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Mining highlight

Global impact

Longwall automation

Since CSIRO launched its LASC longwall automation system commercially about eight years ago, four mines in the US and about 30 in China have taken it up, in addition to at least 20 of Australia's 30 underground coal mines

Underground automation

Our mining work and expertise

Rising stars in mineral exploration

We sat down with three bright early career researchers from our Discovery program to learn about their groundbreaking work and visions for the future of mineral exploration.

Catalytic VAMMIT trials: tackling methane emissions in mining

Our groundbreaking catalytic VAMMIT technology could play a key role in achieving the Global Methane Pledge, and help Australia achieve its Net Zero Plan, which aims to reach net zero by 2050.

Critical mineral power: Australia's silicon future

Australia's opportunity to turn quartz into silicon and to power the future.

Critical minerals: the quiet achievers gallium and germanium

While small in volume, Australia's hidden treasures hold big potential for the global critical minerals market.

State of Play: a deep dive into global mining trends

The world's largest mining industry reports survey 720 miners from 50 countries, exploring challenges and opportunities around the energy transition, social licence, and technology development.

Fly me to the Moon: armalcolite inspires our science in space

This original Moon mineral’s rarity means it might not have any obvious economic uses just yet, but its properties make us wonder what we could do if we found more – and we just might.

Data driven decarbonisation

Decarbonising mining: data key to optimise energy in mines and drive down emissions. FRAN MOLLOY writes

Critical Minerals Hub update

As the world's demand for critical minerals surges, the Australian Critical Minerals Research and Development Hub is helping unlock the full potential of Australia's mineral wealth. ASAESJA YOUNG writes

Pathways for Australia

We've published a report which outlines rapid decarbonisation pathways for key sectors of the Australian economy.

From sip to zip: lithium-rich lepidolite

Join us as we crystal gaze into some amazing Australian rocks. We start with lepidolite, a lithium-rich mineral found throughout Australia.

Critical Minerals Hub

The R&D Hub builds on Australia’s world-leading research capabilities, by drawing together critical minerals expertise in CSIRO, ANSTO and Geoscience Australia.

VoxelNET 4D data integration platform

VoxelNET is a unique 4D data integration platform that can create virtual, data-rich representations of real-world processes and places and run simulations to deliver real world insights which can improve productivity and increase process efficiency in mining operations.

Sensing and sorting

Our Sensing and Sorting Program, predominantly based at Lucas Heights on Dharawal Country, develops advanced X-ray, radio frequency and other sensing methods for real time analysis of elements and minerals.

Robots to the rescue

There’s been a leak of radioactive gas inside a nuclear power plant, a rockfall that has trapped cavers exploring a new complex, a flood which has cut off workers in a subway system – who are you going to send? TIM THWAITES writes

Fugitive emissions abatement

Emissions reductions remains a cornerstone concern in all mining operation. Through decades of expertise in coal mining, we have developed technologies and techniques to mitigate fugitive emissions from mining activity.

Drill-hole measurements

New and existing mining projects are benefiting from innovative approaches and algorithms to analyse and interpret geophysical borehole logging and measurement-while-drilling data to produce reliable geological and geotechnical models, improving certainty and safety and reducing financial risks.

Borehole radar

Real-time imaging-while-drilling technology, using guided borehole radar, can detect the coal-seam top before the drill bit hits it, reducing losses and significantly increasing productivity in open-cut mines.

Automated log interpretation

Automated interpretation of geophysical logging data can be used to delineate orebodies, understand the characteristics of host rocks, improve mine design, reduce mining hazards, and increase mine production and profitability.

Measurement while drilling

The variable nature of a coal mine roof is one of the great challenges of underground coal mining, contributing to roadway failures and roof falls. Laboratory experiments with measurement while drilling are providing a greater level of understanding of strata properties, which can help to optimise roof-support designs.

Seismology for mining

Seismic imaging and microseismic techniques improve the assessment of small geological structures and geodynamic risk management in mines.

Seismic diffraction imaging

Enhancing the detection of small-coal seam structures by diffraction imaging

Slope stability microseismicity

We have developed microseismic techniques which detect weak seismic signals, increasing pit safety by improving the detection of rock-fracturing events that may lead to pit-wall collapse.

Mine environment imaging

Using 3D scanning systems based on vision and laser techniques to produce accurate geotechnical information of both surface and underground mines, our innovative sensing and monitoring technologies are improving mine safety.

3D imaging technology

Innovation born of mining science is bringing innovation to other industries, including aerospace manufacturing.

