Sustainable Minerals Institute


The Sustainable Minerals Institute at the University of Queensland is a research institute focused on understanding and implementing the principles of sustainable development through engagement with industry contacts from geology to mining, processing and disposal. In 2022, the institute was awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to develop research into sustainable resources for the mining industry. The founder, Alban Lynch, died in 2021.

Centres

SMI has six Centres:

Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining

The Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining is a research centre committed to improving the social performance of the global resource industry through independent research, training and professional development, participation in multi-stakeholder dialogue processes, and student research for higher degrees. CSRM's focus is on the social, cultural, economic, and political challenges accompanying mineral resource extraction and on questions of justice, fairness, and equity. CSRM staff engage with industry, communities, and Indigenous and land-connected peoples alike. The centre has a worldwide research interests, with recent publications on mining issues in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Cook Islands, Czech Republic, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, and Suriname.
CSRM was established in 2001. In 2022, it had 40 staff and postgraduate students. Undergraduate programs are not offered.

Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation

The Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation was established at OQ in 1993 and has built on more than twenty years involvement with the mining and minerals industries. CMLR is involved in a broad range of research and training projects with mining companies, industry bodies and government departments from across Australia and the world.

Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre (MISHC)

The Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre is a leading research and training centre focused on innovative, evidence-based approaches that advances health, safety and wellbeing outcomes. MISHC empowers business to operate more effectively by integrating human-centred design, proactive risk management practices with close collaboration with industry and associated communities. MISHC conducts applied research on risk management, critical controls, occupational health, and safety systems, while also delivering professional development programs for high-risk industry. These programs range from short courses to masterclasses designed to equip professionals with practical tools for managing workplace risks proactively and improving safety performance. More information about MISHC’s professional development offerings is available on the SMI Health, Safety and Risk Professional Development page.

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