Every smartphone, TV and electric vehicle has a geological backstory. It’s time to meet the people behind the minerals in tech.
This Earth Science Week, 11–17 October, critical minerals are in the spotlight. They’re the ingredients behind loads of technology we rely on, and securing their supply is a big challenge.
“People may find critical minerals mysterious, but actually, they’re a key part of our everyday lives,” says Dr Andrew Heap, who works with minerals, energy and groundwater.
“[They’re in] the smartphone in most pockets, to the TV and refrigerator in your homes,” he explains.
But what makes a mineral “critical”? Australia classifies 31 minerals as critical because they’re essential for modern technologies, economic prosperity or national security, but the supply could be disrupted.
“Critical minerals are vital to modern technology and our way of life, but there is a risk we won’t be able to access them when we need them,” says Geoscience Australia CEO, Melissa Harris.
TLDR; we need critical minerals, and getting them isn’t always guaranteed. If you decide to work in the geosciences, you could be part of the solution.
Choose a career that will rock your world
Earth scientists investigate what’s beneath our feet. They’re collecting data, studying rocks and piecing together clues to understand the past and reimagine the future. If you love science, maps, data or solving mysteries, this field is in-demand and waiting for you.
It can lead to working in areas like mining, clean energy, environmental consulting and more. These industries need people who can help humanity use resources wisely, while adapting to a changing climate.
Want to know more about what this career could look like? Click on each picture below to meet an earth scientist. They’re solving the challenges of mining waste to hunting for fossils!
Thomas Aquilina
Fossil hunter and author,
Sally Hurst
