Silica, primarily in the form of silicon dioxide (SiO₂), is emerging as a critical mineral, underscored by its pivotal role in various high-tech applications. Silica’s role is heralded by solar photovoltaics (PV), electronics, and renewable energy technologies.  Australia has a robust history of research, development and demonstration (RD&D) in downstream solar PV activities. 

At the Future Facing Commodities Conference in Singapore, Global Lithium Founder Joe “Mr Lithium”   Lowry dissected the recent tumultuous...