#geology

Investigating interactions between sulfide minerals and in-situ recovery fluids for copper mining

In-situ recovery (ISR) is emerging as a transformative technique for the extraction of copper (Cu) from Australian sediment-hosted deposits and reprocessing of mine tailings. In contrast to conventional hard-rock mining, ISR offers a non-invasive, environmentally sustainable and economically viable alternative, with the potential to unlock copper resources from low-grade or marginal deposits. As Cu is essential for the electrification of transport and renewable energy systems, ISR technologies hold significant potential to contribute to the global development and deployment of low-carbon energy and transport infrastructure in a manner that minimise impacts on the environment and local communities. This project, in collaboration with EnviroCopper Ltd, will investigate the mineralogical, geochemical, biological and kinetic aspects of fluid-rock interactions during ISR of the Kapunda Cu deposit, South Australia. By addressing these aspects, it will advance our understanding of ISR processes and support its broader adoption at both national and global scale.

Origin of hydrogen and helium occurrences

This Project seeks to understand the geological settings that facilitate the generation and accumulation of natural hydrogen. The expected outcome is to track the critical elements involved in the hydrogen and helium gas resources. This may result in fast-tracking the industrial production of natural hydrogen.

Fingerprinting critical minerals development in continental margins

This project will study how critical minerals develop in the Andean-type plate margins through case studies in eastern Australia. The expected outcomes are results that characterise signature minerals in a polymetallic minerals province in Far North Queensland. This may result in supplying new data-driven mineralisation models for key exploration regions.