As a presenting partner of the three-day RTS expo, MinRes joined some of Western Australia's most influential resource companies in delivering high-energy, interactive experiences to thousands of visitors at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
RTS is one of the largest free STEM events in Australia, bringing science and technology to life with cutting-edge technology and hands-on experiences to spark curiosity in the innovators of tomorrow.
This year's event focused on the key minerals that power our lives - which provided the perfect backdrop for MinRes' Secret World of Lithium installation.
A journey across time and space
The MinRes exhibition began by inviting visitors into the firs of two custom-built battery "tunnels". Through a combination of lighting, sound and storytelling, guests were transported back more than 13 billion years to the Big Bang, when the earliest elements of the universe were created.
From this cosmic starting point, the display charted lithium's long journey to Earth, explaining how the element became embedded within hard rock deposits. The tunnel concluded by introducing spodumene ore, from which lithium is extracted.
The second tunnel experience shifted focus from science to operations, giving visitors an inside look at MinRes' position as a globally significant hard rock lithium miner.
Using video, imagery and relatable facts and figures, the exhibit provided an overview of MinRes' two flagship sites - Wodgina in the Pilbara and Mt Marion in the Goldfields.
Visitors also learned how lithium is mined from spodumene at these sites and how it is processed to help meet the growing demand for battery-grade materials.
The display showcased the scale and sophistication of MinRes’ operations, underlining the company’s role in fuelling the global shift towards low-carbon technologies.
The exhibit concluded with a striking centrepiece – a MEVCO-modified Rivian R1T electric ute, it’s tray laden with everyday lithium-enabled products including mobile phones, cordless tools, drones, handheld gaming consoles and cameras.
The display served as a tangible reminder of the mineral’s place in modern life, connecting it directly to the technologies people use every day.
Inspiring the next generation
MinRes Chief Executive Lithium Joshua Thurlow said the company’s presence at RTS aimed to provide an educational and inspirational experience, especially for younger visitors.
“It’s all about showcasing to young Western Australians the breadth of opportunities in the mining industry and getting them excited about how the sector impacts our daily lives, including in the global energy transition,” he said.
“As one of Australia’s largest hard rock lithium miners, MinRes showcased how lithium was formed in our universe, how it came to be in the deposits that we mine today and how it’s used in everyday items.”
Lithium’s critical role in the future
Lithium is at the heart of the world’s energy revolution, enabling rechargeable batteries essential for electric mobility, renewable energy storage and portable electronics.
With demand forecast to grow in the coming decades, MinRes’ ongoing investment in world-class operations and downstream processing is positioning the company at the forefront of the global supply chain.
Both Wodgina and Mt Marion are central to this strategy, producing high-quality spodumene concentrate for conversion into the lithium hydroxide and carbonate products used in high-performance batteries.
Showcasing WA’s resources innovation
The RTS once again proved to be a major drawcard for the public, providing an inside look at technologies, careers and minerals driving Western Australia’s resources industry.
MinRes’ Secret World of Lithium offered a mix of science, innovation and storytelling – connecting visitors not just to a mineral, but to an industry shaping the energy future.
As the doors closed on the 2025 event, one message was clear: the story of lithium is not only about where it came from – it’s about where it’s taking us.
Learn more about MinRes’ Lithium operations.
