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The Federal Member for Cunningham officially inaugurated the ARC Training Centre for Innovative Composites for the Future of Sustainable Mining Equipment at the University of Wollongong’s (UOW) Innovation Campus. This initiative aims to advance technology in the Mining Equipment, Technology, and Service (METS) industry. It is expected to contribute over AU$ 50 billion to the Australian economy and generate 80,000 new tech-related jobs by 2030.
The transformation of the METS sector is centred on boosting efficiency, cost-effectiveness, innovation, sustainability, and the digitalisation of operations. This transformation demands the development of cutting-edge machinery and equipment capable of functioning in deeper mines and challenging environments, incorporating the latest technological advancements.
Funded by an AU$ 5 million grant from the Australian Research Council (ARC) and boasting various industries, the Center for Innovative Composites for the Future of Sustainable Mining Equipment aims to educate and cultivate engineering graduates into highly skilled professionals who will drive innovative tech solutions to address the sector’s challenges.
The Minister emphasised the University of Wollongong’s 40-year track record in research, making a significant impact on a global scale by translating discoveries into technological, economic, and environmentally beneficial outcomes. The university has received more than AU$ 71 million in ARC funding in the past five years, with AU$ 20 million allocated just this year. It ranks among the top 1% of universities worldwide, stands as the 14th best modern university globally, and is in the top 150 universities for graduate employment rates.
UOW’s Vice-Chancellor and President highlighted the crucial role of research collaborations between academia and industry in driving innovation and progress, addressing not only local issues but global challenges as well.
The new centre, directed by Distinguished Professor Zhengyi Jiang, aims to support Australian industry in maintaining its position as a global technology leader in the METS sector. It fosters research and development procedures through collaboration with industry partners, creating a robust infrastructure to cater to the mining equipment manufacturing sector’s needs, and enhancing sustainability and safety in mining.
The centre’s research program brings together industry and academia, focusing on creating advanced steel composites and other materials. Graduates will gain practical experience in industry settings, fostering fresh ideas for cutting-edge technologies and products for the Australian METS sector.
Over the next five years, the centre will develop innovative materials for mining equipment suitable for extreme underground conditions, with the goal of making mining more environmentally friendly and improving worker conditions. It will also create advanced methods for manufacturing new mining equipment and smart mining technology, enhancing safety, reliability, and efficiency in the Australian mining industry.
The centre’s mission is to train the next generation of researchers in innovative approaches to manufacturing and mining, including new steel composites, mining equipment, and sustainable mining practices. This initiative will bolster Australia’s global reputation in the tech-driven METS industry, making the Australian mining sector more competitive on the international stage.
OpenGov Asia earlier reported that Curtin University and an Australian mining company are collaborating to foster mining innovation and equip the next generation with the skills needed for future job opportunities in the industry. This strategic partnership brings together the company’s extensive knowledge in lithium, iron ore, energy, and mining services with Curtin University’s renowned expertise in research and education.
As part of the Trailblazer Universities Program, the firm, which operates two lithium mines, has pledged AU$ 2 million towards the development of a critical minerals research commercialisation hub at Curtin University.
One of the main objectives is to create internship opportunities that offer Curtin University students valuable, hands-on experience in the mining industry, paving the way for their successful careers. These internships also involve tackling digital challenges faced by the industry through Curtin’s innovative program at Innovation Central Perth.
