A collaborative framework for advancing research and development of technologies in the areas of in-situ leaching and in-place mining is the main focus of the three-year collaboration agreement signed in early January between the Advanced Mining Technology Center (AMTC) of the University of Chile and Mining3, both organisations dedicated to the generation of innovative and sustainable technologies for the mining industry globally.
The terms of the agreement establish that the cooperation will focus on improving hydrometallurgical processes, promoting sustainable mining practices and facilitating the mutual exchange of knowledge to face future challenges of the industry at a global level. Among the specific tasks that the document proposes are: developing joint projects in in-situ leaching and hydrometallurgy in both Chile and Australia; supervising theses and hosting mining knowledge and sharing scientific findings; access to AMTC laboratories and strategic guidance for projects involving in-situ mining; facilitating the international exposure of AMTC researchers, and identifying global opportunities for innovative collaboration.
“As a research center of the University of Chile, we are very proud to have forged this alliance. The collaboration with Mining3 will allow us to accelerate the development of innovations for on-site mining operations and at the same time reinforce the formation of advanced human capital. This synergistic relationship involving laboratories, personnel and knowledge will not only benefit our institutions, but the industry as a whole,” said Javier Ruiz del Solar, Executive Director of AMTC.
“This collaboration between Mining3 and AMTC highlights the importance of global partnerships in addressing the challenges of modern mining. By aligning our expertise and resources, we can accelerate the delivery of innovative solutions that transform the industry and set a new benchmark for sustainable mining practices,” said Neville Plint, CEO of Mining3.
“We are pleased to formalise our collaboration with AMTC to advance In-Place Mining, a technology with significant potential to reduce environmental impacts, increase resource efficiency, and lower operational costs. AMTC and Mining3 have worked on different aspects of this challenge, and our alliance will have a tangible impact on the ability of this technology to fulfil its potential. As a first step, we are developing a workshop to engage with key stakeholders in the Chilean mining industry and drive meaningful discussions on the future of In-Place Mining,” said Jenni Sweet, Technical Director of Mining3.
This agreement, considered a starting point for future joint projects, joins similar documents that Mining3 has already signed with universities in Australia, the United States and South Africa. After this signature, the next step will be establishing a more systematic collaboration with specific activities between Mining3 and the AMTC.