It looks like something plucked from a strange, radioactive planet. A glass incubator sits at the centre of a laboratory, its network of clear channels illuminated by a distinctive green dye.
To the trained eye however, this isn't science fiction; it's a breakthrough. Inside the glowing streams, a new engineering process is helping rewrite the future of mining.
Developed by Loop Hydrometallurgy at Macquarie University, the patented Halion Loop™ technology leaches, purifies and recovers copper directly from low-grade and problematic mining resources - an alchemy-esque process powered by salt water.
By replacing energy-intensive and chemically harsh traditional methods, the system offers a cleaner, more efficient way to extract one of the world's most in-demand metals - a game changer for an industry under growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint.
At the heart of this innovation is a team of engineers at Macquarie University. But much like the technology itself, the team represents far more than just scientific progress.
In an industry long dominated by men, the group behind the Loop is strikingly different, made up of over 80 per cent women.
One of the women on the team is Macquarie University student Eliza Langer.
Macquarie University student Eliza Langer is part of the team developing the Loop Hydrometallurgy technology. Image: Chris Barlow
First joining as an intern through the support of Dave Sammut, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Loop Hydrometallurgy, Langer quickly stood out, producing some of the strongest lab work among participants through Loop's Women in STEM initiative.
Since then, she has taken on increasing responsibility. From organising and bringing beautiful prototypes to life, and putting her hand up to tackle complex projects, Langer brings a unique and important perspective to the incubator team.
"In 2023, I was at the point in my Bachelor of Science degree when I was doing my internship unit. I was struggling to find somewhere that would have me but also be able to facilitate my accessibility needs," Langer says.
"Dave was a guest lecturer one week, talking to us about entrepreneurship. The unit convenor, who knew Dave quite well, introduced me to him, and it sort of just went from there.
"He was so understanding and worked really hard to make it very inclusive.
"He then offered me a part-time casual position as a Lab Assistant, which is what I'm doing now."
Eliza Langer has produced some of the strongest lab work among participants through Loop's Women in STEM initiative. Image: Chris Barlow
However, Langer says her experience reflects a broader issue faced by people living with disabilities.
"A massive misconception for any person working with a disability, not just in STEM, is that we are not capable. I have been constantly underestimated throughout my whole life, and that is something that I would love to see change in the future."
Still, she remains optimistic and encourages other women to step into the field.
"I think just go for it. It's very, very rewarding work. If you're passionate and excited by it, then you will do well."
Her drive is echoed by Sammut, who not only leads the team but has been working on the incubator technology for more than 30 years.
He says that cultivating an environment where diverse voices are valued has been key to the company's success.
"At the moment, over 80 per cent of our STEM roles in our company are filled by women, including women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and women living with disabilities," Sammut explains.
"We believe that creates a significantly better balance in our team and an environment in which everyone is heard."
Dave Sammut, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Loop Hydrometallurgy has created an inclusive environment for students like Eliza Langer to thrive. Image: Chris Barlow
It is here that students like Langer are supported to thrive.
"She has just done the most wonderful job. You can't expect miracles from a student; they're still learning, but she has already had so many incredible achievements. Her journey has been so rewarding to witness," Sammut says.
Also on the team is Afsha Awramenko, the Engineering Manager, who is balancing her leadership role with the demands of being a new mother.
Afsha Awramenko, the Engineering Manager. Image: Chris Barlow
She says this has helped her bring a new level of perspective and adaptability to her work.
"In one sense, it has been good because it gives me a lot of experience negotiating with suppliers; it isn't too different from negotiating with a toddler."
Beyond the day-to-day negotiations - whether with suppliers or toddlers - Awramenko's work is grounded in something far bigger: a long-term commitment to how this incubator will help to revolutionise mining technology.
"I've been working in minerals processing for 15 years now, and started working with Dave about 10 years ago," Awramenko reflects.
"This project in particular has been a long time coming, and we are now in phase two, which is amazing. It's really rewarding to see something that we have been working on get closer to being able to implement in industry and have a real-world impact."
Despite the success, it is important to note the barriers and challenges each female engineer has had to overcome.
For Senior Engineer Daniela Perez Bravo, the path into engineering forced her to prove herself in environments where she was often in the minority.
Senior Engineer Daniela Perez Bravo. Image: Chris Barlow
"When I had just graduated at 25, you always have to work harder to prove yourself technically, especially if you are on site."
"But over time, you start to feel more confident and start to believe in yourself. I feel proud that I can be part of opening the doors for more women."
As the team continues to push the boundaries of what mining can look like, Awramenko says the real transformation needs to continue to happen far beyond the green glow of the incubator itself.
"Don't be scared, and don't wait for someone to give you a leadership position, take the lead and put yourself out there," Awramenko says.
"A lot of the time, a man will have exactly the same degree and the same experience as a woman, and even if he doesn't have a specific skill, he will still apply. Whereas a woman might think, 'I don't know how to do that,' and hold back. It's important to be confident."
