The so-called “critical minerals,” such as copper and lithium, are currently at the centre of debate in industry and science worldwide.
Case in point, this week the «SUREMIN Workshop: Sustainable management of international supply chains» brought together researchers from Australia, the United States and Chile to discuss the different aspects involved in managing these key mineral resources for the global energy transition.
SMI-ICE-Chile co-organized this initiative led by Northwestern University and hosted by Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.
As proof of its relevance, Australian ambassador to Chile Andrew Martin, gave the opening remarks at the event, highlighting the importance of research institutions from these three countries (which all have a well-developed mining industry) collaborating on this strategic issue for the sustainable development of the planet.
The meeting addressed topics at the heart of current debate: recovering metals and managing tailings deposits, reducing mining waste, community experiences with environmental monitoring, investment and social impact, data management, standards and sustainability analysis, workforce development and pathways to building a sustainable global mining hub.
SMI-ICE-Chile Executive Director Dr. Doug Aitken presented on the enormous tailings challenges we face. In his presentation entitled “Screening and characterization of tailings for critical mineral recovery: What can we learn from Australia?” he spoke about work done by the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland on mineral characterization to improve mineral waste processing and, therefore, contribute more to the circular economy. His presentation drew heavily on the work of the MIWATCH group (Mine Waste Transformation through Characterisation), led by Assistant Professor Anita Parbhakar-Fox.
“In this region, tailings represent enormous risks and challenges,” he highlighted. «In Chile alone there is a total of almost 800 tailings deposits, which offers us a great opportunity to collaborate in this area.»
“In this region, tailings represent enormous risks and challenges,” he emphasized. «In Chile alone, there are almost 800 tailings deposits, which offers us a great opportunity to collaborate in this area.»
Dr. Nigel Wight, a researcher in the Social Performance and Resource Governance area at SMI-ICE-Chile, presented on the topic: “Sustainability standards and their need for data.”
SUREMIN is a US National Science Foundation Track 2 Global Center at Northwestern University. The SUREMIN program—The Sustainable, Resilient, responsible global Minerals supply chain—seeks to lead a just energy transition by promoting a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable international minerals supply chain.
Meeting participants included researchers from the Sustainable Minerals Institute at The University of Queensland, Montana Technological University, Duke University, Argonne National Laboratory and Universidad San Sebastián and experts from mining companies and community leaders who spoke about the social and environmental challenges involved in the supply chain.
As part of the event, Ambassador Andrew Martin hosted participants at a reception in the diplomatic residence, where Jennifer Dunn, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University, Doug Aitken and the ambassador himself reiterated the importance of international collaboration. “This SUREMIN meeting in Chile has been extraordinary and leaves us full of energy for the task at hand,” stressed Jennifer Dunn. “It has been a very important first step, and now we must continue adding collaborators, because the challenges are immense,” added Doug Aitken.
Check out some highlights from the events here
