The microbe factory: a novel approach to benign minerals processing. The purpose of this project is to reduce the environmental impact of current mining practices. The anticipated outcome of this project is the replacement of toxic chemicals used in the separation of minerals with the novel use of environmentally benign microbes.
A novel low-energy process route for primary copper production utilising synergistic hydro- and pyro-metallurgical processes. With increasing demand for copper metal, there is an urgent need to find new ways to efficiently treat lower grade ores. The new process offers a way of significantly reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in primary copper production and making more efficient use of the world's copper resources.
Industrial Transformation Research Hubs - Grant ID: IH130200033
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,526,617.00
Summary
ARC Research Hub for Australian Copper-Uranium. ARC Research Hub for Australian Copper-Uranium. This Research Hub aims to develop, test and commercialise new, safe and cost-effective methods to separate radionuclides from copper concentrates derived from copper/uranium ores. The Research Hub will focus on harnessing the expertise and facilities of Australia's key 'resource' companies and universities to enable Australia to position itself as a world leader in copper production and associated tec ....ARC Research Hub for Australian Copper-Uranium. ARC Research Hub for Australian Copper-Uranium. This Research Hub aims to develop, test and commercialise new, safe and cost-effective methods to separate radionuclides from copper concentrates derived from copper/uranium ores. The Research Hub will focus on harnessing the expertise and facilities of Australia's key 'resource' companies and universities to enable Australia to position itself as a world leader in copper production and associated technology.Read moreRead less
Depressing pyrite in selective flotation of complex polymetallic ores . This project aims to understand the reactions taking place on the major gangue (waste) mineral during the recovery of base-metal and precious minerals. The mining industry is processing low grade complex ores and experiencing difficulties in rejecting gangue minerals in mineral separation and metal extraction plants. The project will develop new technologies that manipulate these reactions to achieve mineral separation and ....Depressing pyrite in selective flotation of complex polymetallic ores . This project aims to understand the reactions taking place on the major gangue (waste) mineral during the recovery of base-metal and precious minerals. The mining industry is processing low grade complex ores and experiencing difficulties in rejecting gangue minerals in mineral separation and metal extraction plants. The project will develop new technologies that manipulate these reactions to achieve mineral separation and metal extraction efficiently and economically. These technologies may provide value in processing low quality complex polymetallic resources using low quality water, whilst halving the operating costs of mineral concentrators and providing corresponding reductions in harmful emissions.Read moreRead less
Particle-stabilised bubble and droplet interfaces. Small particles may replace or supplement detergents in a broad range of applications. This project will provide the fundamental knowledge to optimise the use of particles to stabilise foams and emulsions in a controlled manner. This will transform economically important processes in the mining, food science or personal care industries.
Solution and surface speciation evolution during chalcopyrite leaching. This project will contribute to the development of a more effective industrial leach process for chalcopyrite, the source of more than 50 per cent of the world's copper, and will lead to substantially reduced processing costs and environmental impact, due to removal of the existing smelting step. In addition, the processing of currently uneconomic low grade ores would become economic.
Three-dimensional flotation of fine particles. Three-dimensional flotation of fine particles. This project aims to research three-dimensional flotation of fine particles under both batch and continuous steady state conditions. In flotation, fine hydrophobic particles adhere to the two-dimensional surface of rising air bubbles, forming concentrate. In three-dimensional flotation, however, the particles adhere to and become embedded in a novel binder, forming a highly buoyant product. The process ....Three-dimensional flotation of fine particles. Three-dimensional flotation of fine particles. This project aims to research three-dimensional flotation of fine particles under both batch and continuous steady state conditions. In flotation, fine hydrophobic particles adhere to the two-dimensional surface of rising air bubbles, forming concentrate. In three-dimensional flotation, however, the particles adhere to and become embedded in a novel binder, forming a highly buoyant product. The process is very selective and arguably 1000 times faster than conventional flotation. The project is expected to provide the knowledge required to achieve scale-up, so the technology can be used to recover high value product from tailings waste, eliminating the capital impediment and possibly transforming the entire mining industry.Read moreRead less
Understanding Droplet Interactions in Solvent Extraction. The aim of this project is to develop an understanding of how organic drops behave in a water phase. This would enable a new generation of more detailed mechanistic models to be used to optimise the performance of Australia’s large investment in solvent extraction technology. The solvent extraction industry is undergoing a transformation with the introduction of short-contact-time contactors to reduce solvent inventory and a change to mor ....Understanding Droplet Interactions in Solvent Extraction. The aim of this project is to develop an understanding of how organic drops behave in a water phase. This would enable a new generation of more detailed mechanistic models to be used to optimise the performance of Australia’s large investment in solvent extraction technology. The solvent extraction industry is undergoing a transformation with the introduction of short-contact-time contactors to reduce solvent inventory and a change to more sustainable solvents. The project aims to develop efficient and innovative contactors for this industry and to develop confidence in the application of new contactor technology offering enhanced competitive performance to Australia's minerals industry.Read moreRead less
A high-rate process for mineral flotation. Flotation is an important operation in the minerals industry, the bedrock of Australia's prosperity. Currently it is hard to recover the finest valuable particles. A new device has been discovered that is up to a 100 times faster, giving improved recoveries and much lower capital cost. This project will investigate new phenomena used in the device.
ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals. The aim of the Centre is to progress scientific knowledge to establish transformational improvement in minerals beneficiation, essential for meeting global demand for metals. The research aims to achieve more selective, faster, and efficient separations, combining major advances in separation technologies with increased functionality of new reagents. The Centre outcomes will also ensure the sustainability of the miner ....ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals. The aim of the Centre is to progress scientific knowledge to establish transformational improvement in minerals beneficiation, essential for meeting global demand for metals. The research aims to achieve more selective, faster, and efficient separations, combining major advances in separation technologies with increased functionality of new reagents. The Centre outcomes will also ensure the sustainability of the minerals industry in Australia, through a significant reduction in cost, environmental impact, and through lower energy and water usage. The Centre also seeks to establish a new generation of scientists and research leaders in minerals beneficiation to support the innovation needed into the future by this major Australian industry.Read moreRead less