Science to broker transition to new economy

Science promises to be the honest broker in the transition to the new low emissions economy. A big theme in the transition is remining waste from tailings dams to capture partly processed mineral wealth. UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) and the Geological Survey of Queensland are staging the inaugural Australian Mine Waste Symposium at the university’s Global Change Institute over two days from 6 February to address the major challenges. Related: Register here – Australian Mine Waste Symposium 2024 These include four topics: valorisation to sequestration, mining and reprocessing pathways, barriers to success and the future landscape. Main graphic: Ravenswood Gold tailings storage facility The community held big expectations and policy makers needed the right information to usher in a carbon neutral built environment said symposium co-chair Associate Professor Anita Parbhakar-Fox. Science could provide advice covering all concerns including industry, community and the environment said Professor Parbhakar-Fox. Dr Anita Parbhakar Fox “We do a lot of research for industry partners of course,” she said. “All the research that we do, we're very honest, sympathetic and cognizant of society and society’s demands. “Research integrity is something that the University of Queensland and SMI hold in the highest regard. So, the results are the results and they'll be framed appropriately within the confines of the project. “We're always trying to work towards finding solutions that meet society's expectations and that are within the capability of industry to actually achieve.” Industry Queensland is proud to support the Australian Mine Waste Symposium Success would include capturing the imagination of those more removed from mining said Professor Parbhakar-Fox. “Obviously we have lots of projects in northwest Queensland. These are mining communities and taking them on a journey in terms of the research we're doing and the deliverables to help improve standards, it’s not too hard to get them on board. “Certainly, the communities that are a bit further removed from big mining hubs in towns, that's a little different. “I do think because we've had such a growing conversation around waste in general, there is more and more awareness now of various waste footprints.” Professor Parbhakar-Fox heads up the Mine Waste Transformation through Characterisation (MIWATCH) program at SMI which has been working with geological survey teams in five states and territories. Mine waste metals needed to be included in any conversation about energy transition,” she said. “Unlocking the value contained in mine waste can only be realised based on robust chemical-mineralogical characterisation.” “Designing out waste from the start is the key to long-term industry change when it comes to waste management and is increasingly possible with new technologies emerging for characterisation and processing.” The Sustainable Minerals Institute has six research centres reflecting the new mining paradigms. They include geology and minerals research, land rehabilitation, social responsibility, water and health and safety, among others.

Science to broker transition to new economy

Industry Queensland

Related News

APA advances plans to extend Mount Isa solar development

Quick fire – industry news briefs

Carnaby forges ahead with Greater Duchess work

Get access to breaking mining news, now.