Mining innovation hub for Kalgoorlie

A cooperative research centre focused on minerals extraction has teamed up with mining industry groups and training providers to announce plans for an innovation hub based in Kalgoorlie.

The initiative has been led by the Brisbane-based Cooperative Research Centre for Optimising Resource Extraction.

The Kalgoorlie hub will initially operate as a node of the CRC, which will provide close oversight and an existing governance structure while allowing time for the development of a long-term operating entity.

Early priorities will be the appointment of a hub director and the establishment of an advisory committee with industry representation. 

The hub will be housed in the Kalgoorlie office of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia, which said its aim was to test new technologies in the hope of revolutionising the way gold and other mineral deposits are extracted.

The hub will have a training focus, with inaugural partners including Curtin University’s Western Australian School of Mines and Central Regional Tafe.

It has also been backed by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia, Brisbane-based industry body METS Ignited and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

CRC ORE general manager, implementation, Luke Keeney said the hub would develop and test novel ways to optimise the extraction of precious minerals.

“It will boost the industry and regions economic prosperity, as well as its environmental sustainability,” Dr Keeney said.

CME chief executive Reg Howard-Smith said Kalgoorlie’s proximity to several operating mine sites made it a natural choice.

“This new hub will strengthen Western Australia’s reputation as a world-leader in the extraction and processing of previous metals and cement our standing as a centre of excellence in mining education and research,” he said.

“Ultimately, we are looking to ensure Western Australia produces the highest quality product at the lowest cost with minimal environmental impact, and it is through the use of new technologies that we can achieve this.”