Uppsala University Takes the Lead in Pioneering Center for Strategic Metals Research
The Foundation for Strategic Research (SSF) has granted funds to a multidisciplinary research center which, under the leadership of Uppsala University, will conduct both basic and innovative research on strategic and critical metals and minerals, a research of great international importance. The main task is to create a responsible, socially acceptable, robust and sustainable supply of these strategic and critical metals and minerals, something that is necessary for the ongoing energy transition and climate adaptation of society.
In national competition, the center “Smart Exploration Research” was granted funds and is expected to start already in January 2024, and initially run for six years. The center will be a hub to accelerate the growing need for exploration of critical raw materials in Sweden, the Nordics and the rest of the world. Innovative solutions and research will be cornerstones of the center. Smart Exploration Research is a consortium of experts in geoscience, nanotechnology, data analysis, technology, drones and robotic solutions, as well as drilling technology with academic partners from Stockholm, Gothenburg and Lund universities and industry partners from Epiroc, Nordic Iron Ore, First Quantum Minerals, Tyréns, Samarkand, BitSimNow , Eurobattery Minerals and Amkvo.
Smart Exploration Research is expected to be able to offer training for several master’s students, at least 15 doctoral students and employment for postdocs and junior researchers. The center is supported by the Nordic Geological Surveys, and global exploration and mining companies where they will collaborate on knowledge exchange, mobility and joint R&D projects.
– We are happy to have the opportunity to use our experience and expertise and place Sweden at the front line in the field of innovative solutions for mineral exploration. We welcome new partners for demonstrations, scale-up, market introduction and synergy work, explains Alireza Malehmir, professor of geophysics and prospective research director at the center.