Curtin University is among several partners that will play a key role in developing the Mineral Exploration Cooperative Research Centre (MinEx CRC), which has received $215 million in funding from mining companies and the federal government.
The MinEx CRC plans to discover and define mineral deposits by pioneering cheap, safe and environmentally-friendly coiled tubing drilling to build a 3D picture of the subsurface.
Mining companies, including BHP, South32, AngloAmerian and Barrick Gold, have committed $165 million to the initiative over the next 10 years.
The federal government announced in March that it would provide $50 million in funding for the MinEx CRC.
Curtin University, as a key research partner, has helped secure the funding for the program.
Chris Moran, Curtin University deputy vice-chancellor research professor, said the MinEx CRC was another example of university’s endeavour in the field of minerals research.
It “demonstrates our ability and drive to play a key role in delivering outcomes aimed at resolving industry challenges,” Moran said.
“We look forward to being a meaningful contributor to the MinEx CRC and its research initiatives to advance Australia’s minerals industry in a sustainable way.”
Other partners include Geological Survey Organisations Geoscience Australia and the Geological Surveys of South Australia, Western Australia and New South Wales and research organisations Curtin University, University of South Australia, Adelaide, University of Newcastle, University of Western Australia and the CSIRO.