New $3M partnership to drive innovation in critical minerals sector

Curtin University has announced a new $3 million research collaboration with Mining Process Solutions (MPS), a division of Draslovka a.s. (Draslovka), to commercialise a safer more sustainable mineral extraction technology in the resources sector.

The project, one of 47 research initiatives supported by the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer to date, will focus on advancing glycine leaching technology through a new Innovative Leaching Research Project Team led by Curtin University’s Associate Professor Elsayed Oraby.

“The non-toxic amino acid has the potential to replace hazardous chemicals like cyanide in mineral extraction processes,” Associate Professor Oraby said.

“The safer and more sustainable process is particularly suited for extracting valuable metals including gold, copper, cobalt, and nickel from ore, making it a critical innovation in the evolving minerals sector.”

Trailblazer Director Rohan McDougall said the project would see Curtin’s postdoctoral researchers and PhD candidates work alongside technical experts from Draslovka as part of the project team.

“This initiative exemplifies the value of industry-academia partnerships in strengthening Australia’s critical minerals sector,” Mr McDougall said.

“It’s just one example of how the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer, funded through the Federal Government’s Trailblazer Universities Program, is accelerating the development and application of innovative technologies.”

Draslovka’s MPS will provide $2 million and Curtin University’s Trailblazer $1 million to fund the research collaboration.

Chief Technology Officer, Ivor Bryan said Draslovka was thrilled to be working with Curtin University to realise full-scale commercial implementation following a decade of pilot studies.

“The potential for glycine leaching to replace traditional, hazardous chemicals is a game-changer for our industry,” Mr Bryan said.

“By combining Draslovka’s technical expertise with Curtin’s innovative research, we are positioned to deliver meaningful advancements in sustainability and safety across mining operations worldwide.”

To date the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer has committed $102 million to 47 research initiatives which includes $67.6 million from industry partners including BHP, Rio Tinto, Lynas, Woodside Energy, Cadoux, Sakura Ferroalloys, and Xcalibur.

Funding has been provided by Curtin University, The University of Queensland and James Cook University, Trailblazer industry partners, and the Department of Education’s Trailblazer Universities Program.

The funding supports cutting-edge advancements in exploration, production and downstream processing to advance Australia’s exploration and mining operations.

Companies and researchers working in the critical minerals sector seeking to accelerate new technology development and implementation are encouraged to connect with the Trailblazer team.

For more information, visit the Trailblazer website: https://rtcm-trailblazer.au/.