University alliance to help develop circular economy in mining

• Miles Government and The University of Queensland launch new Research Alliance
• $8 million funding program to promote circular economy in mining and critical minerals
• Delivers another key action from $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy.

Queensland’s critical minerals industry has been given a boost with the creation of a new partnership between the Miles Government and The University of Queensland’s (UQ) Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI).

The Critical Minerals and Circular Economy Research Alliance will oversee an $8 million research program to drive identification, discovery and development of critical minerals.

Research projects will also focus on creating a critical minerals circular economy, from mining resources to processing and then manufacturing the renewable technologies Queensland needs to decarbonise.

The Research Alliance is a key action from the $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy and will operate for the next four years.

Quotes attributable to the Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart:

“We want to create a critical minerals industry where we not only mine and process the minerals here but also make the renewable technologies like solar panels and batteries by Queenslanders for Queenslanders.

“With our $315 million Queensland Critical Minerals Strategy we’re well on our way to achieving this dream but we can’t do it alone.

“UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute is world renowned, and we want to work with their researchers to develop new ways to identify and develop critical minerals resources in Queensland.

“Research programs will also help us go beyond just digging up minerals but creating a true circular economy model for this exciting new industry.

“This is about setting up setting up the next chapter in Queensland’s resources story in a way that is efficient, sustainable and fair while securing the jobs of the future.”

 Quotes attributable to UQ Vice Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC:

“This alliance strengthens our partnership with the Queensland Department of Resources on research that will aid the development of a robust, responsible, and sustainable critical minerals industry in our state.

“We have a track record of working together on projects delivering tangible outcomes including an analysis of critical mineral recovery from mine waste at more than 35 sites which is being used to help recover the resources to fuel the energy transition."

Quotes attributable to SMI Director Professor Rick Valenta:

“Building a responsible critical minerals industry and robust value chain from source to product within Queensland will need enhanced efficiency and the adoption of circular economy practices, and for that we need new data, technologies, approaches, and workforce capabilities,” he said.

“We are looking forward to working with the Department of Resources as well as industry and research partners to develop innovative and clean pathways that cement Queensland as a world leader in responsible critical mineral production.”

ENDS