30 March 2020
Dear Colleagues
Uncertainty resulting from COVID-19 has created many challenges for us all. At the Sustainable Minerals Institute, we have been working to prepare an action plan that allows for business and research continuity while ensuring the protection, health and well-being of our staff and research partners.
As part of The University of Queensland, we are following government advice, and as of 26 March, have implemented working from home measures for all staff who are able to do so. Our St Lucia and Indooroopilly offices remain open allowing critical staff and those involved in laboratory work to continue safely with their projects.
All staff working from home are equipped with computers, internet and online meeting capabilities so business continues as normal, although in a virtual world for the time being. Across SMI our team is focused on delivering against the recently revised strategic plan and associated projects.
We will continue to operate in this way until advised otherwise by federal or state government. The situation is fluid, but we believe we are in a strong position to navigate changing circumstances.
There has been an impact on a number of our professional development courses, and we have postponed all face-to-face delivery of courses until at least June. The Acid Metalliferous Drainage Workshop (AMD) has also been postponed, but we are hopeful it will take place later this year.
We are continuing to run our JKMRC Friday seminar series via webinar, and you can find details of each week's seminar here. We are also working on a number of new podcasts to keep you up to date with our latest research, and you can keep in touch with our daily work via our Twitter and LinkedIn accounts.
If you have any concerns regarding the delivery of any of your projects or programs with SMI, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your continued support of SMI, I hope you and your families stay safe and well through this difficult time.
Kind Regards
Professor Neville Plint
Director