Capability and impact
SMI delivers knowledge leadership for a sustainable world
The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) is a world-leading multidisciplinary research institute committed to developing the people, technologies and approaches needed to address global sustainability challenges through the responsible supply of mineral resources.
SMI researchers integrate expertise in geoscience, mining, mineral processing, workplace health, safety and risk, environmental management, social responsibility, and organisational improvement to create unique capabilities and collaborations.
The Institute undertakes research in collaboration with industry, governments, civil society, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and inter-governmental organisations. It translates research into impact through commercialisation, contract research and consulting.
SMI is committed to training the next generation of industry and community leaders through higher degrees by research, formal teaching programs and public and bespoke professional development courses, to support an appropriately skilled workforce.
Research Centres
The Institute operates through 7 disciplinary research centres, an International Centre of Excellence in Chile and the Technology Transfer company JKTech:
Strategic Research Programs
The Institute has also initiated five strategic research programs which draw on capabilities across SMI’s research centres and the wider University community to take a multidisciplinary and systems-based approach to key challenges facing society.
Institute Capabilities
Integrated water and environmental management
Quantitative mineral, rock and deposit characterisation and evaluation
Deposit and regional mapping, interpretation, modelling and exploration
Mine waste transformation
Deep mining geoscience
Risk management, hazard identification and critical control management
Human aspects of mining automation
Workplace safety, health, and hygiene
High-temperature processing
Novel separation technologies
Flotation chemistry
Future autonomous systems and technologies
Energy transition and process decarbonisation
Leadership excellence
High Reliability Organisations
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks and mapping
Community and stakeholder engagement
Social impact and cultural heritage studies
Policy analysis and independent review
International development and mineral security
Advantages of partnering with SMI