A novel mineral named ‘ehrigite’ has been formally approved by the International Mineralogical Association (IMA), recognising decades of contributions by BHP’s Dr Kathy Ehrig to geology and geometallurgy.
The discovery, led by University of Adelaide researchers Cristiana Ciobanu and Nigel Cook, identifies a sub-microscopic bismuth telluride compound with a unique crystal structure, resolved using atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Ehrigite’s discovery underscores the critical role of advanced instrumentation in modern mineralogy.
The mineral, invisible to conventional microscopes, required cutting-edge techniques to decode its atomic arrangement — a process spanning over a decade.
Its naming honours Ehrig’s work in geometallurgy, a discipline integrating geological data with processing strategies to optimise mining efficiency and sustainability.
At BHP’s Olympic Dam operation, her leadership improved metal recovery rates and reduced waste by enhancing communication between ore characterisation and plant workflows.
The mineral’s bismuth telluride composition suggests potential applications in semiconductor technology, though further research is needed to explore its properties.
With only 90 to 110 new minerals approved annually out of 6,100 recognised species, ehrigite’s classification highlights the growing focus on microscopic discoveries enabled by tools like focused ion beam milling.
Such advancements provide insights into ore formation processes, aiding predictive models for resource exploration and extraction.
The discovery has catalysed further research, including an $894,000 Australian Research Council grant awarded to Ciobanu, Cook, and Ehrig to advance computational mineralogy for copper-iron sulphides.
This collaboration aims to refine predictive tools for mineral behavior under varying conditions, enhancing processing efficiency at deposits like Olympic Dam.
Dr Ehrig emphasised the collective effort behind her achievements, praising her team’s role in advancing geometallurgical frameworks.
Her mentorship and interdisciplinary approach exemplify the synergy driving modern mineral sciences.
As BHP invests in quantum microscopy and machine learning, ehrigite’s discovery signals a shift toward data-driven resource management, balancing technological innovation with sustainable practices.
The recognition of ehrigite not only celebrates a pioneering career but also reinforces the importance of cross-sector partnerships in addressing global resource challenges.
