Strategic R&D investment benefits bottom line

Despite the unprecedented downturn facing Australia’s minerals industry now is the time to invest in strategic research and development, according to CSIRO Minerals Chief Dr Bart Follink.

Carbothermal production of magnesium

Production of magnesium currently relies on an energy intensive, inefficient process that is relatively slow and costly. Light Metals Flagship research is investigating alternative production pathways that will cut production costs and boost energy efficiency.

The bright lights of Clayton (Podcast 28 Sep 2009)

In this vodcast, we visit CSIRO’s Clayton laboratories to see how lasers and a Perspex scale model are being used to configure coal fired power station boilers to burn dried brown coal. (5:07)

The science behind scanning luggage and finding landmines (Podcast 18 Oct 2007)

New South Wales Young Tall Poppy Science Award winner, Dr James Tickner, talks about using radiation for imaging, finding metals and security. (3:52)

CSIRO technology moves aircraft cargo security into the front line (Podcast 07 Apr 2008)

Dr Nick Cutmore explains how a new collaboration connecting CSIRO neutron technology with x-rays will be able to tell us exactly what’s beneath our seats next time we fly. (4.52)

With the CSIRO and cyanide - there's gold in them there hills! (Podcast 09 Feb 2009)

The use of the word ‘cyanide’ tends to evoke thoughts of the deadly poison that features so readily in cloak and dagger stories. However, it does have uses beyond the murder mysteries and is actually a very important chemical to the gold mining industry. (3:46)

Environmentally friendly microbes go mining (Podcast 06 Mar 2009)

An extremophile is any microbe that has adapted to living conditions of extreme temperature, pressure or chemical concentration. This adaption allows certain types of extremophile bacteria to be used in the extraction of metal from ore through the process of bioleaching. (4:25)

Digging up energy savings (Podcast 04 Jun 2009)

With the threat of climate change, the mining industry in Australia, like many other industries, is keen to explore new technology to help reduce the use of fossil fuels and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. (4:30)

Making icecream even creamier (Podcast 11 May 2007)

A laser diffraction technique used to examine crushed ores is now being used to improve the quality of icecream and chocolate. In this four-and-a-half-minute podcast, Laboratory Manager, Rick Hughes explains how the technique works. (4:33)

Particle analysis service: request form

CSIRO’s Particle Analysis Service delivers prompt, reliable analyses of particulate materials to a wide range of processing operations throughout the world. Complete this form to request an analysis. (3 pages)

Using x-ray diffraction to solve minerals processing problems

X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis is used to identify minerals present in raw materials. CSIRO Process Science and Engineering has a long and successful history in applying XRD to understand the mineralogical changes occurring in complex processes.

Water shows its worth

Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies have been used to calculate and compare the economic value of water used in the minerals sector with that used in the industrial and agricultural sectors.

Step-by-step approach unblocks operations' heart

Researchers investigating techniques for removing carbon fouling from gas outlet tubes discovered that the water-lancing technique being used ‘was a bit like squirting a garden hose into a tornado’.

Treating and utilising waste overview

CSIRO works with various industry sectors to develop improved technologies for sustainable treatment and subsequent disposal of waste as well as techniques for recovering resources from waste materials.

TelePresence microscopy

CSIRO's TelePresence system is a software package that allows off-site clients and collaborators to interact with our expert operators, share data, and control our scientific equipment.

Sustainability and social values

Our researchers are exploring how the minerals industry can contribute to sustainable development and maintain effective relationships with stakeholder groups.

Sulfidic waste offers hidden mineral wealth

CSIRO research is mapping the way for mining companies to exploit hidden mineral wealth within their waste through simple separation processes.

Synchrotron science invaluable for mineral processing

The recently opened powder diffraction beamline at the Australian Synchrotron may prove to be an invaluable resource for improving nickel processing. Article taken from Process February 2008.

Mr Steven Wright: examining smelting and roasting chemistry

Mr Steven Wright's research focuses on reducing the release of minor elements to the biosphere during the smelting and refining steps of base metal production.

Sound approach to assessing strength

Ultrasound techniques are being used to provide convenient strength evaluations of a wide range of pelletised, powdered, granulated and crystallised products.

Solvent extraction for metals recovery

Solvent extraction is a useful technology for the separation, purification and recovery of metals.

Retrofit lifts slurry tank performance

Researcher using a scaled-down model of an alumina slurry mixing tank have succeeded in improving tank productively without increasing power consumption. Article taken from Process October 2007.

Slots pay out for aluminium production

Research into slot design within aluminium reduction cells could result in substantial energy savings for the aluminium industry. Article taken from Process October 2007.

Dr Seng Lim: fluidised bed specialist

Dr Seng Lim works with multi-disciplinary teams to solve processing problems within the minerals, oil and gas sectors.

Sample preparation for microcharacterisation

CSIRO's sample preparation laboratory offers expertise in sample preparation for use with microcharacterisation techniques.