Associate Professor Anita Parbhakar-Fox from The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) has been announced as one of the WIM100 2024 cohort.
The WIM100 is a biennial publication, run by Women in Mining UK, which celebrates 100 women from around the world whose impactful contributions have strengthened and made the resources industry more inclusive and sustainable.
Associate Professor Parbhakar-Fox is the founding leader of the Mine Waste Transformation through Characterisation (MIWATCH) research group at SMI’s WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre and is a Deputy Director of the ARC Training Centre for Critical Resources for the Future, a collaboration with the University of Western Australia, Australia National University and the University of Adelaide.
She has travelled to London for the announcement and said she was honoured to be included in the list.
“I am absolutely delighted to have made this list, it represents so many things- first recognition for mine waste geoscience - MIWATCH have worked hard to get the message out that we need to challenge industry practices when it comes to linear disposal,” Associate Professor Parbhakar-Fox said.
“Through the work we have undertaken we are highlighting the opportunity for embedding circular economy principles for mine waste across the life of mine.
“On a personal note, it makes all the personal sacrifices worth it to play a part in building towards a better future for the next generation - I must thank SMI, my collaborators, and my team MIWATCH for their continued support.
“I am fortunate to have a great network of female colleagues and collaborators which is important to facilitate change.”
“By doing this at the early life of mine stages, the mining industry can more effectively de-risk mine waste and reduce its footprint by either identifying secondary deposits and reuse opportunities, or by developing more effective rehabilitation strategies by gaining a detailed understanding of waste properties,” Associate Professor Parbhakar-Fox explained.
The MIWATCH group has designed and led major government and industry funded projects characterising a range of mine waste materials to evaluate their economic potential in the context of critical metals.
“Already new deposits of critical and strategic metals including copper, cobalt, indium and rare earth elements have been discovered in Australia’s existing mine waste, potentially hosting billions of dollars' worth of untapped value,” she said.
In addition to her research, Associate Professor Parbhakar-Fox is editing a new Springer Book on Mine Waste due for publication in 2025. She has also co-chaired numerous international conference sessions and delivered keynotes and plenary sessions in sustainable mining and geometallurgy.
SMI Director Professor Rick Valenta said Associate Professor Parbhakar-Fox was very deserving of inclusion in the WIM100.
“Anita is a committed and incredibly hard-working research leader,” he said.
“Over the past five years she has transformed the Australian conversation around mine waste and she and her team are leading a program of work that essentially did not exist before she started.
“Anita is incredibly driven and focused on her goals. She is passionate about mine waste transformation and having that long term objective has allowed her to bring energy and resilience to the barriers that have been placed in her way.”
Director of the WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre Professor Mark Noppé said Anita provides an active voice advocating for women in the sciences, mining and society in general.
“She is not afraid to call out behaviours or situations that are not appropriate or where an alternate view is required - including on social media,” he said.
“In her highly regarded role as a researcher and trailblazer she is a visible and approachable inspiration and example for others.”
Media: Gillian Ievers, communications@smi.uq.edu.au +61 (0) 438 121 757
