News and Events

Dr Wei Huang is one of two winners awarded The University of Queensland’s 2019 OZ Minerals Prize. The prize is awarded to the UQ graduate whose thesis is judged the most worthy in the field of mineral processing and extractive metallurgy published during the previous year.

Earlier this year, Jennifer Gunter joined the Sustainable Minerals Institute’s (SMI) WH Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre (BRC) as a Senior Research Fellow, the latest position in a mining-heavy career which has taken her around the world. With a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Geology from UQ, a Masters in Environmental Engineering Management (University of Technology, Sydney) and hands-on experience from grassroots bush camps to large complex mining operations, Jennifer’s career certainly reflects SMI’s commitment to applied, multidisciplinary research.

University of Queensland training manager Lynda Lawson is working to enable women involved in sapphire mining in south-west Madagascar change their lives.

Researchers from the Sustainable Minerals Institute’s Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) are developing a soft sensor to overcome previously-accepted performance challenges facing Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) mills.

University of Queensland researchers have presented a realistic pathway for the world’s transition away from coal using a framework which, country by country, identifies contradictions and constraints in national efforts.

The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute has published the first six project reports of the Social Aspects of Mine Closure Research Consortium.

JKMRC's Professor Frank Shi recently penned an insightful article on the Centre's High Voltage Pulse (HVP) program, which has the potential to transform ore preconcentration in the mining industry. HVP technology applies electrical energy directly to mineral-enriched ore.

Melissa started as the Sustainable Minerals Institute's (SMI) Deputy Director of Operations (DDO) in January 2016, following a six year stint as Operations Manager at the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation. As DDO, Melissa has been central to the successful management of the Institute's operations, including finance and human resource management, information technology systems and support, facilities and workplace health and safety, research portfolio support, marketing and communications, and intellectual property management.

A national consortium led by The University of Queensland and University of Western Australia has secured $30 million from the Federal Government to help regional communities transition to a sustainable future after their local mines have closed.
The funding forms part of a total 10-year investment of $135.4 million supporting mining communities to create sustainable community and development opportunities.

In a career that has spanned academia and professional, and dabbled in plant genetics, health care and now sustainable mining, SMI Research Partnerships Manager Dr Trish Murray has learnt a lot about  balancing life and work. In her current position, Trish assists SMI researchers navigate their interactions with external partners, ranging from industry to government departments.