In his research, Professor Frenzel aims to address the issues and opportunities associated with rapidly growing global mineral demand. He does so by examining different aspects of mineral supply chains, focusing on two central questions: ​

1. How can geological and mineralogical insights enhance the efficiency of mineral exploration and extraction? ​

2. What implications do geological, technological and economic constraints have for the availability of primary raw materials for the energy transition? ​

He combines a variety of data types (geological, mineralogical, geochemical, technological and economic) with data analysis and numerical modelling methods to answer these questions. At KAUST, his expertise is especially relevant to the mineral potential of Saudi Arabia, i.e., identifying where untapped resources may exist and how they can be utilized efficiently and sustainably.​