The partnership will provide collaborative opportunities for the mining industry, research institutions and the METS sector to develop innovative industry technologies.

Under the partnership, the CRC ORE will develop a business case for industry improvement in through an advanced manufacturing approach in areas such as operational inefficiencies, energy use and the economic recovery of lower-grade ore deposits. This approach will define value in a system-wide manufacturing context.

The findings within the business case are expected stimulate and expand global METS markets by allowing businesses in the sector to deliver productivity improvements and provide innovative solutions to the areas identified.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership, CRC ORE Chair Johnathan Loraine said METS sector participation was crucial to the practical success of the CRC ORE as an initiative.

“It is these organisations … that have the skills, expertise and vision to help take innovations from the laboratory to the mine and ultimately to the market,” he said.

Austmine chair Elizabeth Lewis-Gray said the partnership would provide opportunities across the METS sector, including small and medium enterprises.

“The establishment of a mining innovation exchange will ensure Austmine members have access to regularly-updated information on the latest technologies under development and the opportunities to commercialise research outcomes,” she said.