UQ pivotal to mining’s net zero future

The University of Queensland’s vision for a sustainable future will be at the centre of an international conversation as Brisbane hosts the 2023 World Mining Congress this week.

Thousands of delegates will discuss the challenges facing the resources industry and share the latest in research, technology, and best practice.

There will be a strong focus on mining’s role in decarbonisation, with researchers from UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology and Faculty of Science set to deliver 40 presentations over 4 days.

UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said the Congress gathering in Australia for the first time comes as the global mining industry stands on the cusp of major change.

“Few other places in the world face the scale of challenges and opportunities as Queensland – we have the critical resources such as nickel, cobalt, copper and aluminium needed to transition to net zero carbon emissions by 2050,” Professor Terry said.

“UQ is one of the top five institutions in the world for mining and minerals engineering and has been supporting the sector with research for more than a century.

“We estimate that to reach the net zero commitment, Australia’s workforce in the energy sector will expand from 100,000 to around 800,000 people by 2060 and it is the role of universities to help meet this.

“Through UQ’s Queensland Commitment we aim to see more regional graduates returning home and investing their knowledge and incomes in their communities.

“We are already reskilling and upskilling the existing mining workforce and would like to help mining and metallurgical companies with the capabilities they’ll need to supply the renewable energy sector.”

The UQ presentations at the Congress will cover topics including environmental management, social responsibility and international governance, mining technology, geoscience and minerals processing.

Sustainable Minerals Institute Director Professor Rick Valenta said the resources sector is crucial to global efforts to achieve net zero by 2050.

“The world’s transition to a low carbon future means the resources sector will be called upon to provide more minerals and metals than ever before, but in a way that is environmentally and socially responsible and sustainable,” Professor Valenta said.

“Researchers from across UQ are developing new and sustainable mining and processing approaches, exploring alternate supply sources of minerals, and promoting practices that ensure communities and the environment are central to conversations about the future.

“This is happening through our strong network of industry, government and community partners working with us to translate research into impact across the world.”

Media: UQ Sustainable Minerals Institute Connor Pound, c.pound@uq.edu.au +61 447 812 081; UQ Communications, communications@uq.edu.au, +61 429 056 139.