From mine sites to space sites: our next generation of sensing scientists

By  Keirissa Lawson 6 May 2025 6 min read

Our research in advanced sensing technologies spans deep underground to deep space, with three interconnected programs leading the charge.

The Sensing and Sorting program, led by Dr David Miljak, develops advanced X-ray, radio frequency and other sensing methods for real-time analysis of elements and minerals.

Meanwhile, two Future Science Platforms (FSPs) are pushing the boundaries of sensing innovation: the Autonomous Sensors FSP, directed by Dr Yulia Uvarova, accelerates the development of novel sensing tools for environmental monitoring, mining, biosecurity and agriculture, and the Space Technologies FSP, which includes Dr Jonathon Ralston's Frontier Mining Research team, and adapts terrestrial mining expertise for space exploration.

Three early career researchers working across these programs share their experiences in developing next-generation sensing technologies for both Earth and space applications.

Ben James: From medical physics to mineral detection 

Tell us about your journey to your current role as Team Leader of the X-ray Imaging team at CSIRO?

I completed both my undergraduate degree and PhD in Medical and Radiation Physics at the University of Wollongong. 

I’ve had a lot of experience using different detection methods to measure everything including x-rays, neutrons, gamma rays and heavy charged particles. 

My PhD focused on microdosimetry, measuring radiation doses on a micron scale which requires precision to setup and measure accurately, translating to high-resolution imaging work.

After completing my PhD I was looking for a change from medical radiation applications to something more industry focused. I joined CSIRO as a project scientist in 2021, working with Dr Yi Liu on imaging proof of concept measurements which were very successful. 

I was appointed to lead the new X-ray Imaging team, where I lead four other staff (including two early-career engineers) and an honours student in applying our methods for ore sorting.

What are the biggest challenges you face in using X-ray imaging for ore sorting?

Real-time ore-sorting involves scanning rocks to remove those without valuable minerals before they enter costly processing. 

Mineral particles can be smaller than 1mm in diameter, so the primary challenges are in image acquisition and data processing at high speed, while maintaining high precision and accuracy. 

I work closely with the engineers to create a fully integrated system, including advanced hardware and synchronisation, to get our imaging speed to the level required for industry application. 

What has been your most exciting discovery at CSIRO? 

Our most exciting discovery was a methodology for detecting live pests. One of my colleagues identified that our technology could be used in a cross-domain application and connected us with Dr Maryam Yazdani through the Autonomous Sensors FSP. 

When adapting mineral resources scanning technologies to pest detection in fruit, the relatively small difference in densities observed in fruits was a challenge. But we discovered that CT scan artifacts, which we initially tried to eliminate, actually helped us detect moving pests inside fruit and developed a new biosecurity methodology using X-ray technology.

How do you see your field evolving?

As well as speed, an ongoing barrier to successfully implementing CT technology in industry is the rotational geometry of a conventional CT scanner. 

Emerging technology to enable ‘static CT’ – needing no rotation – could be a game-changer if we can achieve the speeds required. 

There is also a lot of potential especially for things like machine learning and AI in the field of X-ray imaging. Some of our research is exploring these methodologies to improve image resolution, reduce noise and increase acquisition and data processing speed.

Larissa Huston: unlocking electromagnetic secrets

What are you working on currently?

I am currently working on a project on the fundamental research side of the Sensing and Sorting Program, looking into the viability of using the electromagnetic properties of ore to determine its grade.

By measuring the way an ore interacts with electromagnetic fields, we hope to estimate the concentration of valuable minerals it contains. This helps us develop more efficient sorting and processing techniques for mining operations to improve the value of the ore.

Tell us about your PhD in physics.

During my PhD at the Australian National University, I studied how the properties of materials change after being subjected to high pressure.

My work on silicon and germanium, two materials commonly used in electronics, found that high pressure alters the way atoms are arranged in nanomaterials of silicon and germanium differently than the way high pressure affects these materials in their regular sized (“bulk”) occurrences.

What are the main challenges in your current research?

In mining, unnecessary processing of low-grade ore wastes resources. My research goal is to use electromagnetic properties of minerals to sort ore, so we process only the highest grades.  We are currently developing a laboratory-scale prototype.

The big challenge lies in choosing a technique that does four key things: measures the electronic properties materials without using electrical contacts; can scale up to a commercial setting; can measure the minerals of interest; and will work in the non-ideal environment of a mine site.

What has been your most exciting breakthrough so far?

I had a big confidence boost when we transitioned from a system primarily composed of off-the-shelf components, to one that includes a circuit board I had designed myself.

How do you see the field of mineral sensing evolving over the next decade?

My current project is an example of a potential evolution in this field, as we work towards scaling up a laboratory-based sensor, to a sensor that can sort ore and waste in real time on a mining conveyer belt. 

Integrating autonomous sensors in mining will have a big impact. It will increase efficiency, improve the economic viability of mineral deposits, enhance safety and reduce environmental impacts.

Matt Shaw: pioneering space resource extraction

What does your work with the In-situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) facility involve?

I specialise in astrometallurgy, which involves turning space rocks into useful resources, extracting water and metals, or making ceramics on the Moon and Mars. It sounds a bit sci-fi, but we're rapidly taking the 'fi' out of 'sci-fi'. 

My team works on research and technology development surrounding the extraction and use of resources in space. The concept is driven by the high cost of sending materials to the Moon: why ship water for astronauts, for example, when there's already water there that we can use?

The field of space resources covers everything from mapping out planetary surfaces through to actual fabrication and manufacturing in space. 

Australia has a really rich history in extractive metallurgy. We are very good at it. At the ISRU facility we apply that experience and history to the challenge of resource extraction in space.

It's a fascinating and fast-moving field.  I believe in the next 10 years we will demonstrate oxygen, water and metal extraction on the Moon, and be moving towards larger scale demonstrations and experiments.

What has been your most exciting discovery or breakthrough since joining us?

One of the coolest areas I've been exploring is the effect of vacuum on normal extraction processes. 

Just like water will boil at a lower temperature on a mountain, other materials vaporise easier in a vacuum. I've managed to vaporise a rock in a furnace without it melting. 

We do this ultra-high vacuum testing where we can literally vaporise rocks, which I find fascinating! Now the challenge is to separate out the elements from the gas we make.

How does your experience working in extreme environments (like the Australian desert and Canadian arctic) shape how you develop technologies for space?

Working in such extreme environments drew me into the space sector.

While working in the arctic with a temperature of under –50 degrees Celsius and trying desperately to warm myself up, I realised I had now worked in over a 100 degree temperature range.

Considering the differences in how you operate in scorching desert compared to freezing arctic, I began thinking about even more extreme environments, like deep sea and space. The most extreme environment we’ve ever encountered.

My experience in extreme conditions helps me sometimes pick up on little details that are easy assumptions to make until you realise how the conditions of space will complicate things.