Mining and critical minerals

Efficient extraction of minerals is key to the mining industry’s future, and we’re exploring how to maximise our mineral resources towards a low-carbon tomorrow.

Areas of focus

• Critical mineral processing
• Hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy
• Process modelling and simulation
• Effective treatment and management of water resources
• Zero-waste processing methods
• Environmental impact of mining and social licence to operate

Impacts and outcomes

• Invention of patent family leading to commercialised outcomes and industrial uptake
• Construction and operation of Australia’s first NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) cathode precursor pilot plant
• Innovations in process sensors, alkaline pre-oxidation, and benign leach and metal recovery for precious and base metals, platinum group metals and critical minerals
• Consideration of alternate perspectives on water, waste and energy by partner organisations