Resource sector innovation attracts grants

A raft of mining and mineral extraction technologies have attracted grants under round 11 of the Cooperative Research Centre Projects (CRC-P) initiative. Twenty-two industry-led collaborative research and development projects across various sectors will share in $47.1 million in federal funding. They include a project to develop Australian manufacturing for the world’s highest capacity dynamic bolt support system for underground mines. That initiative by Jennmar Australia, Jimack and the University of NSW has attracted a $3 million grant towards total costs of more than $8 million, MineSensor Services, Reliable Conveyor Belt, and the University of Newcastle will receive $250,000 for work on a platform to digitise mine conveyor information to reduce breakdown, increase mine output and improve safety. Work on long-range low power wireless technology for uses including monitoring, control, rescue and robotics applications in underground mines is also funded. Roobuck, the University of NSW, Newcrest Mining and Roboworks have been granted $2 million towards their $5 million-plus project. Western Australia's Julimar project owner Chalice Mining is working with Mining and Process Solutions and Curtin University to develop an environmentally-friendly process to increase efficiencies in processing critical raw materials into platinum group metals, battery minerals (nickel sulfate, cobalt sulfate) and copper. That $7.6 million-plus project has attracted a $2.9 million grant. Alumtek Minerals, Alcoa and Chemistry Centre (WA) have won a $1,052,665 grant to further develop and commercialise processing technology to extract critical minerals and rare earths from bauxite residue. Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Christian Porter said the successful projects were outstanding examples of what could be achieved by fostering research collaborations between industry and research organisations. “These projects will address challenges in our National Manufacturing Priority areas and lead to tangible outcomes that will improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries, while growing the economy and creating new jobs,” Mr Porter said. “CRC-Ps also help strengthen links between research organisations and industry, and support Australian businesses to develop new technologies, products, processes and services for global supply chains. “Funded projects under the latest round involve 58 Australian companies, including 42 small and medium businesses, and 34 research organisations across the country.”

Resource sector innovation attracts grants

Industry Queensland

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