News - Sustainable Minerals Institute - University of Queensland

UQ geoscientists give wings to Horizon Europe-backed tech

Published on: 1 July 2026

Geoscience and remote sensing researchers from UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) were part of the European-led m4mining consortium that delivered a hyperspectral imaging system capable of mapping surface patterns of minerals, soils, and plants from the air in real time, aiding exploration and mining activities.
Lightning strikes: the PhD journey of Joy Maniaul

Published on: 25 June 2026

Joy Maniaul is a PhD candidate at The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI). Here she talks about her pathway into mining research, her work on “lightning that breaks rocks” at SMI’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), and tips for those considering a PhD at UQ.
From Saudi Arabia to Mount Isa: a full mining immersion

Published on: 13 May 2026

The University of Queensland's Sustainable Minerals Institute have run a 6-week full immersion course including hands-on experience and time with globally-recognised experts.
South Gobi Underground Mass Mining Institute open its programs to all mining professionals

Published on: 12 January 2026

In 2026, SGUMMI will open its programs to all mining professionals, providing global access to world-class training and technology.
Indium is key to Australia’s future solar industry: how can we secure this critical mineral?

Published on: 19 November 2025

Mining waste could be a key source of indium for Australia’s future home-grown solar panel manufacturing industry, now a new study led by The University of Queensland has investigated indium host minerals at various scales – from centimetres to the nanoscale – helping to find economic ways to extract it and better understand its environmental impact.