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About CSIRO

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is Australia's national science agency and one of the largest and most diverse research agencies in the world.

CSIRO's core areas of impact
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Process Science and Engineering

Developing and delivering science and engineering expertise for the minerals and related process industries.
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/news/Securing-the-future-for-Australias-minerals-industry.html CSIRO is developing a raft of new technologies that will provide a competitive edge for iron ore producers. (iStock) CSIRO is developing technologies to help Australia’s minerals industry remain globally competitive.
/news/Improving-unit-processes-in-minerals-industry.html A scaled-down physical model of the coal furnace was built to validate the flow velocities predicted by the computational fluid dynamics model. Advanced mathematical and physical modelling is improving the performance of unit operations used in the mineral processing industry.
/news/New-analysers-to-unlock-mineral-value.html Female sitting in front of three computer screens. Machine-mounted sensors could help locate ore deposits, characterise the mining environment, and differentiate ore grades.
/news/Research-facility-to-help-boost-the-triple-bottom-line.html The Australian Minerals Research Centre features a large mural entitled 'Metallurgical Metamorphosis', created by Western Australian artists Charlie and Joan Smith. The mural depicts the evolution of technology used in mineral processing. A new CSIRO research centre in Perth, Western Australia is developing economic, environmentally and socially sustainable processes for the minerals industry.
CSIRO is developing a raft of new technologies that will provide a competitive edge for iron ore producers. (iStock)
CSIRO is developing technologies to help Australia’s minerals industry remain globally competitive.

Our Capabilities

A person wearing safety clothing watches liquid metal pouring.

High temperature processing
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Sunrise reflecting off water.

Hydrometallurgy - alumina
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A person checking a machine.

Materials characterisation
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High temperature processing - Providing expertise in smelting and roasting chemistry, electrochemistry, and processing of biomass for metallurgical applications. Learn more>
Hydrometallurgy - alumina - Delivering the capabilities and expertise the alumina industry needs to achieve continuous improvement and maintain global competitiveness. Learn more>
Materials characterisation - Providing chemical and particle analysis, microcharacterisation and x-ray diffraction capabilities for research and
industry. Learn more>
Image of a block of cast metal.

Metals and ceramics design and processing
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A man checking a semi-autogenous grinding mill.

Mineral processing and agglomeration
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Nickel laterite ore being treated in leaching columns.

Precious and base metals hydrometallurgy
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Metals and ceramics design and processing - Developing novel materials and cost-effective production processes to meet the needs of industry. Learn more>
Mineral processing and agglomeration - Providing detailed mineralogical, beneficiation and agglomeration evaluations, and predicting the process performance of sinter, pellets and lump in the blast furnace. Learn more>
Precious and base metals hydrometallurgy - Improving existing processes through fundamental knowledge and developing new processing options through innovative approaches to old problems. Learn more>

High temperature processing
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Engineers checking plans for a pilot-scale rig.

Process engineering
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A man working near a mining conveyor belt.

Online analysis and control
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Process engineering - Providing the expertise and facilities needed to design new chemical engineering processes and optimise existing processes and equipment. Learn more>
Online analysis and control - Developing online tools and techniques to provide improved measurement, control and automation of
processes. Learn more>

Our Expertise

People

Head and shoulder photo of Dr Bart Follink.
Dr Bart Follink: Chief, CSIRO Process Science and Engineering

Dr Bart Follink brings a strong science background to his management role as Chief of CSIRO's Process Science and Engineering division, and understands the importance of translating lab research into industry technology.
Image of Dr James Tickner, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Minerals.
Dr James Tickner: expert in applied nuclear physics

Dr James Tickner leads the Nucleonics team that develops novel scientific approaches to solve fundamental problems in industry using nuclear techniques.
Image of Dr Miao Chen, OCE Science Leader Scheme Fellow.
Dr Miao Chen: leading science in surface modification at molecular scale

Dr Miao Chen is leading science in surface modification at the molecular scale.
Dr Theo Rodopoulos develops new low-energy metal production processes.
Dr Theo Rodopoulos: researching energy-efficient technologies for the aluminium industry

