RESEARCH THEME

International development

Research programs and groups

Development Minerals: transdisciplinary research program that 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

Solution to world's largest waste stream: Make sand

Published on: 12 April 2022

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.
UN–UQ partnership underpins new resolution on minerals sustainability

Published on: 7 April 2022

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.
New step in mineral processing could help prevent a sand sustainability crisis

Published on: 15 November 2021

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.
New program focuses on mining as an agent for change

Published on: 11 May 2021

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.
University of Queensland partners with industry to tackle water supply concerns in Chile

Published on: 16 November 2020

The Sustainable Minerals Institute’s International Centre of Excellence in Chile (SMI-ICE-Chile) is partnering with Mitsubishi Corporation subsidiary M.C. Inversiones Limitada (MCI) to provide Chilean industries and society with sustainable water supply system planning tools.
First public human rights report into PNG gas industry

Published on: 8 April 2019

A University of Queensland researcher has co-written the first publicly available Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) for a proposed gas project in Papua New Guinea.