Smart science for a sustainable mining future. 10 Harnessing science for an innovation-led recovery There's no doubt that 2020 has dealt us some tremendous challenges – from prolonged drought, to catastrophic bushfires, COVID-19 and now a pandemic-induced recession. But we have the opportunity to harness science for an innovation-led recovery. Extracting possibilities from innovation Post-COVID-19 recovery presents a unique opportunity for science-led innovation for a resilient economy. CSIRO Mineral Resources Director, Jonathan Law, believes leveraging our mineral resource wealth is a critical part of this transition. The new gold standard in assays Chrysos™ PhotonAssay, a fast, accurate and environmentally friendly technology to detect and analyse gold samples, is a boon to the global mining industry. Located in South Australia, Chrysos is also creating a boon in new job opportunities in the state. Value adding to tech metals Australia has the ingredients to be a leader in the world’s energy transition, but it can also be compared to a well-stocked kitchen in need of a chef with a recipe to combine the raw materials in a practical and profitable way. CO2 technologies set to deliver low emissions for mining operations New low emission technologies for powerplants could be a game changer for mining operations. Supercritical Transformational Electric Power (STEP) is a step closer to giving remote operations the power they need Rare earths and critical minerals provide significant opportunities for Australia Until recently, critical minerals and rare earths were relatively unknown terms outside of niche mining quarters. Now at the close of 2020, barely a week goes by without reference to these terms and their growing importance to advanced and renewable technologies. Outgoing Head of the Critical Minerals Facilitation Office JESS ROBINSON shares Known unknowns: the devil in the details of energy metals demand It's become clear that the global transition to clean energy will need a lot of metal. For example, annual demand for battery metals – like lithium and cobalt – is expected to increase by over 450 per cent by 2050. How social licence is driving innovation in the mining industry Social licence to operate – where the wider community accepts that an organisation’s contribution to society is legitimate and necessary – has had a seismic shift in importance in recent decades. FRAN MOLLOY writes The power of harnessing real social data Social research company Voconiq, a spin-out from CSIRO’s foundational social science, is helping mining companies manage community relationships with real data informing their social licence to operate. Making sense of big data The acquisition of large legacy data presents a golden opportunity for big data business in mineral exploration. Variable formats, style and quality, and making sense of the wealth of data requires specialist skill and expertise. With matched funding from the CSIRO Kick-Start program, Australian start-ups like SensOre can access CSIRO experts to accelerate innovation.
