available on arrival
Arrive early and enjoy complimentary refreshments before the talk commences. There is free parking, including accessible spaces, available at the venue. Please bring a copy of your printed or electronic ticket to scan on arrival.
- 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Island of Ideas talk
Seating is first come, first served. The event will be live streamed and recorded.
- 7:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Moderated audience Q&A
You are invited to participate in a Q&A directly following the talk.
FAQs
- I can no longer attend in person, can I attend online?
Island of Ideas talks are available to attend either in person or online!
If you would prefer to watch the event live online via Zoom, please register here.
Alternatively, a YouTube livestream will also be available (Q&A is available only through Zoom).
- How can I find out more about Island of ideas events?
Want to learn more about the University of Tasmania's Island of Ideas public talks series?
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