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

Fiji Takes Concrete Steps Towards A Low Carbon Future

Published on: 14 November 2022

Fiji’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations H.E. Dr. Satyendra Prasad announced the launch of the Blue Concrete Initiative at a side event of the COP 27 climate summit.
Mineral security essential to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals

Published on: 11 October 2022

A new paper led by researchers from The University of Queensland is calling for a public conversation about why minerals are not explicitly referenced in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Award for research project strengthening international cooperation on mineral governance

Published on: 16 September 2022

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.
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.