{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260100935"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260100935","attributes":{"code":"DE260100935","administering-organisation":"The University of Western Australia","announcement-administering-organisation":"The University of Western Australia","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2028-12-31","grant-summary":"Mantle mysteries: exploring mineral system through experiments. This project aims to revolutionise mineral system models by investigating hydrous pyroxenites as alternative sources of critical metals like copper, cobalt, and platinum group elements. It challenges views that only peridotite contributes to ore formation. Using high-pressure experiments, geophysical imaging, and geochemical fingerprinting, the study seeks to enhance mineral exploration efficiency, particularly in Australia. The outcomes will provide new tools for identifying untapped metal resources, directly benefiting industry and net-zero efforts. Collaboration with industry and UWA ensures real-world application, while training a PhD student supports future expertise in mineral exploration and sustainability-driven geoscience research.","funding-current":512026.00,"funding-at-announcement":507935,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Isra","familyName":"Ezad","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-5626-561X "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Isra","familyName":"Ezad","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-5626-561X "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"The University of Western Australia","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"WA"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"The University of Western Australia","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"WA"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":false,"code":"370301","name":"Exploration Geochemistry","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":true,"code":"3705","name":"Geology","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"370503","name":"Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"250302","name":"Copper Ore Exploration","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"250305","name":"Precious (Noble) Metal Ore Exploration","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280107","name":"Expanding Knowledge In the Earth Sciences","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":["England","Italy","United States of America"],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"This DECRA aligns with Australia’s national interests by supporting the country’s strategic goals in resource security, economic growth, and the transition to a net-zero future. Critical metals such as copper, cobalt, and platinum group elements are essential for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing. By improving our ability to locate these resources within Australia, this research reduces dependence on foreign supply chains, enhancing national resilience against global market disruptions.\nThe project will open new frontiers for mineral exploration, particularly in regions previously considered non-prospective. This expansion will stimulate economic activity, attract investment, and create jobs in remote and regional communities. Additionally, collaboration with industry leaders ensures direct application of findings, fostering innovation in mineral exploration while supporting Australia’s global competitiveness in critical minerals.\nFurthermore, this DECRA project contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting a more targeted, efficient, and lower-impact approach to mineral discovery. It strengthens Australia’s leadership in responsible resource extraction, aligning with government initiatives such as the Critical Minerals Strategy 2023–2030 and the Net Zero 2050 Plan. By securing a stable supply of essential metals, this project underpins Australia’s energy transition and long-term economic prosperity."}}}