The Cooperative Research Centre - Mining (CRCMining) celebrated its success today with the departing State Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Stephen Robertson.
Opening the newly-built enclave at the Pinjarra Hills headquarters, the offices are designed to bring CRCMining’s Queensland research staff together on one location and foster collaboration across the extensive mining R&D projects undertaken by the Centre.
The new building infrastructure at CRCMining headquarters would create a perfect environment to generate valuable technology developments for the mining industry, Mr Robertson said.
“CRCMining’s technology innovations are truly impressive. Research conducted from this site will contribute to our enormous export potential as well as raise our competitiveness in the world minerals markets”, he said.
“Queensland’s total annual production of its mineral resources is valued at over $11 billion and depends heavily on support industries.”
CRCMining’s building expansion is a direct result of the Centre’s success. “Over the past five years we have doubled our industry memberships, we have doubled our research partnerships, and we have doubled our full time equivalent staff numbers”, said CRCMining CEO Professor Mike Hood.
“CRCMining is a key mechanism used by the global mining industry to stay at the leading edge of technology,” he said.
“Mining is a high technology business that today operates in an environmentally-sensitive manner.
Mike Hood said that bringing research staff together was an important principle. Being in one location would build camaraderie and allow new ideas and problems to be shared quickly and easily.
“Centralising the location of our Queensland research personnel will let us work collaboratively and improve research outcomes now that our offices are next door to each other," he said.
“Our dedicated research staff are good at getting research outcomes for our members and this has attracted more members and more funding for mining research.”
Research equipment and research laboratories are in the process of relocation and construction.
“We are creating a world class research centre here at Pinjarra Hills in Brisbane,” Profesor Hood said.
“CRCMining is one of this nation’s leading Cooperative Research Centres. It is a joint venture between four Australian and one U.S. universities many of the world’s major mining companies, and some of the world’s largest mining equipment manufacturing companies. It exists to develop new technologies for its industry members.
“Mining is a critical industry for Australia, accounting for more than 5% GDP and more than 35% of total exports. Queensland is the second largest producer of minerals and energy in the country; mining underpins this State’s economy.”
Media: Fiona Sutton, BH (07) 3365 5637; Mobile: 0423 637 699; f.sutton@crcmining.com.au
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