A research hub on show at the world's largest mining conference in Sydney is working to develop the next generation of mining methods for critical minerals.
UNSW Sydney and industry partners including the NSW government and Epiroc introduced the Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Next Generation Mining Methods ( NextGenMIN ) at the International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) 2026.
Based at UNSW, the NextGenMIN hub will develop and advance mining processes and systems that support the industry's ambitions for zero waste, zero emissions and zero human entry to mines, while improving productivity and safety using advanced equipment and smart digital systems.
Backed by approximately $27 million in combined cash and in-kind contributions, including $5 million from the ARC , NextGenMIN brings together UNSW, five other Australian universities, more than 20 industry partners and government. It will focus on the next generation of mining methods for critical minerals and strategic materials.
The IMARC conference was a great opportunity to introduce NextGenMIN to the international mining community and its partners, said Professor Serkan Saydam, hub leader and Chair of Mining Engineering at UNSW's School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering.
"It helped us begin conversations about the industry priorities that can deliver practical outcomes for industry," Prof. Serkan said. "We want to bring universities, industry and government together to develop mining methods that are safer, more productive and more sustainable, while preparing the workforce for change."
Having a presence at IMARC introduced the hub to the broader mining industry, recognised its partners and supporters, and showcased the research, technology and innovation priorities that would help shape the future of mining in Australia, he said.
UNSW embraces mining partnerships
A break-out event, held at the NSW Government booth at IMARC, featured remarks from UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs, Madeleine King, Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, and Courtney Houssos, NSW Minister for Natural Resources, as well as industry partner Jerome Cloue, General Manager and Managing Director of Epiroc Australia .
Prof. Brungs said UNSW's ranking as the top university in Australia and number three in the world for Mineral and Mining Engineering brought a responsibility to use its expertise, people and partnerships to shape the industry's future and drive prosperity.
"One of the things I always get asked is, how is AI changing the world? There are some things that AI does quite well now, but one of the great things about a centre like NextGen Mining and its partnerships is that it brings together deep human understanding.
"It is through partnerships that UNSW can make a huge difference in society. The NextGenMIN consortium's target of Zero Waste, Zero Emissions, Zero (human) Mine Entry will be truly industry reshaping.
"A key feature of this partnership is the real focus on what we call industry PhDs. Artificial intelligence can perform a lot of tasks. Given the right inputs it can even do some well. But it cannot ask a genuinely original question.
"Industry PhDs put researchers where the real problems are. They create pathways for people already working in industry to undertake serious postgraduate research. They bring operational experience into universities and carry new knowledge back into industry."
It is through partnerships that UNSW can make a huge difference in society. The NextGenMin consortium's target of Zero Waste, Zero Emissions, Zero (human) Mine Entry will be truly industry reshaping.
Leaders focus on next generation mining
NSW is focused on the state's abundant critical mineral resources and is well positioned to respond to increasing global demand driven by global investment in renewable energy, electric vehicles and other advanced technologies.
Mining in NSW directly employs around 31,000 people, 7500 businesses form part of the wider supply chain, and the industry invests more than $14 billion a year, largely in regional communities, Minister Houssos said, and will continue to play an important role in our economy into the future, particularly as global demand for critical minerals continues to grow.
Minister Houssos congratulated UNSW's School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering and its focus on the future of mining.
"It is a testament to what UNSW is about, which is partnering with industry, looking to the future and making sure that our students are best placed to do the same.
"I love seeing the innovative things that come out of UNSW and the way you continue to partner with industry. It is setting up our students for success, but it is also improving our industry as a whole. I am looking forward to seeing what this partnership is going to achieve."
Madeleine King opened the three-day conference, which attracts thousands of global mining executives, investors, government ministers, diplomats and industry leaders for discussions on the future of the resources sector. She also spoke at the NextGenMIN event.
Minister King said it was crucial for Australia to develop more thought leadership and intellectual property around the processing and delivery of the minerals that we need for the future.
"We need to develop these processes for our national capability, national sovereignty and national security," she said. "I take my hat off to universities. You are our biggest non-commodity-based export industry so it [the work they do] is vitally important and always will be."
Epiroc's Jerome Cloue said mining was undergoing enormous transformation, especially around sustainability, productivity and safety.
"While the world is requiring more minerals, and safer and more sustainable solutions, we know the companies, governments and academia cannot solve these problems on their own. That is why NextGenMIN makes a lot of sense as it is gathering us all together to find the solutions to some of the challenges that mining is going though."