Sirovision

Geotechnical mapping of mine sites has traditionally involved people getting up close to the rock face, often surrounded by heavy machinery. Sirovision automates the process to make it faster, safer and more accurate.

Slope monitoring

Slope deformation radar monitors are widely used in open-cut mining, but they can only ‘see’ line-of-sight problems. By integrating computer-vision technology, we have developed a safer solution, without blowing out costs.

Rock modelling

Rock-mass characterisation is an integral part of understanding complex mining problems. Through our concerted effort and research over two decades, we have developed niche capabilities to deliver accurate prediction of rock-mass response to mining and provide practical solutions to industry.

Rock mass modelling

In many mining regions, the properties of rock masses are either unknown or the available data are very patchy, which makes it challenging for engineers and modellers to accurately predict rock-mass behaviour using numerical methods. Our modelling technologies are helping miners overcomes these challenges.

Goaf hole stability

Efficient drainage of methane from longwall goaves is essential for safe operation of a gassy mine. However, goaf gas drainage holes may undergo shear failures during mining, causing significant issues to mine operators. Advanced 3D modelling techniques to study the shear failures are helping miners to design better goaf drainage systems.

Predicting connective fracturing

Longwall coal mining relies on fracturing and caving of rock strata over the mined coal for safe and efficient operations. The fractures created lead to increased permeability, which may in turn impact surface and groundwater. Accurate predictions of these impacts are critical for environmental assessments of mines.

Mine safety and health

Mine gas, fires, dust and coal burst are major issues in the coal mining industry with severe consequences. We are developing technologies and techniques to mitigate these hazards to protect workers health and safety.

Resource logistics

We work alongside the Australian mining industry to develop solutions and technologies for efficient, safe and environmentally sustainable transport of resources from pit to port and beyond.

Carryback mitigation

Bulk ore transport is a challenging business, with moisture and other environmental issues often leading to incomplete dumping of material from train wagons. We are solving this issue for miners, rail network operators and ports.

ReMOTE

Part of our Guardian Mentor suite of technologies, ReMoTe gives maintenance workers in remote locations access to a virtual pair of expert eyes and hands to guide them through difficult tasks.

Tracking in underground mines

Our wireless tracking technology can hone in on mine workers deep underground, helping to boost productivity and more importantly save lives.

Iron ore sintering

We helped a major mining company better understand how different iron ores behave during the sintering process. This knowledge can be used to optimise processes for cost savings and productivity benefits.

Mining biotechnology

We develop innovative bioprocesses for mining industries to allow sustainable recovery of resources from low grade ores and wastes, and mitigation of environmental impacts of mining and metallurgical operations.

In-situ recovery

In-situ recovery (ISR) of minerals is emerging as a largely untapped frontier that has the potential to change the economics of mining and improve environmental performance. It promises to be a game changer for deep and sub-economic deposits, and provide an alternative to open cut and underground mining.

Rock fracturing predictions

Rock fracturing is key to mining stability, coal-seam gas extraction, tunnelling, geothermal energy, underground nuclear waste disposal and many other rock-engineering industries. Modern rock mechanics and the development of unique numerical tools is enabling accurate prediction of how fractures will form

Simulating fracture behaviour

International collaboration on a unique tool to predict rock fracturing behaviour under various mechanical, thermal and hydraulic forces.

Mining safety and automation

We are developing a range of automated and smart technologies to improve the safety of mine workers and improve productivity.

VAMCAT

Generating electricity from hazardous mine waste gases.

Safer open pits

Following years of ongoing research into the stability of rock slopes, we have helped redefine large open mine pit design for reliable mine slopes. This research is minimising loss of life, equipment damage and sustained production losses in the event of mine slope failure.

SMART*CUT

SMART*CUT is an advanced, very strong and highly wear-resistant cutting head system developed for mining and excavation of soft to very hard rock.

Ore sorter for copper and iron

We developed the world's first sensor system for large-scale ore sorting. It rapidly determines ore grade to cost-effectively sort minerals of value from waste. The technology can significantly boost productivity for mining companies and is available to the international market through NextOre.

Hydraulic fracturing

Understanding the mechanics of hydraulic fracturing and developing new technologies.

Longwall automation

Our longwall automation technology saw a 50 per cent uptake by the industry in just two years.

Coal mines

Around 90 per cent of Australia’s underground coal production comes from longwall mining. We worked with the industry and equipment manufacturers to develop sensor technology to keep miners safer and improve productivity.