An innovative new research centre will launch this week, bringing together some of Australia’s leading universities, resource industry stakeholders and government institutions to drive research into critical minerals and sustainable mining.
Hosted by The University of Western Australia, the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre (ITTC) in Critical Resources for the Future aims to deliver the skills and disruptive thinking required to advance the critical minerals sector, through training geoscientists to address global challenges related to climate change and energy security.
Centre Director Professor Marco Fiorentini, from UWA’s School of Earth Sciences, said the new collaborative centre was the first of its kind in Australia, involving research leaders from UWA, Australian National University, The University of Queensland and The University of Adelaide.
Speakers at tomorrow’s (Thursday 14 November) launch event at The University Club include Federal Minister for Resources Madeleine King, State Minister for Mines and Petroleum David Michael and Nigel Keough, Director, Program Design and Engagement ARC (Australian Research Council).
A panel discussion featuring representatives from UWA, BHP, Chalice Mining, CSIRO and MRIWA will explore the evolving landscape of geoscience education and training, focusing on preparing future professionals to address global challenges.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the centre would be a catalyst for transformational change in sustainable mining.
“It will help place Australia at the forefront of a greener global critical resource industry, while also providing an exciting opportunity for academics and industry leaders to partner together to develop Australia’s geoscience future,” Professor Chakma said.
Professor Fiorentini said it was vital for exploration and mining operations to minimise their environmental impact, through more precise predictive targeting as well as efficient ore processing and metallurgical practices.
“Commodities such as lithium, cobalt, rare earths and platinum group elements require the sustainable development of new ore deposits and our current exploration methods may not suffice, so future mines will need to leverage automation, digitalisation, and decarbonised processes to meet environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards,” he said.
“Australia’s exploration and extraction strategies currently rely heavily on empirical knowledge of known mineral systems, limiting our ability to meet the rapidly increasing global demand for critical minerals.”
Professor Fiorentini said the new centre’s professional development programs for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers would focus on bridging the gap between mineral system science and ore processing/metallurgical extraction.
“To ensure international competitiveness and attract foreign investment, Australia must prioritise transdisciplinary education that equips future geoscientists with the skills needed for predictive exploration and sustainable extraction practices, which are crucial for addressing global demands for critical minerals,” he said.
“Postdoctoral researchers will collaborate across diverse projects, gaining invaluable insights and professional development opportunities alongside our industry partners, enhancing their skill sets with the latest advancements in conceptual frameworks, data science, and technology.”