A multi-scale theory for solid-granular transition due to fragmentation. The prediction of rock fragmentation and fragment sizes during its phase transition from solid (rock mass) to granular (ore fragments) is the most crucial problem in a cave mining operation. Current practice relies on empirical tools without fundamentals of fracture, and hence cannot reliably predict the fragmentation process and fragment sizes. This can lead to huge economic loss due to damage to extraction points, hold-up ....A multi-scale theory for solid-granular transition due to fragmentation. The prediction of rock fragmentation and fragment sizes during its phase transition from solid (rock mass) to granular (ore fragments) is the most crucial problem in a cave mining operation. Current practice relies on empirical tools without fundamentals of fracture, and hence cannot reliably predict the fragmentation process and fragment sizes. This can lead to huge economic loss due to damage to extraction points, hold-ups for safety precautions, and mine closures. The project will develop a new theory and models to describe this solid-granular transition, and computational tools for simulations of cave mining operations. The expected benefits and outcomes include safer operations, and better control of production schedule and budgeting.Read moreRead less
Multiscale geomechanical modelling of basin-scale CO2 storage. This project aims to develop innovative geomechanical models that will provide rapid assessments of the potential for reservoir deformation, including induced seismicity, during geological storage of CO2. The main expected outcome is a multiscale modelling approach that will help to identify storage locations at low risk for deformation and CO2 leakage in regions of little existing geomechanical data. The project will elucidate the .... Multiscale geomechanical modelling of basin-scale CO2 storage. This project aims to develop innovative geomechanical models that will provide rapid assessments of the potential for reservoir deformation, including induced seismicity, during geological storage of CO2. The main expected outcome is a multiscale modelling approach that will help to identify storage locations at low risk for deformation and CO2 leakage in regions of little existing geomechanical data. The project will elucidate the technical and commercial viability of CO2 storage in Australia’s Cooper-Eromanga basins and provide broad economic and environmental benefits by reducing the geomechanical uncertainties that provide a barrier to the global need to upscale carbon capture and storage.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE240100204
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$452,147.00
Summary
Geothermal heat recovery and energy storage from underground mines. This project aims to investigate the technological aspects of re-using underground mines as a source for low-carbon heat extraction and storage – while simultaneously providing sustainable solutions for mine rehabilitation. Expected outcomes of this project include a framework to evaluate the viability of a mine-water system as a geothermal heat source; experimental and field exploration of the proposed technology; and strategie ....Geothermal heat recovery and energy storage from underground mines. This project aims to investigate the technological aspects of re-using underground mines as a source for low-carbon heat extraction and storage – while simultaneously providing sustainable solutions for mine rehabilitation. Expected outcomes of this project include a framework to evaluate the viability of a mine-water system as a geothermal heat source; experimental and field exploration of the proposed technology; and strategies to optimise the heat extraction process. Overall, the research provides significant benefits for renewable-based energy transformation while minimising the adverse impacts of post-mining landscapes.Read moreRead less
Mitigating the negative effects of process water on recovering gold. Low quality water has been used in the minerals industry to save fresh water but shows harmful effects on gold extraction. This project aims to understand the interactions of organic and inorganic components, existing in process water, with gold and determine problematic components that inhibit gold extraction. Expected outcomes will be developed bio-sorbents, based on agriculture waste, that can remove the problematic componen ....Mitigating the negative effects of process water on recovering gold. Low quality water has been used in the minerals industry to save fresh water but shows harmful effects on gold extraction. This project aims to understand the interactions of organic and inorganic components, existing in process water, with gold and determine problematic components that inhibit gold extraction. Expected outcomes will be developed bio-sorbents, based on agriculture waste, that can remove the problematic components in process water efficiently and economically. This will provide major benefits for the minerals industry by providing options to respond and adapt to the impacts of water quality change, leading to increases in yield, revenue and growth of the precious metal sector whilst cutting poisonous chemical consumptions.Read moreRead less
