Australia will welcome a $12.5 million national mining research and training centre led by the University of Adelaide to bolster the country’s future mining operations.
This centre will use advanced technologies to deliver enabling tools and train the next generation of scientists and engineers in advanced sensors, data analytics and artificial intelligence.
The Australian Government has submitted $3.7 million of funding, in addition to the support of other research and industry organisations.
The University of Adelaide deputy vice-chancellor (research) Mike Brooks has welcomed the funding announcement.
“Underpinned by world-leading research, our new high-tech training centre will help to shape the very future of mining operations in Australia,” he said.
“Combining our expertise in advanced sensors, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) 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 training centre will be housed within the University of Adelaide’s Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources. Other participants of the training centre include the University of South Australia, Curtin University and 22 industry and government organisations.
The University of Adelaide professor of mining engineering Peter Dowd said the training centre addressed the critical needs of the mining industry.
“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,” Dowd said.
“Australia has a unique opportunity to become a world leader in integrated mining, and a hub for mining equipment, technology and services.”