The University of Queensland is one of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities with eight internationally recognised research institutes. The Sustainable Minerals Institute consists of a team of engineers, scientists and social scientists working together to deliver sustainable development research, technological developments and community solutions to address minerals industry impacts.
SMI researchers work across the life of mine, resulting in unique capabilities and collaborations available at no other research institute in the world. Disciplinary projects are carried out through SMI’s seven research centres, while research collaboration is coordinated through NextMine™.
NextMine™ is a strategic initiative to identify and address factors that have the potential to limit the growth of the mining industry and its capacity to contribute to sustainable development. Find out more about NextMine™.
Current Research
SMI is committed to the transfer of research outcomes to the industry. Our projects spans a range of research areas related to current issues in sustainable development for the minerals industry.
Our six centres' research covers mining, mineral processing, water, communities, risk and environment. Examples include energy efficient comminution, mass mining technologies, mine site water management and mine closure.
SMI is committed to the transfer of research outcomes to the industry. Projects span a range of research areas related to current issues in sustainable development for the minerals industry.
The seven centres research across the life of mine – health and safety, geology, mineral processing, water, communities, rehabilitation and energy. Examples include energy efficient comminution, mass mining technologies, mine site water management and mine closure. To find out more about current research work please visit the Centre websites: