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Compiled by Dr. Joe Herbertson
June 2001
Sustainable Resource
Processing
Strategic
Research
There
is a need and an opportunity
to create a compelling
long term vision for
Sustainable Minerals and Metals
Processing
To make a real difference, there should be an injection of major funding, starting with desktop vision shaping research
The goal is to develop a portfolio of incremental and leapfrog technologies that define a flexible ‘pathway to sustainability’
To make a real difference, there should be an injection of major funding, starting with desktop vision shaping research
The goal is to develop a portfolio of incremental and leapfrog technologies that define a flexible ‘pathway to sustainability’
1. Start from
a 2050 ‘backcasting’ perspective; clarify sustainability objectives
and principles; address generic challenges and industry specific priorities; set stretch eco-efficiency
targets
2. Examine
process configurations based on existing, emerging and embryonic
technologies from raw materials to at least semi-finished products; conceptual industry flowsheets to include pyro-
hydro- and bio-technology options and secondary processes
3. Promote
innovative ideas and hypotheses; then test against life cycle
analysis, process modelling, techno-economics and selective experimentation
4. Cascade to
significant experimentally based R&D programs
5. Build on
programs already in place, such as Technology Roadmaps; draw on the science and engineering talent across our
universities, CSIRO and companies in a seamless way
Note: A recent Dutch national research
program provides a powerful case study for methodologies to identify innovative technology contributions to achieving
Factor 10+ advances; see, P. Weaver et al, ‘Sustainable Technology Development’, Greenleaf Publishing,
2000