Capability and impact
SMI delivers knowledge leadership for a sustainable world
The Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) at The University of Queensland (UQ) is a global leader in research and innovation to advance sustainability in the minerals and resources sector. We support the transformation of mining to meet rising mineral demand while addressing environmental, social and governance challenges.
SMI is the world’s largest co‑located, interdisciplinary organisation in mining and sustainability research. We comprise more than 300+ experts across seven specialist research centres and strategic programs, bringing together technical, environmental and social disciplines to address challenges across the mining lifecycle — from exploration and development through to operations, closure and legacy management.
Download the Sustainable Minerals Institute's CAPABILITY STATEMENT
(.pdf, 2.7MB)
Critical and strategic minerals capability
- Critical and strategic minerals are central to the global energy transition, digital technologies and national security.
- SMI applies deep knowledge of ore deposit field and drill core samples, and integrates electron microscope -based mapping, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and drone-mounted hyperspectral imaging to identify, map and evaluate critical and strategic mineral resources.
- We are advancing mineral-processing innovations, including coarse particle flotation and high-voltage pulse (HVP) pretreatment techniques, aimed at reducing energy use, water consumption and waste generation.
Analysis and testing capability
- Reliable analysis and testing underpin informed decision‑making across the mining lifecycle, from exploration and process design to environmental management and sustainable mine closure.
- SMI researchers 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.
- In addition to our equipment capability, we design practical and robust experiments and provide expert interpretation and evaluation of the results.
Mineral processing capability
- SMI applies advanced mineral processing and geometallurgical expertise to develop solutions that boost production while supporting decarbonisation and sustainable processing pathways,
- Our capability spans laboratory testwork, pilot-scale validation, and plant implementation.
- The mineral processing and geometallurgy researchers at SMI’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) work with the geology specialists at the WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre (BRC) to develop a well-rounded view of how ore geological characteristics influence circuit behaviour.
Tailings and mine waste management capability
- Each year, approximately 100 billion tonnes of waste—including tailings, waste rock, and slag—are generated worldwide.
- SMI is at the forefront of research into tailings and mine waste management. Our work spans the entire mine lifecycle, with a focus on developing sustainable and resilient ecosystems on waste streams, constructed landforms, and post mining landscapes.
- Our efforts are reshaping how the mining sector approaches waste—turning liabilities into opportunities for environmental restoration, resource recovery, harm prevention and community benefit.
Social risk analysis & resource governance capability
- The current and future impacts experienced by mining communities require sophisticated, evidence‑based approaches to understanding social risk and strengthening resource governance.
- They aim to improve resource governance across the extractive supply chain; protect and respect human rights, encourage due diligence, and work to achieve just and fair outcomes in resource and energy-related transitions.
- We’re also the world’s only university-based institution offering public and bespoke professional development courses for people engaged in the social aspects of the extractive industries.
Training and capacity building capability
- Meeting the challenge of changing technology, environmental responsibility, and evolving social expectations requires more than technical expertise alone, it requires capable people, strong institutions and adaptive systems.
- For over 25 years, SMI has partnered with industry, government and communities to design and deliver training that builds workforce capability, leadership, and organisational resilience across the resources sector.
- SMI supports individuals and organisations to translate knowledge into practice and deliver lasting impact via train-the-trainer models, professional development courses, masterclasses and bespoke capability programs.
Advantages of partnering with SMI
The University of Queensland is consistently ranked in top 5 in the world for mining and mineral research
SMI has over 300 researchers working to solve mining challenges
SMI has partnered with over 600 industry, government and civil society organisationsn
SMI delivers research and training in South America, Europe, Asia and Australia