A new research facility at The University of Queensland (UQ), The Mineral Characterisation Research Facility (MCRF), will lead research into more effective resource processing. It hopes to increase Queensland’s metal production by 2% and cut mining electricity use by 1% – that translates to increasing exports by $255 million and decreasing carbon emissions from electricity production by 427,000 t.
The $16 million MCRF is part of UQ’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) at Indooroopilly, Brisbane. Director of the JKMRC, Dr Geoff Gault, said that the centre was a recognised global leader in the development and application of mineral characterisation and separation methodologies. “The new Mineral Characterisation Research Facility will bring together a research team focused on industry solutions supported by the right infrastructure. This is an exciting development for Queensland and UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), which is already a strong international hub for mining research,” he said.
The Queensland Government provided A$6.1 million towards the construction of the facility through its Innovation Building Fund, which supports the construction of new or refurbished research facilities in Queensland.
Queensland’s mining and petroleum industries contributed about 20% to the state’s economic output in 2008-09 and help provide some 40,000 direct and 160,000 indirect jobs in regional and outback Queensland, but innovation remains critical to growth and development of these industries.
The JKMRC is one of the original and currently largest centre of the six inter-related centres that make up the SMI.
SMI was established in 2001 as a joint initiative between the Queensland Government, UQ and the minerals industry, to research and develop new technologies for the sustainable development of mineral resources. The other five centres are:
- Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
- WH Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation
- Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry
- Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining.
The Institute’s work covers all facets of mine life, from geology, to minerals extraction, water management, minerals processing, workplace health and safety, mine rehabilitation and community engagement. Research is particularly focused on operational efficiency and process improvement for mine sites.
Contact Tara Young, Advancement Manager (Fundraising and Alumni Relations), The University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute. Tel +61 7 3346 4045, [email protected], www.smi.uq.edu.au