Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and Swinburne University of Technology have entered into a new partnership to advance global decarbonisation through research and development in green steel and mineral processing.
Establishing the ‘Sustainable Mineral Processing and Green Steel Program,’ this collaboration is set to bolster national research capabilities within Australia’s innovation system, CSIRO said in a media release.
The primary focus is to enable industries to explore low-emission steel technologies, providing valuable insights for future demonstrations and overall industry development.
The partnership addresses crucial challenges associated with achieving net zero emissions in the mineral resources industry.
Key objectives include the development of low-carbon pathways for iron, steel, and critical metals, alongside advancements in recycling technologies.
A key element of this initiative is the infusion of new talent into the energy transition landscape, CSIRO reported.
Research fellows and PhD candidates from both institutions will collaborate with international researchers and industry experts.
Professor Geoffrey Brooks, recipient of the Bessemer Gold Medal in 2023 for his sustainable steelmaking contributions, will lead as chair, supported by CSIRO’s Process Decarbonisation Research Group Leader Keith Vining, overseeing research efforts on sustaining Australia’s iron ore and enhancing environmental performance.
Dr Suneeti Purohit, a Swinburne PhD graduate and award-winning expert in steelmaking using solar power, brings her unique expertise to the program.
Noted sustainable processing expert, Professor Akbar Rhamdhani of Swinburne, will also play a significant role.
As a leader in supply chain transformation and sustainability, Swinburne said it is committed to its Net Zero 2025 Pathways, investing in researchers across minerals characterisation, processing, pyrometallurgy, and materials recycling.
Moreover, the program will serve as a platform for international conferences and industry courses, fostering engagement with students through scholarships, joint final-year projects, and work experience programs.
