Curtin University has announced a $3 million research collaboration with Mining Process Solutions (MPS), a division of Draslovka a.s., to advance innovation in the critical minerals sector.
The partnership aims to commercialise a safer and more sustainable mineral extraction technology, focusing on glycine leaching.
The project is one of 47 research initiatives supported by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, a program that combines expertise from Curtin University, The University of Queensland, James Cook University, and over 50 industry partners.
This collaboration is set to accelerate innovation and research in the critical minerals sector, addressing potential supply chain disruptions.
Associate Professor Elsayed Oraby, who will lead the Innovative Leaching Research Project Team, highlighted the potential of glycine as a non-toxic alternative to hazardous chemicals like cyanide in mineral extraction processes.
“This safer and more sustainable process is particularly suited for extracting valuable metals including gold, copper, cobalt, and nickel from ore, making it a critical innovation in the evolving minerals sector,” he explained.
The research team has already made significant progress in enhancing the glycine leaching technology.
By adding a low concentration of potassium permanganate, they achieved a gold leaching rate of 85.1 per cent from ore deposits at ambient temperature, comparable to traditional cyanidation methods.
Rohan McDougall, Trailblazer Director, addressed the collaborative nature of the project, stating that Curtin’s postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates will work alongside technical experts from Draslovka.
This industry-academia partnership exemplifies the Trailblazer program’s goal of strengthening Australia’s critical minerals sector and accelerating the development of innovative technologies.
The collaboration between Curtin University and MPS builds on their existing partnership in the critical minerals research commercialisation hub, which is part of the Trailblazer Universities Program.
This initiative not only drives innovation in mining but also prepares the next generation of talent for future industry challenges.
As global demand for critical minerals continues to grow, this research collaboration positions Australia at the forefront of sustainable mining practices and technological advancements in the resources sector.