Dr Rodopoulos is an organic chemist who leads the development of novel metal production processes using non-aqueous electrochemistry.
Mr Ian Madsen
Mr Ian Madsen: expert in diffraction analysis

Mr Ian Madsen is a Principal Research Scientist in the Materials Characterisation group specialising in the field of laboratory and synchrotron x-ray and neutron powder diffraction.
Image of Dr William Yang, Research Scientist, CSIRO's Process Science and Engineering division.
Dr William Yang: using physical models and lasers to examine fluid dynamics

Dr William Yang manages the laser flow diagnostic laboratory at CSIRO's Process Science and Engineering.
Portrait of Mr David Death.
Mr David Death: specialising in laser and imaging applications

Mr David Death leads projects which focus on mineral ore characterisation and methods for sensor-based sorting of ores and waste materials.
Photograph of Dr Chu Yong Cheng, Research Team Leader at CSIRO Process Science and Engineering.
Dr Chu Yong Cheng: specialising in solvent extraction techniques

Dr Chu Yong Cheng leads research in solvent extraction techniques for base metals recovery.

Locations

A laboratory building.
Melbourne: Clayton, Vic (Clayton laboratories)

CSIRO’s site at Clayton, Victoria is adjacent to Monash University and the Australian Synchrotron. More than 800 staff members work in energy, resources, forestry, manufacturing, chemicals, health, information, agribusiness and more.
CSIRO's Waterford site is located adjacent to Curtin University of Technology’s Resources and Chemistry Precinct in Perth, Western Australia.
Perth: Waterford, WA

At Waterford, CSIRO is developing improved processing techniques for Australia’s A$40 billion per annum mineral and metal export industry.
Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies entrance to main building.
Brisbane: Pullenvale, Qld (Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies)

The Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT) is a joint venture between CSIRO and the Queensland Government. It is a multi-divisional research site where innovative solutions for the mining, manufacturing and energy sectors are produced.
The entrance to CSIRO Energy Technology building at Lucas Heights.
Sydney: Lucas Heights, NSW (Lucas Heights)

CSIRO Lucas Heights provides facilities for 80 staff for research in energy, environment and minerals.
CSIRO at Urrbrae
Adelaide: Waite Campus, SA

CSIRO at the Waite Precinct, Urrbrae, undertakes a range of research in land and water management, sustainable farming systems, precision agriculture, plant science and mathematics and statistics. CSIRO is also part of the Wine Innovation Cluster.

Science

A computer-generated, three-dimensional computer model of an on-belt cement analyser.
Nucleonics - nuclear science for industry

CSIRO researchers are developing new ways of using radiation to solve challenging measurement and imaging problems.
A close up photo of a researcher leaning over a stage used for in situ studies at the powder diffraction beamline at the Australian Synchrotron.
In situ studies: science under extreme conditions

The aim of in situ studies is to reproduce the conditions that are present in systems found across a wide range of environments.
A photograph of a researcher wearing a white lab coat conducting ionic liquid experiments in a laboratory setting.
Ionic liquids for metal production

The fact that ionic liquids can be tuned to suit various applications such as catalysis, synthesis and electrochemistry is generating both scientific and commercial interest.

 
A scientist in a laboratory conducting solvent extraction experiments using a Lewis Cell.
Solvent extraction for metals recovery

Solvent extraction is a useful technology for the separation, purification and recovery of metals.
A photograph of Mr David Death who is wearing specialised safety glasses. He is looking at two focusing lenses in a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system.
Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for mining

Analysing light emissions from the plasma generated by laser pulses can provide insight into the elemental make up of a range of different materials.

