The Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) is part of The University of Queensland and has six research centres in Australia and one in Chile. SMI-ICE-Chile seeks to challenge, drive and support the mining industry in overcoming critical barriers to make the transition to long-term sustainability through research-based solutions, knowledge and technology transfer and people development.
2014 – 2017
Stage 1
In 2014, The University of Queensland (UQ), through the Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), and the Chilean government, through CORFO, signed an agreement to develop an international centre of excellence (SMI-ICE-Chile) that would benefit Chilean society and the Chilean economy. These benefits were to be generated through research and technology transfer to address the main productivity and environmental management challenges facing the Chilean mining sector. SMI-ICE-Chile was founded that year, marking the Centre’s first year and the first stage of the International Centres of Excellence Program. In 2018, the Centre successfully completed the first stage.
2018 – 2021
Stage 2
The Centre entered the Operating Stage (stage 2) in 2018 and modified its governance structure to fit the changing dynamics and demands of the industry and context. In addition, it bolstered its efforts in sustainability and added a research line on social performance. During the first year of stage 2, the Centre began to grow its profile in Chile and was awarded important research and development projects in the areas of productivity and sustainability. At the same time, it began to build relationships with many of the industry’s most important operators, including Codelco, BHP, Anglo American and Antofagasta Minerals, through R&D and training projects. During stage 2, the Centre carried out 39 R&D projects with Codelco, BHP, MCI (Mitsubishi Corporation) and Volkswagen, among others. It also consolidated its relationship with its co-executor, Universidad de Concepción (UdeC), by participating in several joint projects and developing new ties with other local universities, including Universidad de Antofagasta, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Universidad del Desarrollo, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, among others.
2022 – 2024
Stage 3
Today SMI-ICE-Chile is in the consolidation stage (stage 3), which will enable it to continue its track record of effective research and development solutions for the Chilean mining industry and society, while also giving it the opportunity to adapt to the country’s new context and the related challenges. In Chile there is now a strong focus on creating broad social value, protecting natural resources and addressing the threat of climate change. SMI-ICE-Chile is committed to addressing these challenges effectively through its work with partners from the public sector, private sector, civil society and local communities.