ANSTO today welcomed the NSW Minister for Resources and Energy, Anthony Roberts MP, on a tour of our hi-tech minerals facilities.
 |
| ANSTO Minerals is an international mining consultancy with world-leading expertise in uranium ore processing, rare earth process development and removal of radioactivity from ores |
Minister Roberts was visiting a demonstration pilot plant that is managed by ANSTO at our Lucas Heights campus on behalf of the company Alkane Resources.
Over the past two decades, an entire minerals research centre, together with demonstration plants and laboratories has been built at ANSTO, specifically to service the minerals industry.
Around 70 scientists, engineers and technical staff work in the minerals area applying expertise in fields including chemical engineering, chemistry, metallurgy and mineralogy to the technical challenges of the industry.
The Minister inspected demonstration facilities for the Dubbo Zirconia Project, proposed to produce zirconium, niobium and rare earths, required in many of today’s advanced and green technology.
According to Alkane Resources, the proposed Dubbo Zirconia Project (DZP) would be worth $1 billion, is one of Australia’s most valuable rare metal / rare earth projects, would have an estimated mine life of 70+ years, and is the next project of its type in the world expected to be in operation.
Minister Roberts praised the work being conducted by ANSTO and Alkane, stating that it is a clear example of NSW-based teams leading the world in promoting and supporting new and innovative processes in the resources industry.
"This world class project not only demonstrates our capacity to support the development of significant resources, but also to value-add to those products, ensuring skills and hi-tech investment are created and retained here in our state,” Mr Roberts said.
Alkane has had demonstration facilities at ANSTO for around seven years, and the Minister received a briefing on the project and undertook a tour of the pilot facilities.
“ANSTO has strong relationships with many minerals companies, lending our scientific expertise to help them advance their projects,” said ANSTO’s CEO, Dr Adi Paterson.
“The minerals industry is an essential part of the economy, and we’re pleased to welcome Minister Roberts and show him the technology being applied in the Alkane process.”
Sometimes known as “the seeds of high technology”, rare earths are a suite of elements with unique properties that are crucial for the production and operation of high tech devices.
Dr Robert Gee, the new General Manager of ANSTO Minerals, said that he welcomed the opportunity to show the Minister ANSTO’s strong expertise in rare earths research.
“Before any company can consider making a substantial investment in rare earths extraction, they need to optimise and demonstrate the process to be applied,” Dr Gee said.
“This is where the Minerals group of ANSTO apply their broad expertise, including roasting, leaching, solvent extraction and waste management.
“It is anticipated that study in this area will open up opportunities not only for a new, world class, supply of rare metals and rare earths, but also for jobs in NSW in a growing, high tech part of the mining industry.”
Published: 04/02/2014