These project ideas are in the early stages, and as conceptual projects, we invite industry, government, and regional stakeholders to participate actively in shaping their development.
Approved projects
- Australian Water Atlas for Resource Extraction (AWARE)
Program: Operational Solutions
Proponents: University of Queensland
Project Leader: Professor Claire Côte
For mine closure planning, clear information on environmental risks is crucial for regulators and mining companies. The Australian Water Atlas for Resource Extraction (AWARE) will address this by mapping water opportunities and risks, developing a database and models, and identifying data gaps. Focusing on water access, infrastructure, and wastewater, AWARE will enhance understanding and communication of water-related issues in mining regions, drawing on previous programs like Bioregional Assessment. CRC TiME will lead this with key stakeholders.
Project proposals – Advanced engagement underway
- Native seed procurement training for mining companies
Program: Operational Solutions
Proponents: Curtin University
Project Leader: Dr Simone Pedrini
While the Native Seed Technology and Innovation Hub for Western Australia’s mission is to develop a robust and reliable native seed supply chain, a native seed training for mine site managers and operators is required to ensure efforts in improving the seed supply chain are understood and adopted on mine sites in rehabilitation, all across Australia.
The cost related to the purchase and use of native seeds is considerable, yet, the quality of seeds is typically unknown or poorly understood by users, and this often has negative implications for seed-based rehabilitation. A limited understanding of the biological and logistical aspects of native seed supply and use and a lack of appreciation for the value of native seeds are some of the key drivers underpinning seed mismanagement and misuse that ultimately results in seed wastage and unsatisfactory rehabilitation outcomes.
This one week training will provide support to onsite environmental teams in charge of rehabilitation, as well as follow up in the form of a one-on-one long term mentoring with each team that will have participated in the workshop, in order to review the current native seed supply and rehab plans, and when needed co-develop a plan for a medium long-term native seed procurement strategy. - Natural Capital Accounting Collective
Program: Risk, Evaluation and Planning
Proponents: Curtin University
Project Leaders: Associate Professor Bryan Maybee
The objective of the Natural Capital Accounting Collective is to drive an industry-led, coordinated approach to embed natural capital accounting in the mining sector, promoting sustainable practices, efficient data use, and meeting nature-related disclosure requirements. This initiative responds to industry needs for a collaborative framework to manage nature-related risks, support investor and regulatory compliance, and strengthen the sector’s commitment to nature-positive outcomes. - Identifying, quantifying, and managing acceptable levels of transferrable residual risk: A desktop study of global best practice
Program: Risk, Evaluation and Planning
Proponents: Curtin University
Project Leaders: Associate Professor Bryan Maybee
The project aims to establish methods for miners to identify and quantify residual risks for land relinquishment. It seeks to address knowledge gaps and implement best practices for risk management, facilitating land transfer to alternate use categories. CRC TiME plans to develop a transparent methodology for residual risk calculation and liability offset. - An overview of the role of tenure in achieving post-mining transformation
Program: Regional Economic Development
The project will review land rights in Australian mining regions, explore options for accessing land under mining leases for multiple uses, and assess the WA Diversification Lease’s potential for alternative land uses.
Concepts under exploration
- Developing and trialling a framework to guide regional repurposing of closed and abandoned mines in Queensland: a people-centred approach
Program: Regional Economic Development
Proponents: Sustainable Minerals Institute
Project Leader: Associate Professor Sarah Holcombe
To develop a framework that supports practitioners – including the mining industry, government, investors and community groups – to consider and engage with potential repurposing scenarios. The framework will be people-centred and ensure that regional identity and aspirations are at the core of scenario building and also guide potential implementation. We will develop and trial the framework in stages in a proof-of-concept approach, beginning with one site. The transferability of the framework will be trialled at different sites in subsequent projects (not outlined here). Though we will draw on lessons from case studies in other contexts, this project is driven by the practical considerations of application and providing guidance for uptake and impact. In many cases, the chances of repurposing success are going to be where it is driven by local interests. - Alternative usages of mined lands for new energy applications
Program: Data Integration, Forecasting and Scale
Proponents: Federation University Australia
Project Leader: Professor Syed Islam
This project explores the feasibility of repurposing active and abandoned mines for renewable energy production and storage. The initial phase includes a comprehensive literature review, a global study of renewable energy projects, and an engagement workshop to identify opportunities and barriers in Australia. Essential data requirements for analyzing renewable energy feasibility at mines will be proposed, setting the stage for innovative energy solutions. - Environmental genomics for life-of-mine biomonitoring and biodiversity assessments
Program: Data Integration, Forecasting and Scale
Proponents: Curtin University, DCCEEW, & Illumina
Project Leader: Dr Jason Kirby
This project pioneers the use of environmental genomics for biomonitoring and biodiversity assessments at mine sites. Through partner workshops and conversations, the project assesses the utility of genomic tools, identifies best practices, and determines key enablers and barriers. The subsequent phase involves developing case studies and guidance for the mining industry, fostering the adoption of genomic data to manage biodiversity risks effectively. - Feasibility study for an atlas of Australian mineral by-product for a circular economy
Program: Operational solutions
Project Leader: Dr Daniel Franks
The Australian mining sector faces sustainability challenges like resource depletion, waste generation, and unequal benefits distribution. There is no comprehensive information on potential mineral by-products. The proposed Atlas of Australian mineral by-products aims to fill this gap, enhancing circular economy efforts. CRC TiME, leveraging regional partnerships, will drive this initiative, identifying data needs and stakeholders to develop a user-led Atlas, promoting circular economy transitions and sustainable mining practices. - Securitisation of intangible training for mining companies
Program: Risk, Evaluation and Planning - Native seed procurement training for mining companies
Program: Operational Solutions - Incorporating climate change risk in closure planning
Program: Operational Solutions
Information sessions for some of the concepts in development will be held across 2024. Contact us to express your interest.