Making a Difference

Electron microprobe map of an iron ore showing the main phases present and the distribution of phosphorus within the grains.
Investigative work at the nano-scale: removing phosphorus from iron ore

Electron microscopy may help solve the iron ore industry's phosphorus problem. If successful, the work could be worth billions of dollars to the Australian industry.
Photo of two scientists in white coats conducting semi-continuous solvent extraction test work. Scientist on left has a green glove on and he is conducting a test in the large apparatus.
Direct solvent extraction greatly improves metal recovery

Researchers have developed direct solvent extraction (DSX) processes that uses CSIRO synergistic solvent extraction (SSX) technologies. SSX uses multiple commercial reagents to improve selectivity with more efficient metal separation and recovery than traditional solvent extraction technologies.
Photo of Barrick Gold's Cowal gold mine.
Single analysis solution tracks cyanide

New CSIRO-developed analytical methods have helped the Cowal Gold Mine become the first operation in Australia to comply with the gold industry’s International Cyanide Management Code.
Image of online analysers recently installed at an Australian concentrator.
New analyser cuts complexity

A 'light bulb' moment led to Minerals Down Under Flagship researchers combing two different x-ray based technologies to develop a new on-line analyser for slurries.
Image of scientist using a magnetic separator
Sulfidic waste offers hidden mineral wealth

CSIRO research is mapping the way for mining companies to exploit hidden mineral wealth within their waste through simple separation processes.
Bauxite in two hands.
Explosive find for Bayer process

Investigations into ways to reduce the impact of organic compounds in the Bayer process have led to an explanation of how and why hydrogen is produced when wet oxidation is used during the process.
Image of a water lance cleaning the carbon build-up off the inside of gas pipes.
Step-by-step approach unblocks operations' heart

Researchers investigating techniques for removing carbon fouling from gas outlet tubes discovered that the water-lancing technique being used ‘was a bit like squirting a garden hose into a tornado’.
 Channel Name:
Process Science and Engineering
Index of Process Science and Engineering related information:

Overviews

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News

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Events

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Science

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Business

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  • Mr Justen Bremmell pours molten slag and alloy from CSIRO's bath smelting facility. Red hot molten slag material pours down a ramp out of the furnace and sparks fly. Mr Bremmell is protected by a full face visor and hard hat, and leather jacket gloves and apron.
    High temperature processing

    CSIRO is working with industry to increase recovery rates, improve the handling of valuable metals and enhance operational practices.

  • A thickner at Mt Keith, Western Australia.
    Hydrometallurgy alumina

    CSIRO works closely with its research partners and industry to ensure Australia's alumina industry remains competitive.

Multimedia

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  • A laboratory building.
    The bright lights of Clayton (Vodcast 28 Sep 09)

    In this vodcast, we visit CSIRO’s Clayton laboratories to see how lasers and a Perspex scale model are being used to configure coal fired power station boilers to burn dried brown coal. (5:07)

  • Titanium powder being poured from one vial to another.
    Titanium: cutting the costs in half (Video)

    CSIRO's pioneering work at the forefront of a worldwide race to develop a new production process for titanium, aiming to halve production costs is shown in this video. (0:46) 

People & Places

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  • Scientist Mr Roy Lovel is a member of the Social Values and Sustainability group at CSIRO Minerals.
    Mr Roy Lovel: investigating biomass for minerals processing

    Mr Roy Lovel integrates technical knowledge and problem solving skills to address issues of national and global significance, including developing a method for reducing the phosphorous levels in Australian iron ores and the development of alternative renewable carbon sources for metal production.

  • Dr Robbie McDonald
    Dr Robbie McDonald: specialising in metals extraction

    Dr Robbie McDonald specialises in the areas of metals extraction (leaching), also offering expertise in quantitative mineralogical characterisation and predictive modelling of hydrometallurgical performance.

Publications

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  • The front cover of the October 2005 issue of Process magazine
    Process magazine

    Process is a free publication, containing the latest news on CSIRO’s research in minerals processing and metal production.

  • Front cover of Process magazine, June 2010 issue.
    Process magazine (Jun 10)

    The June 2010 issue of Process demonstrates how applying CSIRO expertise to a wide range of industry projects continues to have a positive impact on the Australian minerals sector. (12 pages)

Resources

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Contact

Ms Brooke Garas (BSc)
Communications Officer
Process Science and Engineering
Phone: 61 3 9545 8878 
Fax: 61 3 9562 8919 

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Process magazine

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