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Sustainable resource development

Tackling the triple bottom line - economic, environmental and community - during the life of a mine

In response to crucial environmental and community concerns we have invested over two decades of R&D developing science and technologies that help minimise environmental impacts prior to, during and post-mining, to support a sustainable future for the industry and society. Our social and environmental research is underpinning a responsible, shared approach to sustainable resource development in Australia and internationally. Our work aims to deliver positive environmental and social outcomes for industry, while maximising the value derived from resources for the benefit of all Australians.

Industry reports

Our science and research is providing valuable insights for the mining and resources sector.

Australian attitudes toward mining 2024 survey report

One of the largest national surveys examining Australian attitudes to mining provides crucial insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities.

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.

Service highlight

mining and communities

Social license to operate

Through measuring and modelling the minerals industry’s social licence to operate we can develop benchmarks for social performance and allow stakeholders to engage with each other on the issues that matter.

Social science

Water management

Ranger Mine closure plan

We undertook a scientific evaluation of the potential long-term impacts from tailings wastes produced at the Ranger Uranium Mine, investigating whether the closure plan for a tailings repository was environmentally sound and aligned with regulatory conditions for approval.

Groundwater impact assessment

We completed a comprehensive bioregional assessment in the Hunter Valley to evaluate the cumulative impacts of coal mining on groundwater giving mine operators data to support decisions on how they can modify operations to reduce groundwater impacts.

Mine wastewater treatment

We are using our expertise to develop technologies to help the mining industry effectively manage water use and minimise environmental impacts.

Monitoring evaporation in mining legacies

A new monitoring system being used at a mine in Western Australia's Pilbara shows promise for future mining legacy management, helping companies to monitor evaporation rates in mine pit lakes.

Mining and sustainability 

Stories about how our science and people are tackling sustainability across the minerals value chain.

Mine site rehabilitation: the algae advantage

New CSIRO research explores the potential of algae-based technologies for mine rehabilitation.

Looking ahead: communities are key to decarbonisation

Whyalla’s place-based approach to net zero is helping local industries and communities thrive while supporting South Australia’s ambitious emissions goals.

Meet Vinicius Louro: leading the way to a more sustainable mining future

Creating science-based solutions that help us reach our net zero goals is a priority for the mining industry. Our new Science Leader, Sustainability, thinks he knows how to get there.

Jarosite: a golden sponge to mop up metals

Dr Niloofar Karimian is uncovering the secrets of jarosite, a mineral helping clean up environmental damage which also offers clues to complex geochemical histories on Earth and on Mars.

Calcite: the versatile mineral shaping the future of carbon removal

Calcite, one of Earth's most common carbonate minerals, is key to both ancient formations and cutting-edge climate solutions.

International partnerships in the mineral world work to achieve real-world solutions

No country can achieve net zero emissions on its own, which is why Australia and India are doing it together.

Our work improving social and environmental performance

Australian attitudes toward mining 2024 survey report

One of the largest national surveys examining Australian attitudes to mining provides crucial insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and communities.

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.

Responsible AI ESG Framework for investors

Introducing an AI-ESG risk assessment framework for investors

Groundwater impact assessment

We completed a comprehensive bioregional assessment in the Hunter Valley to evaluate the cumulative impacts of coal mining on groundwater giving mine operators data to support decisions on how they can modify operations to reduce groundwater impacts.

Mine wastewater treatment

We are using our expertise to develop technologies to help the mining industry effectively manage water use and minimise environmental impacts.

Environmental science and engineering

The environmental impacts of mining are the subject of increased community scrutiny. In response to crucial environmental and community concerns we have invested over two decades of R&D developing science and technologies that help minimise environmental impacts prior to, during and post-mining, to support a sustainable future for the industry and society.

Climate adaptation in mining

We developed CRATER (Climate Adaptation using Terrain Evaluation Results), a software and process tool which can assess a mine's vulnerability to extreme weather events, giving mine operators the ability to assess and evaluate climate adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect the environment and future proof their business.

Vesi™ groundwater monitoring

Vesi™ is an advanced groundwater monitoring system, featuring revolutionary patented sensor technologies, capable of delivering continuous real-time data for multiple chemical and physical parameters.

Social insights

We developed and commercialised a new science-driven approach to tackle declining trust in corporations, enabling companies to better manage their social licence to operate.

Monitoring evaporation in mining legacies

A new monitoring system being used at a mine in Western Australia's Pilbara shows promise for future mining legacy management, helping companies to monitor evaporation rates in mine pit lakes.

Green Asia indicators

Our work for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) on Green Asia Indicators is helping guide sustainable development decisions in Asia-Pacific countries.

Ranger Mine closure plan

We undertook a scientific evaluation of the potential long-term impacts from tailings wastes produced at the Ranger Uranium Mine, investigating whether the closure plan for a tailings repository was environmentally sound and aligned with regulatory conditions for approval.

Minesite environmental management

We are using our multidisciplinary expertise in environmental monitoring and management to minimise impacts from mining; developing new technologies and approaches for mine remediation and rehabilitation.

Australian attitudes: 2014

This national survey revealed the importance of mining to Australia and Australians in 2014 and uncovered a wealth of information on benefits and impacts of mining that contribute to public acceptance and the industry’s ‘social licence to operate’.

Social licence to operate

Through measuring and modelling the minerals industry’s social licence to operate we can develop benchmarks for social performance and allow stakeholders to engage with each other on the issues that matter.

Responsible resource development

We are providing the tools and knowledge for Australia to be a global leader in the stewardship of mineral resources.