Global research

Australia will head a global research program to find radical new ways of extracting minerals from the earth.

In one of the biggest developments in the mining and minerals industry since Australia discovered the flotation process more than 100 years ago, the program will explore highly experimental new science to develop more efficient and low-impact ways of mining minerals such as zinc, copper, coal, platinum and titanium.

“This research is vital to safeguarding the future viability of Australia’s $75-billion-a-year minerals export industry,” said Peter Høj, Chief Executive Officer of the the Australian Research Council (ARC). “It could revolutionise the global mining industry and have major applications in the massive food and pharmaceuticals industries.”

The head of the research program, Professor John Ralston, from the University of South Australia, said: “It’s time for a new way. Growing pressure for much greater efficiencies and much less impact on the environment mean radical and novel new methods must be found.”