New technique could revolutionise mining

6 May 2021


Researchers may have come up with a technique that could have far-reaching consequences for the extraction of metals from deep underground – and with minimal environmental impact.

Forget drilling, digging, open-cut or large-scale excavations which are typically part of the traditional mining process and usually result in large amounts of waste that must be disposed of. (Globally, mining waste is estimated to total around 100 gigatonnes per year).

The new technique – published in the journal Science Advances – uses electrodes installed into the ore body to create an electric field that initiates the process of electromigration – inducing the movement of electrically-charged metals such as copper and others through the rock.

The research team included Australian national science agency CSIRO, the University of Western Australia (UWA), the University of Exeter (UK) and the Technical University of Denmark.

So far, the technique has proved successful in controlled laboratory tests and is thought could work in mining a variety of metals. UWA Professor Andy Fourie said it held immense possibilities. “It will not only improve mining outcomes, but it will also help us shift towards a more sustainable way of mining.”

Tested in laboratory experiments and through computer modelling, the new technique is now being further developed and refined with support from the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia.