Global Centre for Mineral Security News

Research which underpinned a new United Nations Environment Assembly resolution on Environmental aspects of minerals and metals management has been recognised at The University of Queensland’s 2022 Research and Translation Awards.

A new study by researchers from the University of Geneva and The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute has found that a step-change in mineral processing could drastically reduce mineral waste and avoid a sand sustainability crisis.

A new United Nations resolution on Environmental aspects of minerals and metals management will build on work undertaken by the United Nations Environment Programme and The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute.

Researchers from The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute’s (SMI) and the University of Geneva (UNIGE) are investigating whether ore-sand (o-sand), an alternative construction material produced from mineral ores, could become a sustainable source of sand while significantly reducing the volume of waste produced by mining.

We don’t often think of mining as a part of the development sector, but a new strategic program at The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute is focusing on a much-neglected aspect of the industry to improve sustainability and human development outcomes, and help realise the UN Sustainable Development Goals.