The University of Tasmania has secured a A$17.4 million research hub which will drive improvement and excellence across Australia’s mining sector. The funding includes a $4 million research grant from the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) Industrial Transformation Research Hub scheme, A$9.6 million in industry support, and the remainder from other government block funds. The University’s research centre, CODES (ARC Centre of Excellence in Ore Deposits), has partnered with the Australian minerals industry to establish a unique research hub for Transforming the Mining Value Chain (TMVC).
The University notes that “Australia’s multi-million dollar mining industry is set to benefit from the research hub, which aims to resolve the biggest challenges facing the industry today. The mining value chain extends from exploration and discovery through mining and processing to waste disposal.
“The research will extend mine lives and employment opportunities across Australia’s regional mining centres through helping to develop more efficient and environmentally sustainable exploration, mineral processing and waste disposal practices.”
University of Tasmania Vice-Chancellor Professor Peter Rathjen congratulated the work of the team at CODES. “The University’s research is at the forefront of one of the nation’s biggest economic drivers – mining,” he said. “CODES continue to be globally recognised in its field of research, with this latest round of ARC funding further reflecting the University’s commitment to research partnerships and excellence at both a local and global level.”
CODES Deputy Director Professor David Cooke will be the Hub Director and will be joined by a team of researchers from the University including the Director at CODES, Professor Bruce Gemmell.
The hub will bring together a team of world-class researchers from the University of Tasmania, the University of Exeter and Australia’s Information Communications Technology Research Centre of Excellence (NICTA) to work with partner organisations Newcrest Mining, BHP-Billiton, Corescan, Laurin Technic and a consortium of national and international companies coordinated by AMIRA International.
“The new TMVC research hub has the potential to make a huge impact on industry outcomes by delivering end-user driven solutions,” University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Paddy Nixon said. “The collaborative research hub illustrates how the University of Tasmania continues to build on its strengths in working with industry towards specific research projects.”
CODES: At a Glance:
- One of the largest research-based university groups in the world
- CODES conducts research projects across 34 countries
- The Centre collaborates with 42 mining and exploration companies globally
- It produces 18% of all exploration geologist graduates in Australia.