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Sustaining the minerals boom in Australia - researchers have the answer

Monday 1 September 2008

As mineral and metal exports in Australia continue to rise, Newcastle Innovation says that Australia must adopt new technologies to sustain the boom.

Newcastle Innovation, the commercial arm of the University of Newcastle, will provide industry with an exclusive insight into these new technologies at its Minerals Processing and Bulk Solids Handling Exchange on Thursday 4 September 2008.

Newcastle Innovation CEO, Dr Brent Jenkins, said the event would showcase the University's world class research capabilities in minerals processing and bulk handling.

"The minerals industry is under increased pressure to lower energy and water use, increase resource efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New technologies can improve the processes used in the resources sector resulting in improved performance and reduced environmental impacts.

"The Australian minerals sector is among the top five producers in the world of key minerals commodities such as bauxite, alumina, gold, iron ore and coal. It is important for this sector to look towards adopting new technologies and processes to sustain outputs in the future.

"Our University researchers are world leaders in their field and are investigating these technologies to improve profitability and environmental performance for industry."

Key areas of research to be featured include advanced particle processing, efficient separation of particles using the reflux classifier, coal processing technologies and mathematical optimisation of logistics and scheduling.

Dr Jenkins said the Minerals Processing and Bulk Solids Handling Exchange would also provide opportunities for industry to gain solutions to real world problems through technology transfer, contract research and consulting provided by Newcastle Innovation and the University.

The Minerals Processing and Bulk Solids Handling Exchange will be held on Thursday 4 September 2008 from 9.30 - 11.30am at the Industry Development Centre, University Drive, Callaghan. To register email irene.platt@newcastle.edu.au or phone (02) 4921 8777. This free event is open to industry representatives and the Hunter community.

Media contact: Dr Brent Jenkins, Newcastle Innovation CEO, on (02) 4921 8777.