The ACMER research program has focussed on provision of practical solutions to the major environmental (and associated social) issues faced by the minerals industry during exploration, operation, decommissioning and closure. As at 5 September 2006, current research projects that ACMER is managing will continue to be managed by SMI through ACMER at the University of Queensland. However, from September 2006 onwards, ACMER at SMI will not initiate any new research projects.
Scope
The ACMER research program previously addressed major issues related to:
- Landform Stability
Key processes controlling the long-term behaviour and stability of constructed landforms.- Water Systems
Key processes controlling downstream surface and groundwater quality.- Waste Treatment and Disposal
Key processes controlling long-term treatment and disposal of waste products.- Ecosystem Reconstruction
Key processes controlling the long-term sustainability of constructed ecosystems.Many specific environmental (and associated social) issues facing the minerals industry involved one or more of the areas outlined above, and thus it was more useful to classify the research program in terms of project areas:
- Final Void Use
- Waste Rock Dump Stability
- Tailings Disposal and Remediation
- Acid Rock Drainage Prevention and Remediation
- Mine Water Management
- Ecosystem Reconstruction
- Mine Closure
Objectives
- Identify environmental and social issues of strategic importance to the minerals industry, government and community;
- Determine the research needed to provide cost-effective solutions to these issues, which are acceptable to industry, government and the community;
- Assemble research teams to develop and undertake the required projects drawing upon the best available expertise nationally (and internationally where necessary);
- Seek financial support for the research from industry and government both nationally and internationally;
- Manage the research projects to ensure the outcomes are met in the agreed timeframe and within budget;
- Ensure the results of the research are disseminated via the Centre's Technology Transfer Program to ensure maximum benefit to industry, government and the community;
- Through networking with like overseas organisations, identify environmental and social research elsewhere which is relevant to the Australian industry.
Features
- Process of identification of key issues involves industry, government, research groups and community through involvement of ACMER Board, Industry Advisory Committee, Research Consultative Committee and attendees at Centre workshops;
- Specific research projects are identified by gap analysis and are industry-driven;
- Extensive pool of research expertise in engineering and the physical, chemical, biological and social sciences available;
- Opportunity to draw across organisations to assemble best available expertise;
- Opportunity to share costs of research on projects addressing generic/strategic issues;
- National focus with international links; and
- Potential to leverage additional research funds through national granting bodies.
.
.
.
.