Energy dissipation characterisation in dynamic brittle fracture. Energy dissipation in dynamic fracture of brittle materials is pivotal in mining, civil engineering and defence. The project aims to develop a novel experimentally-validated multiscale theory, with associated models, for characterising and predicting the complete dynamic fracture process of brittle materials. This theory is expected to generate close-to-reality simulations critical for understanding fundamental aspects of energy di ....Energy dissipation characterisation in dynamic brittle fracture. Energy dissipation in dynamic fracture of brittle materials is pivotal in mining, civil engineering and defence. The project aims to develop a novel experimentally-validated multiscale theory, with associated models, for characterising and predicting the complete dynamic fracture process of brittle materials. This theory is expected to generate close-to-reality simulations critical for understanding fundamental aspects of energy dissipation in dynamic fracture. The outcomes will enable an optimised control of the fragment size in block cave mining and mineral processing, forecast and prevent fatal rock bursts in underground mines, and minimise catastrophic failures in critical infrastructures challenged by extreme loading, e.g. explosions.Read moreRead less
Improving the processing of low-grade copper ores . The project aims to investigate the electrochemical interaction occurring during the grinding of low-grade copper ores and understand how the interaction affects the recovery of copper minerals and rejection of waste minerals in the subsequent separation process. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of minerals processing and materials engineering using interdisciplinary approaches. Expected outcomes of this project includ ....Improving the processing of low-grade copper ores . The project aims to investigate the electrochemical interaction occurring during the grinding of low-grade copper ores and understand how the interaction affects the recovery of copper minerals and rejection of waste minerals in the subsequent separation process. This project expects to generate new knowledge in the area of minerals processing and materials engineering using interdisciplinary approaches. Expected outcomes of this project include cost-effective new steel products used for grinding copper ores and new chemical solutions to selectively reject waste minerals during mineral separation. This should significantly reduce the operating costs in copper processing plants and increase the copper production from low-grade copper ores.Read moreRead less
Multi-phase modelling and characterisation of mudrush hazard in cave mining. A mudrush is a sudden, uncontrolled flow of wet fine particles (mud) into an underground mine that damages equipment, infrastructure, and can even cause fatalities. This project aims to develop cost-effective management and monitoring of mudrush hazards within the at-risk Carrapateena cave mine operated by OZ Minerals. Building on recent technological and numerical advances, a novel experimental–theoretical–numerical ap ....Multi-phase modelling and characterisation of mudrush hazard in cave mining. A mudrush is a sudden, uncontrolled flow of wet fine particles (mud) into an underground mine that damages equipment, infrastructure, and can even cause fatalities. This project aims to develop cost-effective management and monitoring of mudrush hazards within the at-risk Carrapateena cave mine operated by OZ Minerals. Building on recent technological and numerical advances, a novel experimental–theoretical–numerical approach will be used to simulate mudrush risk based on moisture content, particle sizes, compaction, geological conditions, and seismic energy. Outputs will include a practical framework to boost the safety, productivity, and profitability of caving operations to benefit miners and the broader resources industry.Read moreRead less
Mid-Career Industry Fellowships - Grant ID: IM230100157
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$788,572.00
Summary
Improving Australian iron ore comminution for green steel production. Decarbonisation of the iron ore and steel industry will involve the design of new mineral processing approaches to make the Australian iron ore amenable to green steel production. Energy-efficient ore crushing for optimal ore grades production is key to the development and economics of green steel.
This fellowship project, with embedded industry experts, aims at better understanding the fragmentation mechanics of Pilbara iron ....Improving Australian iron ore comminution for green steel production. Decarbonisation of the iron ore and steel industry will involve the design of new mineral processing approaches to make the Australian iron ore amenable to green steel production. Energy-efficient ore crushing for optimal ore grades production is key to the development and economics of green steel.
This fellowship project, with embedded industry experts, aims at better understanding the fragmentation mechanics of Pilbara iron ore. It will exploit micro-computed tomography coupled with advanced mechanical testing to offer transformative characterisation methods of ore comminution. The project outcomes will help develop new technologies and optimal production paths to realise a higher-grade iron ore needed for a decarbonised steel industry.
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