The future of mineral processing requires a new generation of predictive, integratable process models that reduce uncertainty, improve decision quality and accelerate innovation.
The New Generation Modelling Consortium is a five-year, industry-guided collaborative research program led by the JKMRC at The University of Queensland. By combining investment, data, expertise and shared technical priorities, we accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation modelling solutions that deliver measurable value across the minerals value chain.
The program is developing the next generation of liberation-based process models for mineral processing. Its goal is to reduce uncertainty in mineral processing decisions by building models that better represent the particle and process behaviours that drive performance.
The challenge
Process models underpin major decisions across the mining lifecycle. Processing more variable ores, integrating new technologies and increasing demands for optimisation and process control are pushing traditional models beyond their capabilities.
Why now?
Advances in high-performance computing, CFD, DEM, AI-enabled workflows and advanced particle characterisation are unlocking a step change in process modelling. Models can now be developed that are more closely grounded in process physics and particle behaviour, enabling faster and more confident engineering and operational decisions.
Aims
- Advance predictive modelling capability to improve decision quality, reduce technical risk and accelerate innovation across future mineral processing operations.
- Build the predictive foundation that will power future digital decision-support and optimisation systems.
Objectives
- The future of mineral processing requires a new generation of predictive, integratable process models that reduce uncertainty, improve decision quality and accelerate innovation.
- The proposed approach uses targeted experiments to build and validate computational models, enabling simulation of operational and design scenarios and improved understanding of process fundamentals.
- New generation models are a key enabler of future digital capability. This includes advanced simulation, digital twins, soft sensors and model-informed process control.
Why choose the consortium?
The Sustainable Minerals Institute’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) is a world-leading centre for minerals modelling and simulation research, with strong industry partnerships and a proven track record of translating research into operational impact. They also have:
- Advanced mineral processing and process modelling expertise
- Extensive industrial datasets from plant surveys and testwork Proven CFD and DEM simulation and data analytics capability
- Access to advanced particle characterisation and liberation methods Established pathways for translating research into software tools and industry capability
- Experience leading successful collaborative industry research programs
Technical Director
Associate Professor Kym Runge
View Kym Runge's research profile
Deputy Technical Director
Lizette Verster
View Lizette Verster's research profile
Contact us
Get in touch to learn more about our research.
Technical Director Associate Professor Kym Runge
Learn more about the consortium here.