The Australian Government announced on 27 August that it will provide AUD 3.7m in funding for the development of the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Integrated Operations for Complex Resources.
The training centre previously received AUD2m in funding and AUD6.8m in in-kind support from industry and research organisations for a total of AUD12.5m.
The centre will be housed in the University of Adelaide’s Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources. Other participants in the centre include Curtin University, University of South Australia and 22 government and industry organisations.
University of Adelaide professor of mining engineering Peter Dowd said: “This funding award recognises the world-leading concentration of mining research in South Australia, placing us at the forefront of developments that will transform the mining and processing of complex resources.
“Australia has a unique opportunity to become a world leader in integrated mining, and a hub for mining equipment, technology and services.”
The centre is designed to train engineers and scientists in technology such as data analytics, artificial intelligence and advanced sensors to increase value in mining operations with a focus on “clever applications that will improve productivity of the Australian mining industry”.
University of Adelaide deputy vice-chancellor Mike Brooks said: “Underpinned by world-leading research, our new, high-tech training centre will help to shape the very future of mining operations in Australia.
“Combining our expertise in advanced sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence and machine learning, the new centre will deliver vital tools, training and workforce needs to help ensure Australia and key industry players lead the world.
“The new centre’s work directly aligns with the University of Adelaide’s industry engagement priorities in energy, mining, and resources, which are critical to the economic and technological success of South Australia and the nation.”
