Reliable analysis and testing underpin informed decision‑making across the mining lifecycle, from exploration and process design to environmental management and sustainable mine closure.
Researchers at the Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) at The University of Queensland have access to world-class analysis and testing facilities which support industry, government and research partners to generate accurate, reliable data for operations, project development and regulatory compliance.
Our analysis and testing capability builds on SMI’s broader role as a global leader in mining and sustainability research.
In addition to our equipment capability, we design practical and robust experiments and provide expert interpretation and evaluation of the results; from pilot-scale processing to advanced mineral analysis, our facilities support end-to-end research and testing.
Download the analysis and testing capability statement here (PDF, 1 MB)
Pilot plant
The JKMRC pilot plant contains a suite of standard and custom‑built mineral processing equipment, including JKMRC developed innovative ore characterisation equipment now in use worldwide. We offer a large range of testing capabilities to cover pre-concentration, comminution, separation and geometallurgy, and can receive and store large quantities of samples.
Comminution
Equipment
- Bond ball mill work index
- BBMWi-Lite (CSS > 106 µm)
- Bond rod mill work index
- Drop Weight Test (DWT)
- DWT Ta abrasion only
- Equotip hardness test
- High pressure grinding rolls
- Integrated DWT/SMC Test
- Point load test
- Rock breakage tests: Rotary Breakage Test (RBT), RBT Lite
- SG by He Pycnometer
- SG by water immersion
- SMC test
- Steel Wheel Abrasion Test (SWAT)
Mineral flotation
Equipment
- Grind establishment (including 3 data points)
- Bulk rougher flotation
- Timed rougher flotation
- Rougher followed by cleaner (open circuit)
- Rougher followed by cleaner followed by recleaner (open circuit)
Environmental research laboratories
We support research and industry projects by providing reliable sample preparation, chemical analysis and controlled experimental spaces. Our laboratories provide accurate data, steady technical support and the practical capabilities needed to keep research and industry projects moving.
Services
- Element and nutrient analysis using ICP-OES, ion chromatography, UV-Vis and portable XRF
- Soil and water quality testing
- Hydraulic conductivity and soil water retention measurements
- Plant growth, incubation and environmental simulation work
- High-throughput digestion, titration and general sample processing
- Support with methods, troubleshooting and day-to-day research needs
Equipment & Facilities
- ICP-OES, ion chromatographs (DX120 & ICS3000), UV-Vis, portable XRF
- Microwave, block and ColdBlock digesters; autotitrators; ball and hammer mills; freeze dryer; sieve shakers
- Hydraulic conductivity frames, pressure plate extractors, soil water retention systems
- BIORA growth chamber, incubators, dehydrating ovens, orbital shakers, respirometry
- Laminar flow cabinet, autoclave, centrifuges, analytical balances with data capture
Mineral Characterisation Research Facilities (MCRF)
SMI works in conjunction with colleagues and Centres across the University to provide advice on sample preparation and analysis, preparing high‑quality samples, and supplying data and guidance to researchers.In addition, mineralogical reports are produced for external consultation in collaboration with JKTech. Having operated almost 20 years, the facility also benefits from a large reference database and highly experienced personnel.
We use a range of tools including:
- Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)
- Mineral mapping systems
- LIBS, hyperspectral scanning and detection
- X-ray tomography (CT)
- Digital scanning optical microscopy
- XRF systems (hand-held and fixed)
- XRD capability and rock and mineral geochronology
Mineral sample and sizing preparation/ cutting/crushing/grinding
Equipment
- Sample preparation
- Core cutting
- Bulk crushing
- Bulk dry sizing to 3.35 mm using Gilson
- Dry sizing from -5 mm to -106 µm
- Wet sizing from -5 mm to -38 µm
- Wet pre-screen followed by dry sizing from -5 mm to -38 µm
- Cyclosizing from -38 µm to -C5
- Malvern laser sizing
Mineral sample analysis
Equipment
- Tescan TIMA scanning electron microscope with mineral mapping
- Hitachi SU3900 with bruker mineral mapping detection and software
- Access to Hitachi SU7000 and APREO2 FEI Field Emission Gun (FEG) electron microscopes for mineral mapping and Cathode Luminescence (CL) imaging
- 3 × MLA600 and MLA650 FEI quanta scanning electron microscopes
- JEOL Hyperprobe for Electron Microprobe Microanalysis (EPMA) of minerals
The MCRF also provides an extension for our testing capabilities in flotation, breakage characterisation and sizing analysis
UQ drones collaborative research platform
With a vast library of drones, advanced remote sensing and geophysical payloads, and a fully equipped workshop, we provide high quality data, custom builds and specialised payload integration. The versatility of drones allows the platform to support diverse research fields, delivering high quality data efficiently and safely. Our multi-disciplinary team of experts provide piloting, data analysis and project management, helping researchers and industry partners streamline their workflows and achieve impactful results.
Herbarium
A specialised scientific collection and research facility dedicated to the documentation, curation, and study of plant specimens, with a strong emphasis on species relevant to mine land rehabilitation. The herbarium contains 5,000 pressed specimens and maintains an online database featuring high-resolution scans of more than 1,200 plant specimens.
Vehicle and field equipment
Our researchers have access to equipment that supports a wide range of environmental field work.
Equipment
- Toyota LandCruiser 4WD, compliant with most Australian mine site light vehicle requirements
- Portable multi-parameter water quality meters
- GPS Units (Trimble Nomad, Trimble Geo with optional external antenna)
- Various small tools (cameras, clinometers, height sticks, tapes, moisture probe, augers, soil sample corers)
- Tensiometers
- Rainfall simulator