Advancing the future of mining
The ARC Research Hub for NextGenMIN delivers an industry-led transformation framework integrating advanced technologies, renewable energy and automation to mining. Partnering with industry, academia and government, it aims to drive innovation, generate IP, create spin-offs and train the future workforce. Its systems-focused approach accelerates adoption of zero waste, zero-emission, zero-entry mining, ensuring lasting impact through workforce development, international collaboration and pathways to industrial demonstration. This positions Australia as a global leader in sustainable minerals supply and supports its net-zero transition.
The Aims
ZERO WASTE – Extracting just 1 gram of platinum requires moving and processing 1 tonne of ore. (https://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/news-and-media/next-mining-boom-depends-high-tech-skills-and-circular-economy). Regulatory framework may evolve to mandate zero-waste operations.
ZERO EMISSIONS – Net Zero Targets by 2050. (https://www.dcceew.gov.au/climate-change/emissions-reduction/net-zero)
ZERO ENTRY – Extracting minerals from hard-to-reach “deep” and unconventional deposits. Regulatory framework may evolve to mandate zero-entry operations.
The Objectives
The NextGenMIN Hub supports Australia’s national priorities in critical minerals, renewable energy, and low-emission technologies by driving innovation in mining systems. Aligned with the Critical Mineral Strategy 2023–2030 and Future Made in Australia initiatives, the Hub focuses on improving the safety, efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness of Australian mining. The Hub’s mission is to develop intelligent precision mining technologies that enable zero waste, zero emissions, and zero-entry operations. Its key objectives include advancing sensing and data analytics, supporting pathways to net-zero mining, and accelerating collaboration between industry, METS and academia to fast-track innovation and new business models. Research is delivered through four integrated themes:
- Data – advanced data collection, AI-driven analytics, simulation modelling, and high-resolution imaging for accurate orebody modelling.
- Enablers – enabling technologies such as IoT, robotics, AI, digital twins, and advanced sensing systems.
- Systems – interoperable mining systems, operational decision tools, renewable energy integration, and future workforce frameworks.
- Methods – sustainable mining methods, advanced extraction technologies, AI-driven mine planning, modular processing, and automation for safer operations.
Together, these themes position Australia as a global leader in next-generation, sustainable mining technologies.
WHY
The mining industry faces declining ore grades, environmental impacts, emissions and safety risks. NextGenMIN is developing technology-driven, renewable-powered methods to achieve zero-waste, zero-emission and zero-entry mining. This strengthens sovereign capability, creates skilled regional jobs and supports Australia’s net-zero transition while boosting global competitiveness in strategic minerals and green value chains.
BENEFITS
- Opportunities to lead and shape the mining industry innovation agenda.
- Co-develop cutting edge solutions and smart technologies to meet industry challenges.
- Collaborating with a leading consortium of world class universities and research institutes to strengthen and deepen partnerships and engagements with community and governments.
- Accessing a global network of leading multi-disciplinary research and experts, thought leaders and value chain partners to drive acceleration of technology advancement complementary to the mining industry transformation, fit for the 21st Century.
- Innovating and development of new systems that generate new revenue streams and value-adding products.
- Together actively participate in the training and upskilling of current workforce; developing and securing next generation of “industry & future-ready” professionals.
- Leveraging major government industry-university initiatives and investments, to maximise research opportunities including developing new IPs and technologies, accessing global interdisciplinary expertise and world class facilities and securing a future pipeline of talent.
DELIVERABLES
- Being recognised innovation partner for global industry transformational research consortium.
- Scientific knowledge and emerging technologies adopted from other disciplines tailored for the purpose.
- Implement RD3 (Research, Development, Demonstration & Deployment) approach to create a “value add” for the partners through world-leading research with the highest ethical standards and integrity.
- Enhance business capability and growth of minerals industry sustainability and leadership in a rapidly transforming technology landscape.
- Strong engagement and developed trust with partner industries and institutions and develop suitable extractive solutions to the challenges identified, for and through national and international partners.
- Increase collaboration to accelerate both innovation and commercialisation.
- Create best possible training environment for future workforce and leaders.
- Accessing the brightest minds from a range of disciplines and provide training, mentoring and upskilling these future students and researchers to the wide-range of research training and mentoring program, and keeping them competent and abreast of the industry.