Assessing the benefits of sustainable processing research in the minerals industry

McLellan, B. C., Corder, G. D. and Green, S. (2007). Assessing the benefits of sustainable processing research in the minerals industry. In: R. Scott, Proceedings of the 35th Australasian Chemical Engineering Conference 2007. Chemeca 2007: Academia and Industry Strengthening the Profession, Melbourne, Vic, Australia, (619-626). 23-26 September 2007.


Author McLellan, B. C.
Corder, G. D.
Green, S.
Title of paper Assessing the benefits of sustainable processing research in the minerals industry
Conference Paper Type Fully Published Paper
Conference name Chemeca 2007: Academia and Industry Strengthening the Profession    (ERA 2010 Rank B)
Conference location Melbourne, Vic, Australia
Conference dates 23-26 September 2007
Convener R. Scott
Proceedings title Proceedings of the 35th Australasian Chemical Engineering Conference 2007
Editor R. Scott
Place published Barton, ACT, Australia
Publisher Engineers Australia
Publication date 2007
Year available 2007
ISBN 0858258447; 9781605603025
Start page 619
End page 626
Total pages 7
Collection year 2008
Language eng
Formatted Abstract/Summary There is a growing demand to evaluate the sustainability benefits of innovative technologies for the minerals industry. Applying traditional cost-benefit analysis to ascertain the ‘value’ of these technologies excludes the increasing need to assess other critical factors related to environmental and community benefits and long term economic benefits. Such factors are vital in determining the true value and viability of a new project using new innovative technology, and the role this technology can play in enhancing the sustainability of new, existing or expanding operations.

Much of the work of the Co-operative Research Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing (CSRP) has environmental, community and wider economic benefits, over and above direct financial benefits. If these research outcomes are widey implemented, they will contribute significantly to sustainable development in the mineral and related industries. This paper presents the results of applying a developed assessment methodology to quantify the sustainability benefits of innovative research outcomes from CSRP.

A review of existing public-domain sustainability frameworks and assessment methodologies was used as a basis to develop a sustainability assessment methodology specifically for minerals processing project, but potentially applicable to other industry sectors. The methodology has a four-stage approach of first characterising a project’s key sustainability components followed by the application of suitable tools to evaluate and where possible quantify the benefits. Results of applying the methodology to key CSRP research projects in the areas of comminution, geo-polymers and biomass are presented. Using these results, the paper then postulates the potential sustainable development benefits from CSRP research outcomes at various levels of adoption throughout the Australian minerals industry.
Subjects 290699 Chemical Engineering not elsewhere classified
E1
771099 Other
Q-Index Code E1
Q-Index Status Confirmed Code
Institutional Status UQ

 
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Created: Tue, 22 Apr 2008, 11:34:39 EST by Ms Nancy Eluigwe on behalf of Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining