Brazilian company Vale is the latest mining giant to become a core industry participant at Bentley-based Parker Centre, which specialises in hydrometallurgical processing research for miners.
The agreement cements a relationship that started in 2004 when Vale and the Centre began discussions which then paved way for the parties to share research information in 2006.
Since 2006, Vale has invested more than $1.5 million into research project with the Centre.
Vale director-technology Natalia Streltsova said the company's investment will continue, however Vale will have a greater involvement as core participant.
Dr Streltsova said Vale wanted to broaden the spectrum of research projects and to increase the use of the training opportunities that the Parker Centre provided.
"We also want to keep up to speed with what's happening in collaborative research areas and to collaborate in a pre-competitive environment," she said.
"In terms of the areas of research, there is a good fit with Vale's strategic directions in technology and with the spread of commodities, so we can tap into the Centre's expertise within the areas of strategic interest
"Importantly, we now have a very good exposure to individuals and to the talent that the Parker Centre has, and we have established very trusting relationships."
Vale is the Centre's 10th participant, joining Alcoa of Australia, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Hatch Associates.
The Centre is a collaborative joint venture CSIRO Process Science and Engineering, Curtin University, Murdoch University and the University of Queensland.
