Existing bulk coal characterisation techniques are unable to provide sufficient data needed for efficient exploration, processing and utilisation of coal. This lack of characterisation results in inefficiencies for explorers, mines and steel makers, each of which experience specific problems as a result.
Our solution is a technology called Coal Grain Analysis (CGA) which provides new information about the coal in a fast and efficient tool measuring quality and composition.
- For mines, a reliable knowledge of the quality (and amount) of saleable coal can make the difference between success and failure of a $1B investment
- For steel makers, a reliable knowledge of quality of their coking coal can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its use.
Opportunity exists to license the non-exclusive technology in complimentary sectors.
Technology
- CGA provides new information about the characterisation of coal
- CGA is a fast, efficient tool that measures quality and composition of coal
- Improved accuracy and repeatability of measurements due to know-how being embedded into algorithms and not subjective to the analyst
- For mines, a reliable knowledge of the quality (and amount) of saleable coal can make the difference between success and failure of a $1B investment
- For steel makers, a reliable knowledge of quality of their coking coal can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its use
- The technology has been demonstrated, and the automated image processing step is currently being improved in order to make the technology more commercially attractive.
Applications
- The Australian coal analysis market is worth $11M/year
- The global coal analysis market is worth $100M/year
- The technology has been licenced to two industrial partners and will seek additional licensees in complimentary sectors.
Intellectual property
CSIRO has significant know-how in this area as well as copyright in the form of software/algorithms.
The team
The brains behind CGA offer expertise in coal quality, dust analysis, microscope imaging, computer science, software development and engineering.