RESEARCH THEME

International development

Research programs and groups

Global Centre for Mineral Security: undertakes research, education, technical assistance and capacity building on the local materials most important for local development

Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining

Highlight projects

Strengthening ASEAN Cooperation in Minerals

The DELVE Exchange: The Role of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Networks During COVID-19

Low-Carbon Cement Adoption in the Pacific Region-Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3)

See news and impact

New sources of development minerals in the Pacific could help save Fiji’s rivers

Published on: 8 August 2025

Researchers from The University of Queensland have found that as much as 80% of the Pacific region’s sand and aggregate (used to build houses, roads, bridges, and to protect coastlines from the impacts of climate change) come from Fiji – at great cost for some of Fiji’s rivers.
Australia and Africa trade mining governance know-how

Published on: 17 February 2025

To help foster an exchange of mining governance knowledge, 25 participants from across 20 countries took part in the Australia Awards Africa ‘Mining Governance’ short course.
Indonesia lifts its ban on sea sand exports

Published on: 23 January 2025

Sand is the world's second most-used commodity and now Indonesia is lifting their 20-year sea sand ban. GCMS PhD candidates offer an analysis in a piece for The Conversation.
How Ore-sand might be used as an alternative construction material

Published on: 3 October 2024

Research underway at UQ is investigating whether a new type of sand made from unused materials at mine sites could be a more sustainable alternative.
Future Fellowship puts mineral security on the global agenda

Published on: 7 August 2024

The Sustainable Minerals Institute’s Professor Daniel Franks has been awarded $1.2 million as part of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Future Fellowships scheme.
UQ assembles global coalition on responsibly sourced sand and silicates

Published on: 13 May 2024

A University of Queensland project is spearheading a global initiative towards responsible supply chains for sand and silicate with the backing of the OECD and Roca Group.
Participatory planning delivers better infrastructure outcomes for water-scarce regions

Published on: 20 March 2024

A new participatory planning framework can maximise the benefits of shared water infrastructure in water-scarce mining regions according to research from the Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry.