UNSW Sydney has received $5 million to establish a new Industrial Transformation Hub.
UNSW's School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering has been awarded a major research grant by the Australian Research Council (ARC) under the 2025 Industrial Transformation Research Hubs scheme.
The ARC Research Hub for Next Generation Mining Methods (NextGenMIN) will focus on delivering innovative, more sustainable approaches to extracting critical minerals and strategic materials.
The global transition to clean energy is driving up demand for critical minerals, which are essential components of new technologies such as solar panels and electric vehicles. Projections suggest demand will need to triple by 2030 if we are to achieve net zero goals .
The NextGenMIN Hub, to be based at UNSW, will develop and advance mining processes that reduce environmental impact and waste, improve safety and increase efficiency using state-of-the-art machinery controlled by smart digital systems.
The Hub will be led by Professor Serkan Saydam, Chair of Mining Engineering at UNSW's School of Minerals and Energy Resources.
"NextGenMIN marks a significant step forward in transforming how we mine. As demand for critical minerals continues to grow, there is an urgent need to develop mining methods that are safer, more efficient and aligned with Australia's net zero and economic resilience goals," Prof. Saydam said.
UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research & Enterprise, Professor Bronwyn Fox, said the project demonstrated how academic research could lead technological change in close partnership with industry.
"This Hub highlights UNSW's leadership in advancing research that supports Australia's economic prosperity and sustainability goals," Prof. Fox said.
"Through deep collaboration with industry, we're not only solving real-world challenges but also training the next generation of engineers and leaders to keep Australia's mining sector at the global cutting edge - more sustainable, more innovative, and more resilient."
A leap forward in mining practices
NextGenMIN will bring together leading experts from UNSW, key industry partners, government agencies and other academic institutions. Prof. Saydam said he was excited about the collaboration that would come through the partnerships.
"With the support of the ARC, we will be working closely with our industry partners to develop smarter, more sustainable mining solutions targeting zero waste, zero emissions and zero human entry," he said.
"This Research Hub will drive innovation in decarbonisation, autonomous systems and responsible resource extraction, shaping the future of mining in Australia. I'm proud that UNSW Sydney is leading this national effort to ensure our mining sector remains globally competitive while meeting the demands of a low carbon future."
This Research Hub will drive innovation in decarbonisation, autonomous systems and responsible resource extraction, shaping the future of mining in Australia.
Tackling current and emerging challenges
The Australian government announced federal funding for 13 new research hubs and training centres this week, focused on strategic national priorities.
Under the ARC's Industrial Transformation Research Program, new training centres and research hubs will support university-based researchers and the private sector to work together to address significant challenges.
ARC Chief Executive Officer Professor Ute Roessner said the new initiatives would promote research to benefit Australian industries.
"Bringing together leading Australian researchers and key industry partners, the newly funded Training Centres and Hubs will cultivate the next generation of industry-focused researchers to address current and emerging challenges," Prof. Roessner said.
"Their work will support innovation, strengthen Australia's research capability and boost productivity across key sectors."
