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In-Situ Resource Utilisation Facility

Technology testing

Bringing space exploration down to earth

The in-situ resource utilisation (ISRU) facility is a lunar testbed, simulating some of the physical characteristics of the Moon's surface, particularly the lunar dust, for realistic testing and evaluation of assets such as rovers and related equipment.

ISRU Facility

Our research

Exploration and discovery

Cost effective exploration and discovery of new mineral resources is being realised through advances and expertise in detection technologies, mineral systems, resource characterisation and data analysis.

Mineral processing

Global minerals processing operations can reduce costs, increase productivity and lower health and safety risks thanks to our new energy- and water-efficient technologies and processes.

Mining tech

Mining remains a cornerstone industry underpinning Australia's economy. We are developing sustainable mining technologies and innovations to unlock our mineral wealth for responsible resource development and management. Our work is focused on frontier innovations in mining technologies which improve safety, reduce environmental impacts and enhance productivity across a range of commodities.

Sensing and automation

Sensors and automation are revolutionising all aspects of mineral discovery, mining and processing. New sensing and sorting technologies are increasing mine productivity and safety. Automation in mining is reducing hazards and removing workers from harm. Automated analytical systems are helping acquire and process data across the minerals value chain, delivering faster and more reliable results.

Social and enviromental performance

The environmental impacts of mining are the subject of increased community scrutiny. In response we have developed science and technologies to minimise environmental impacts prior to, during and post-mining, to support a sustainable future for the industry and society.

Mineral characterisation

We bring together advanced characterisation and analytical expertise and equipment in six laboratories in Perth, Melbourne and Adelaide to improve understanding of mineral systems for a wide range of commodities. Our platform of analytical and characterisation capabilities provide detailed chemical and mineralogical information that enable researchers to find solutions to problems that arise across that value chain.

Advanced characterisation facility

Through our Advanced Characterisation Facility, we deliver high quality and accurate information to improve understanding of mineral resources.

Geoscience Drill Core Research Laboratory

The most advanced collection of instrumentation in Australia specifically assembled for the analysis of drill core specimens.

Maia x-ray imaging

Our world-leading Maia x-ray microprobe detector and imaging system provides high definition, real-time elemental images of complex natural samples at synchrotrons around the globe.

Mobile petrophysical lab

Taking the lab into the field, our Mobile Petrophysical Lab uses the GeoTek Multi-Sensor Core Logger to deliver a range of geochemical and physical drill core data

Resourceful magazine

News from from across the mineral chain

More mining and resources 

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