Energy Efficient Processing

CSIRO Minerals is working with industry to improve mineral characterisation and processing, with the aim of doubling Australia’s wealth from minerals processing by 2020.

We are playing an essential role in researching and developing technologies to achieve the objective of near zero emissions from the use of energy worldwide.

Restricting Melbourne’s urban sprawl could have a big impact on reducing the city’s water use over the long term, says a CSIRO report launched today to coincide with National Water Week.

The team of scientists who developed The Murray Darling Basin Sustainable Yields Project has been awarded the 2008 CSIRO Chairman’s Medal.

Australia produces approximately 30 per cent of the world’s alumina through a local industry valued at more than A$6 000 million. Light Metals Flagship research aims to increase this share to 50 per cent of global production by 2012.

The Water for a Healthy Country Flagship' Urban Water Theme is conducting research to ensure Australian can meet the demands that climate change and population growth will place on our limited water resources.

We use ESM to determine the impact of potential future events, policies and technology breakthroughs on the uptake of new technologies in electricity generation and road transport.

The Energy Transformed Flagship is partnering with Evonik and Monash University to develop new lithium battery technology based on room temperature ionic liquids, which are safer and more versatile than conventional lithium battery electrolytes.

This video raises issues surrounding low emission distributed generation systems and how they will challenge our ideas about energy supply and where we generate power. (0:30)

The Flagship’s work in the area of low emission electricity centres upon the generation of ‘near-zero greenhouse gas’ electricity. (0:38)

A pilot-scale sintering facility in Queensland, Australia is helping researchers better understand the processing behaviour of lower-grade iron ores – information crucial for achieving the best sinter performance from these resources while reducing the process’s environmental impact.

Working on optimising existing production process and developing new processes.

The October 2008 issue shows how CSIRO is collaborating with research partners to maintain our scientific edge and help Australia's minerals industry maintain its competitive edge. (12 pages)

The February 2008 issue shows how CSIRO researchers use process engineering to evaluate and improve existing processes and develop new processes to meet clients needs. (12 pages) 

CSIRO researchers have identified major opportunities to reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions in the minerals sector.