Sustainable Minerals Institute

The University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) is a world-leading research institute committed to developing knowledge-based solutions to the sustainability challenges of the global resource industry, and to training the next generation of industry and community leaders.

The work of the Institute is transdisciplinary, independent, impartial and rigorous. Our research integrates the expertise of production, environmental and social science specialists to deliver responsible resource development.

SMI is made up of six research centres and a Centre of Excellence based in Chile. We have a strong track record across all areas of mining - in exploration, mining, mineral processing, workplace health and safety, mine rehabilitation, water and energy, social responsibility, and resource governance.

In addition to depth of expertise in each Centre, the Sustainable Minerals Institute has initiated five cross-cutting programs examining some of the key future issues facing the minerals industry:

- Unlocking Complex Orebodies- Transforming the Mine Life Cycle - Governance and Leadership- Digital Mining- Transformational Learning

Our core business is deeply rooted in the minerals industry and our researchers have experience working across the sector to support industry, governments, communities and civil society through analysis and thought leadership.

We offer future focused professional development and customised courses to suit broader societal trends and company needs. We are proud that many of our alumni are now in influential roles in resource companies, non-government and government organisations around the world.

Sustainable Minerals Institute

Demand for minerals and the secure supply of resources worldwide is increasing. At SMI we are developing the people, and the transformative approaches and technologies to ensure sustainability for the future.

Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation

The Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation addresses the environmental challenges of the minerals industry by translating scientific results into practices that continually improve mine rehabilitiation and closure outcomes. The Centre consists of a collaborative and multidisciplinary group of research, teaching and support staff, and postgraduate students. The Centre is widely recognised as a source of quality research in mining environmental management and sustainability, across the full spectrum of resource commodities.

Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining

The Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining focuses on the social, cultural, economic and political challenges that occur when change is brought about by mineral resource extraction. The Centre contributes to industry change through independent research, teaching, and by convening and participating in multi-stakeholder dialogue processes. The team consist of anthropologists, sociologists, political scientists, economists, engineers, development and natural resource specialists.

Centres

Photo: Morobe Province of Papua New Guinea by Emilka Skrzypek

Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre

The Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre is an internationally recognised provider of applied research in mineral processing and geometallurgy, and postgraduate education. The Centre’s staff have worked in close partnership with global mining companies for almost 50 years and have a reputation for delivering innovative research outcomes that are widely adopted across the industry. The Centre comprises a multidisciplinary group of mining engineers, mineral processors, computational mathematicians, and applied scientists.

Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre

The Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre conducts research in occupational safety and health, risk management, and human factors. The results and findings of this research are used in postgraduate and continuing education programs and consultancy services. The team have extensive experience in mines across Australia, as well as conducting research and educational programs in Africa, Asia, South America and India. The expertise of the team covers risk management, occupational health, psychology, physiotherapy, and human factors and ergonomics.

W.H.Bryan Mining & Geology Research Centre

The W.H.Bryan Mining & Geology Research Centre has a reputation for practical innovation and leadership in geology applied to the entire mining value chain. With a diverse range of geoscientific and related expertise, the Centre is focused on delivering industrial research solutions for active and future mines. It does this by developing new and improved methods for mineral discovery, total deposit knowledge and predictive understanding of ore bodies.

International Centre of Excellence in Chile

The International Centre of Excellence in Chile aims to deliver demonstrable benefit to the Chilean people and its economy. It is developing a new collaborative global mining knowledge force in the country that builds human capital, provides innovative research outcomes and realises effective technology transfer to industry. The Centre is building upon extensive expertise that already exists in many areas of Chilean mining research. This collaboration and investment has potential for significant gains for the industry globally.

Centres Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry

The Centre supports the sustainable management of water in the minerals and energy industries. The team contributes to solving the engineering, environmental and social challenges of water management and engages with a wide range of research organisations and water stakeholders in Australia and internationally. The Centre’s research is funded principally by regional and national governments, and selected mining and gas companies who are committed to sustainability performance.

Photo: Roseberry Mine, Tasmania by Michelle Rowland

SMI researchers work across the life of mine, resulting in unique capabilities and collaborations available at no other research institute in the world.

Collaboration is at the heart of SMI’s operations. We work with industry, government and civil society groups around the world - integrating research disciplines, generating new ideas, engaging stakeholders and delivering relevant outcomes.

Partner with the Sustainable Minerals Institute

The Sustainable Minerals Institute brings together engineers, scientists and social scientists to deliver sustainable development research to address the impacts of the minerals industry.

Our work covers all facets of the life of mine from geology, to minerals extraction, water management issues, minerals processing, workplace health and safety, mine rehabilitation, energy and community engagement.

We undertake:

– Teaching and implementation materials for improved effectiveness in risk management and safety performance.

– Custom designed professional development courses for industry professionals.

– Advisory and consulting work

– Convening of multi stakeholder dialogue processes

– Research projects related to sustainable development issues in the minerals industry.

Higher Degree by Research

All of SMI’s research Centres offer Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in their specialisations. Our students have access to industry experience and become familiar with the challenges of conducting research in an industrial environment, and of transferring research outcomes to industry.

Professional Development

Professional development courses are designed to suit industry needs and trends. We can also design customised courses for your organisation. Our course offerings range from foundational knowledge to upgrading particular skill areas, to a full leadership program. Please check the website for information on current courses smi.uq.edu.au/professionaldevelopment

Study at the Sustainable Minerals Institute

Postgraduate coursework – Responsible Resource Development

The Responsible Resource Development program is designed for both industry professionals seeking to broaden their knowledge base and advance their career, as well as graduates planning a career within the sector. It is structured for part-time study and primarily delivered online to accommodate professional learners in full-time employment. The program offers Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma and Master programs. Students can select a range of courses to build an integrated program, or focus on a specific field of study - Health and Safety or Community Relations.

Cover Photo: Bílina mine, Braňany, Czech Republic, by Marketa Hendrychova

E smi@uq.edu.au

T +61 7 3346 4003

W smi.uq.edu.au

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