CSIRO's research

Improved recovery and safety
Improved recovery and safety

- CSIRO is delivering research and development critical to maintaining the high levels of efficient, safe and environmentally responsible coal production in Australia.

Improving mine technology
Improving mine technology

- CSIRO is developing advanced automation technologies that have the potential to change the way the mining and mining services sector operate.

Minimising environmental impact
Minimising environmental impact

- CSIRO is developing technologies and solutions to reduce the environmental impact in both underground and open cut mines.

Enhanced coal processing
Enhanced coal processing

- CSIRO is working to improve the quality and competitiveness of Australian coal in international markets.

The coal industry is important to Australia’s economy contributing exports of more than 280 million tonnes per year valued at $44 billion (2010/11). Source Bureau of Resources and Energy Economics [external link].

However coal mining in Australia is being carried out in an increasingly challenging environment characterised by deep and more complex geological conditions.

CSIRO carries out strategic research into technologies that maximise the long term value of our coal resources by improving efficiency of recovery in a safe and environmentally responsible way.

We work with industry to deliver innovative solutions such as:

  • longwall automation

  • methane drainage

  • underground mine fire control

  • underground water management.

Our expertise

Our people

Our people Slideshow
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Dr John Carras: Director, Advanced Coal Technology

Dr John Carras leads CSIRO's Advanced Coal Technology Portfolio which brings together CSIRO’s research across the coal value chain including mining, coal utilisation and carbon capture and storage.

Dr Hua Guo: leading research into coal mining

Dr Hua Guo is a Chief Research Scientist and leads the CSIRO Coal Production theme. Currently Hua’s research is focusing on coal mine methane capture maximisation and utilisation, coal mining safety, and deep coal mining.

Dr Baotang Shen: researching sustainable mining practices

Dr Baotang Shen is leading research into minimising environmental impacts for the mining industry. He has expertise in mining environmental engineering and geomechanics.

Dr David Hainsworth: leading mining science and engineering

Dr David Hainsworth is responsible for management of the diverse mining research capability of Earth Science and Resource Engineering.

Dr Rao Balusu: leading research into coal mining

Dr Rao Balusu is a senior principal mining engineer who leads CSIRO’s coal mining research. He has expertise in ventilation, gas control, CFD modelling, spontaneous combustion management and dust control.

Dr Jonathon Ralston: delivering the 'Future Mine'

Dr Jonathon Ralston's research aims to deliver the 'Future Mine' through advanced sensing, mapping, navigation, automation, communications and visualisation technologies.

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Facilities

Facilities Slideshow
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Brisbane: Pullenvale, Qld (Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies)

The Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT) is a joint venture between CSIRO and the Queensland Government. It is a multi-divisional research site where innovative solutions for the mining, manufacturing and energy sectors are produced.

CSIRO Energy Centre

The CSIRO Energy Centre in Newcastle is a state-of-the-art facility which showcases a unique combination of energy efficient building design and small-scale generation units delivering renewable and low emission power to the site.

Australian Resources Research Centre: Perth, Western Australia

A leading research centre where scientists can interact, exchange information and explore new ideas in partnership with industry to ensure the ongoing sustainability of our resources industries, our environment and our way of life.

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