MBS has contributed to many applied research projects to develop industry knowledge and apply it in conjunction with ChemCentre and/or clients. Much of this work can be attributed to connections formed by MBS Principal Environmental Geochemists and former ChemCentre employees Dr Dave Allen (MBS since 2008) and Dr Michael North (MBS since 2013). On the ChemCentre side, key collaborators include Dr Rajesh Sharma, Dr Kathryn Linge, Geoffrey Firns and Barry Price and former ChemCentre employee Dr Silvia Black . These projects have often been co-funded by the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA).
Some examples of project delivered by joint MBS and ChemCentre projects include:
- Chromium Reducible Sulfur (CRC-CARE) – Validating if a commonly used laboratory test for acid sulfate soils can be used to assess the risk of AMD in hard rock mining.
- LEAF Assessment (MRIWA) USEPA leaching environmental assessment framework (LEAF) validation and application for use in Western Australian by-product reuse and waste assessments.
Sequential Leaching (MRIWA, BHP, Rio Tinto and FMG) Validation and standardisation of sequential leaching tests to better predict the impact of mining wastes on ground and surface water quality. Sequential leaching methods can be applied as a screening tool to supplement existing acid/base accounting for classifying mine waste and providing early identification of risks, prioritising efforts on longer term and more costly kinetic studies (ongoing, currently stage 2). - Mine Pit Lakes (MRIWA) – This research conducted sampling by depth of many existing pit lakes following mining to help address the environmental legacy of mining in WA and support better planning and a reduced environmental footprint for future WA mines. The data generated will assist government and industry in better defining the residual risks of existing pit lakes and identify opportunities for beneficial post-closure uses.
In addition to these projects MBS and ChemCentre have collaborated on a number of client-led projects which include, but are not limited to:
- Methods to assess saline leaching potential of mine wastes.
- Characterisation and risk assessment of de-lithiated beta spodumene (DBS) produced from lithium ore processing.
- De-risking the repurposing of industrial residues towards a circular economy.
- Use of LEAF tests for assessing aluminium speciation in acidic agricultural soils.
The collaborative relationship between MBS and ChemCentre has clear benefits both academically and for the WA mining industry given the ability for this research to be utilised in ‘real world’ projects. We hope this collaboration exists long into the future.
#geochemistry #environmentalconsulting #collaboration
