PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The University of Adelaide has launched a new research hub, involving key industry, university and governments from South Australia and the rest of the country, to benefit the Australian copper industry.

The research hub was aimed at finding ways of eliminating other metals from copper deposits, which could reduce the quality of the copper, and to ensure that these new methods were suitable for industry-level operations.

“Much of South Australia's copper deposits are actually very fine intergrowths of a range of different metals and minerals. This introduces additional technical challenges for industry, which needs to achieve high-purity copper concentrates ready for market,” said Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Australian Copper–Uranium director Professor Stephen Grano.

“Being able to find cost-effective ways of removing other metals from copper concentrates would provide a boost to the industry's economic prosperity, as well as its environmental sustainability. This work would help to ensure Australia is a world leader in copper production and associated technology,” he said.

The ARC awarded A$2.52-million to the University of Adelaide to establish the research hub, while industry partners contributed a further A$5.55-million in cash and in-kind support over a five-year period.

Partners in the hub included mining giant BHP Billiton, Oz Minerals, the Department of State Development, Defence Science and Technology Group, Environment Protection Authority South Australia, and a number of other universities.

University of Adelaide vice-chancellor and president Professor Warren Bebbington said the new research hub would translate mining research into real economic outcomes for the state.

"The strong support from the resource sector and government illustrates its importance for the future of industry,” he added.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis also welcomed the new ARC research hub, saying it would provide a boost for one of South Australia’s most significant commodities.

“One of our key economic priorities is to unlock the full potential of our mineral resources, which is why the state government is contributing $500 000 over four years towards the testing and commercialisation of safe and cost-effective ways of separating uranium from copper concentrates.

“As one of the world’s largest copper producers, maximising the value of copper ore is of enormous benefit to the state’s economy.”

The ARC Research Hub for Australian Copper-Uranium is led by the University of Adelaide’s Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources. It is funded by the Australian government through the ARC’s Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme.