Harnessing mineral resources for a sustainable future.
Global demand for minerals and metals is increasing, with diverse uses in construction, communication, transport and healthcare.
To optimise these critical resources, we need safe and sustainable production systems with zero emissions leading to outcomes that enhance our communities and the environment.
A vast array and quantity of critical minerals are required to secure a zero-carbon future. Expanding the global supply of copper, lithium and rare earths, to name but a few, will require new innovations.
Social responsibility is in the spotlight.
Our research develops new mining and mineral processing technologies to reduce environmental impacts and increase the efficiency of resources extraction. We consider the whole-of-life use of minerals and the products created.
Why does it matter?
Many minerals and resources play a key role in technologies to de-carbonise the world’s energy and transportation sectors. The minerals in lithium batteries, for example, are critical to the mass uptake of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.
The high-capacity battery power generation and storage solutions of tomorrow rely on new energy materials, such as lithium, vanadium, nickel, cobalt and graphite.
These materials need mining, processing and recycling. We need to transition from traditional ore extraction technologies and processes to more sustainable methods.
How can we help your business?
The University of Melbourne has a long history of collaboration with the resources sector and understands the complexities and competing priorities across the value chain.
We work with explorers, miners and mining equipment, technology and service (METS) providers to develop precision technologies that offer end-to-end solutions for mining and sustainable minerals processing.
We can help articulate technological problems, analyse solutions through sophisticated simulation, and create testing prototypes in our facilities and in the field.
Our cross-disciplinary research teams develop new materials and life-cycle processes for the renewable energy sector. We are helping to build sustainable advanced battery industries domestically and globally.
Get in Touch
Please get in contact with us for more information.
We work with the resources sector to provide more sustainable, efficient and socially responsible mining processes. Our cross-disciplinary projects are developing new materials for advanced digital and energy technologies that will underpin renewable energy generation and use.
Research themes
Major partnership activities
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Future Battery Industries Cooperative Research Centre
Enhancing the production, use and recycling of critical minerals to support the renewable energy and battery industry.
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Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-efficient Beneficiation of Minerals
Sustainable minerals processing for new energy materials, with enhanced yields and lower comminution costs.
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Proposed Industrial Transformation Research Hub for AI in Resources (future activity)
AI applications to enhance extraction, processing and use of critical minerals.
Get in Touch
Please contact us at med-tech@unimelb.edu.au
Meet our team of world-renowned researchers, engineers, and talented staff.
Associate Professor Kathryn Mumford
Director, Sustainable Resources- Dr Christopher Goodes
Enterprise Professor, Sustainable Resources - Brian Pang
Business Development and Research Commercialisation, Sustainable Resources
Research program leaders
- Associate Professor Jo Staines
Program Leader, Energy minerals
- Dr Kathryn Mumford
Program Leader, Sustainable processing
- Professor Adrian Pearce
Program Leader, Artificial intelligence
Get in Touch
Please contact us at med-tech@unimelb.edu.au
Partner with us
We are client-focussed and collaborative – we work side-by-side with your leaders, engineers and technicians to develop solutions to your challenges.
From multi-partner research to technical training and internships, get in contact with us about:
- Emerging technologies
- Developing technology strategies
- Technical training
- Engineering customised solutions
- Creating a talent pipeline through student engagement
- Leveraging our state-of-the-art research facilities
What challenges do you have? Let us help you solve them.
Make an enquiry and our business development team will contact you.
Media enquiries
Rachel Sheldon
E: rachel.sheldon@unimelb.edu.au