Abstract: CAST was first established in 1993 as a joint venture between industry, research and government partners to carry out research and development in the area of light metals. Over the ten years since its formation CAST has developed a world class research program and, in addition to the significant application of outcomes by our industry partners, much of this research has reached the stage of commercialisation. In addition, CAST has developed a significant education and training program, a best practice technology transfer program for SMEs, consulting and design activities and established an Alliance with Australian Magnesium Corporation (now Advanced Magnesium Technologies) as a provider of their research and development needs. This has been achieved by cooperation between all our partners who represent most of the light metals research groups and a significant proportion of light metals industries in Australia. The close involvement of the industry partners in all aspects of the operation of CAST has ensured we have a program of activities focused on delivering benefits to Australia$'$s light metals industry. This paper presents an overview of the research and other activities undertaken by CAST. More detail on some key projects are presented in other papers at this conference.

Key words: Light metals, Solidification, Al alloys, Mg alloys