Sustainable Minerals Institute 2019 in review

Creating change for the responsible development of resources for a sustainable future

The sustainability of the world is inextricably linked to the supply of minerals. The Sustainable Minerals Institute's (SMI) vision is to find solutions to the complex problems – facing the environment, humanity and the economy – on the path to sustainability.

Director's Welcome

2019 has been a remarkable year for the Sustainable Minerals Institute as we implement The University of Queensland’s long-term strategic objectives of developing game changing students, building collaborative partnerships and developing global solutions through high-quality research.

With guidance from our Advisory Boards, 2019 has seen us align SMI’s activities with the University’s objectives while maintaining our vision of creating change for responsible resource development. The continued development of disciplinary strength in our research centres and the transdisciplinary research conducted through the cross-cutting strategic research programs has been key to this. Each Centre has reviewed and adjusted their research programs to respond to stakeholder’s needs and we are seeing the impact of the strategic programs.

2019 was also a remarkable year for building SMI’s global partnerships. In March, we hosted a Resources Skill Roundtable on behalf of the Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, the Honourable Senator Matthew Canavan. In July, we hosted UQ’s first Minerals Week with colleagues from the University of Cape Town, University of Exeter and the University of British Columbia to discuss the potential for research collaboration. The Higher Degree by Research Student Conference built on this by showcasing the emerging talent across the partner universities. We are now finishing 2019 by hosting a public consultation for the Global Tailings Review, which was co-convened by the United Nations Environment Program, the International Council on Mining and Metals and the Principles of Responsible Investment.

The Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre (MISHC) has been actively contributing to the national safety discussion, particularly in Queensland where it is a focal point through which industry is accessing information to support the Safety Reset and move to improve its particulates exposure limits standard.

The Centre of Social Responsibility in Mining (CSRM) hosted the first meeting of the Social Aspects of Mine Closure Consortium, an industry-university collaboration between SMI and six mining companies. Researchers from the Julius Kruttschitt Minerals Research Centre were named as Chief Investigators for the UQ Node of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals; and SMI is part of the shortlisted CRC bid on Transforming Mining Economies.

The Complex Orebodies strategic research program published its second paper on the effects environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks could have on the global supply of metals.

The Tailings Research Consortium, initiated by strategic research program leaders Professors Daniel Franks and Anna Littleboy, held consultative workshops in Chile, Canada, Belgium, the UK and Australia.

We also held the Global Leadership Series event in partnership with the ABC on Minerals, materials and a sustainable future, which was broadcast on the ABC News Channel on 13 December, and will be available on IView.

I would like to extend my thanks to the terrific academic and professional teams here at SMI and UQ, and also thank our Advisory Board members who give generously of their time and experience during the year. I’d like to welcome Mischa Traynor (Thiess), Mick Wilkes (OceanaGold) and Natascha Viljoen (Anglo American) who have recently joined the SMI Advisory Board.

I wish you all a happy and safe new year and enjoy the holidays.

2019 Highlights

Research

Global Research Consortium on Tailings – the Consortium brings together the world’s leading thinkers – researchers, practitioners, industry professionals, regulators, civil society and community representatives – to develop transdisciplinary knowledge-solutions that address the technical, social, environmental and economic risks of tailings.

Social Aspects of Mine Closure

Social Aspects of Mine Closure Consortium – the Consortium is a multi-party, industry-university research collaboration. Established in early 2019, it conducts research that challenges accepted industry norms and practices, and demands new approaches that place people at the centre of mine closure.

UQ partners with seven Australian universities to advance sustainable mineral processing – the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals, hosted by The University of Newcastle, aims to achieve a step-change in mineral processing by doubling energy and water productivity and reducing the amount of high value metals lost during processing by up to 90 per cent. Lead investigator for UQ is SMI's Dr Liza Forbes.

UQ study shows global supply of metals won’t meet demand without industry change – SMI’s Complex Orebodies Research Program found that environmental, social and governance (ESG) challenges have the potential to significantly impact the global supply of metals.