A new national centre of excellence at the University of Newcastle will work towards achieving zero-emission mining by doubling energy and water productivity, and reducing the loss of high value metals during processing by up to 90 per cent.
Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan announced the establishment on Tuesday of a University of Newcastle-based research centre to develop more efficient mineral processing.
The $35 million Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals will fund eight years of research.
Newcastle Vice-Chancellor Alex Zelinsky said the research would have lasting environmental benefits.
"We're delighted to receive this significant funding, which will enable us to carry out world-leading research into developing more efficient and environmentally-friendly mineral processing. This is a prime example of how our University is at the forefront of providing solutions to major environmental issues," he said.
The centre will be led by Laureate Professor Kevin Galvin and will see the university collaborate with researchers from seven Australian universities, CSIRO, industry partner organisations, as well as leading international researchers.
"Some minerals are becoming difficult to access and extract, while high usage of energy and water in processing make it expensive and environmentally demanding," Professor Galvin said.
"These pressures make it urgent that we transform the value addition of mineral processing, known as beneficiation, to achieve a step-change reduction in the environmental footprint.
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About 70 PhD students and 15 post-doctoral researchers will work towards achieving 'transformational' solutions, working across multiple research disciplines.
"For the students, it offers a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to be part of a world-first project that can make a practical difference to the future of this planet.
"This new dawn will ensure a sustainable and competitive future for a critical Australian industry, involving a whole new generation of scientists and engineers," Professor Galvin said.
Senator for NSW, Arthur Sinodinos said the University of Newcastle had a global reputation for excellence in research.
"This new centre is particularly relevant given the importance of mining and energy production in the Hunter region," he said.
