Direct Nickel sets sights on a $30 Billion industry

Since working with CSIRO through the Enterprise Connect Researchers in Business program, Direct Nickel has overcome a technical challenge related to its nickel laterite process and set sights on the $30 billion per year nickel industry.

Dr Grant Douglas: developing innovative products to restore aquatic and terrestrial environments

Dr Grant Douglas specialises in aquatic and sediment geochemistry for environmental management and remediation.

Mr Colin Johnston: investigating innovative groundwater remediation and characterisation techniques

Mr Colin Johnston is working on innovative techniques for the characterisation and remediation of contaminated groundwater environments.

Dr Michael Trefry: researching sustainability in water, mining and energy

Dr Michael Trefry is leading research into water resources, minesite environmental impacts, geothermal energy technologies and reactive geofluid processes.

Dr Greg Davis: researching innovative ways to measure, quantify and remediate soil and groundwater environments

Dr Greg Davis is leading cross-disciplinary teams conducting research in groundwater quality science and industrial and urban water issues.

Modelling industrial granular flows

We’re using computer modelling techniques to model the flow of granular materials such as pharmaceutical or food powders and mineral sands or ores.

Marenica tackles mining challenge to secure future

Australian SME, Marenica Energy, has engaged CSIRO for new research that, if successful, could turn the company’s sole asset in Namibia into a profitable mining operation.

Communication and monitoring solutions

We are developing a diverse range of innovative applications to support a new era of ‘intelligent mining’ and in doing so we're helping Australia consolidate its position as a world leader in this field.

Dr Erick Ramanaidou: supporting Australia's iron ore industry

Dr Erick Ramanaidou leads research in the exploration and geometallurgy of iron ores.

High amp testing: Energy savings

Jodie Parry investigates an unlikely source of energy loss in the metal production industry - the humble electrical connection.

Technology assessment: An integrated approach

We have developed an integrated technology assessment framework for evaluating the impacts of mineral industry operations and technologies. This incorporates both environmental and economic data that provide a broad view of the social impacts involved, based on dialogue and deliberation.

Dr Nick Cutmore: Theme Leader, Intelligent mining and online analysis

Dr Nick Cutmore has around 25 years experience working with online analysis of materials.

Environmental and social impacts

Our researchers are investigating the environmental and social impacts of the minerals industry and its future direction

Novel scanner to improve air cargo security

The CSIRO Air Cargo Scanner provides rapid, non-intrusive and material-specific imaging for the detection of illicit and dangerous goods in consolidated air cargo.

Anna Littleboy: Theme Leader, Australia's mineral futures

Anna Littleboy has led CSIRO’s research into the impacts of sustainable development on the resources industry for over five years.

Dr Dave Robinson: Theme Leader, Advanced processing technologies

Dr Dave Robinson leads research into precious and base metals hydrometallurgy. This research is helping to shape Australia’s mineral processing industry.

Past issues

The first issue of resourceful was published in July, 2012.

Our contributors

We source independent, experienced writers from across Australia.

Collaboration: 20 years and counting

This year the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies celebrates its 20th anniversary, and Maryrose Cuskelly thinks there’s plenty more to come

Industry engagement: United nation

Over its 20-year lifespan the Parker Centre delivered world class hydrometallurgy research to the Australian minerals industry, but it seems all good things have to come to an end. Adam Courtenay reports

New research: Organic meets inorganic

Mineral explorers have had great success in using ancient coral reefs to find zinc deposits in the Kimberley, but links between organic matter and ore deposits remain a mystery. A WA research cluster is examining this relationship. Tim Treadgold reports

New research: Paradigm shift

Research and industry partners have come together to develop practical tools to predict the performance of certain ore bodies throughout the processing stage of the mine cycle. David Simpson reports

International: The Chilean connection

The CSIRO Chile Centre of Excellence is the first offshore venture for CSIRO. Kathy Uribe investigates how Australia’s national science agency ended up in South America

Research perspective: Strength in numbers

Australia’s future depends on research and industry working together, writes Dr Calum Drummond, group executive of manufacturing, materials and minerals research at CSIRO

Industry perspective: Cultivating good ideas

Sydney-based company Direct Nickel is set to unlock millions of tonnes of untapped nickel laterite reserves with a new extraction process, but it hasn’t worked alone. Direct Nickel managing director and CEO Russell Debney explains the benefits and importance of strategic collaboration.