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Innovative science and technology for resources

With over 100 years of experience, we have been supporting a thriving minerals industry in Australia through innovative science and technology

ExScan 3D underground mapping

Building upon the global success of the LASC longwall automation technology, we invented ExScan, a laser-scanning system that provides real-time data for enhanced navigation in underground mines and 3D mapping capability.

Fugitive emissions abatement

Emissions reductions remains a cornerstone concern in all mining operation. Through decades of expertise in coal mining, we have developed technologies and techniques to mitigate fugitive emissions from mining activity.

SWIRLFLOW agitation system

A simple mixing (agitation) technology, developed using world-class science, proves the best option for the mineral processing industry, saving time and money.

Ultrafine

Analysing ultra-fine particles in soil is helping mineral explorers cost-effectively survey vast areas and hone in on new prospective targets.

Data Mosaic

We’ve developed a web application that automates the interpretation of numerical drill hole data, facilitating rapid and reliable generation of geology logs for building cross-sections and 3D geological models.

MagSonic magnesium

Our award-winning MagSonic technology is an efficient and cost-effective alternative for producing high quality magnesium metal.

Latest news

Net-zero steel

As the world’s largest iron ore producer, Australia has a major role in transitioning steelmaking from around 7 per cent of global emissions to a net-zero emissions industry; what progress are we making towards ‘green’ steel? FRAN MOLLOY explores

Reducing emissions from iron

Increased scrutiny over greenhouse gas emissions in iron and steel production have prompted all parties involved in its value chain to invest significant resources into reducing their carbon footprint. ROBERT HOBSON reports

Hydrogen powered mining

Hydrogen has risen to dizzy heights in recent years as a promising zero-carbon fuel across the world, and although many hydrogen energy systems are in the demonstration phase, the mining sector is set to be an early adopter. FRAN MOLLOY reports

Zero entry digital mining

Could tomorrow’s mines be completely automated, with no humans underground? Will we soon be able to track minerals throughout the value chain, from extraction point to consumption and even to recycling? CSIRO’s Digital Mine experts weigh in on the future of mining. FRAN MOLLOY reports

The new gold standard in assays

Chrysos™ PhotonAssay, a fast, accurate and environmentally friendly technology to detect and analyse gold samples, is a boon to the global mining industry. Located in South Australia, Chrysos is also creating a boon in new job opportunities in the state, writes JANE NICHOLLS

New indicator minerals in the nickel hunt

Finding the next Kambalda, home of Australia’s sulfide nickel mining industry, will be a lot harder than the original discovery, but to aid the process a new indicator mineral exploration technique is emerging from CSIRO research. TIM TREADGOLD reports

Using microbes to mine metals from e-waste

Whether it’s rare earths used in new renewable power and energy storage technologies, certain metals are critical in the transition to a high-tech, low carbon economy. Biomining could help Australia reclaim some of these. MARY-LOU CONSIDINE explores

The exploration toolkit

Drilling allows us to delve deep below the surface and extract rock samples. But simple visual inspection does not reveal the full spectrum of information that rock samples can provide. ADAM COURTENAY reports

Quantum computing and mining

It is widely agreed that whoever develops the quantum computer will change the world but, as Australia eyes a place in the coming Quantum 2.0, the country wields a tool that has already changed mining worldwide. TIMOTHY CONNELL writes

Fluids flow models in sedimentary basins

Advances in fluid flow modelling are emerging as the latest predictive tools in sedimentary basin exploration. By ADAM COURTENAY

Resources for resources

Team CSIRO

We have Australia's largest dedicated R&D team working across the minerals value chain. We assemble multidisciplinary teams, using state-of-art technologies and cutting-edge approaches, to tackle the greatest challenges in the mining and resources industry. We can help you find the solution to make your business thrive.

 Our R&D

Our research programs

Core knowledge

Advanced characterisation

With a suite of state-or-the-art instruments and dedicated laboratories and expertise throughout Australia, our advanced characterisation facility provides multi-scale mineralogical and elemental characterisation data to assist new mineral discovery, mining and material processing

Featured facilities

Our research facilities and specialised laboratories are available to international and Australian industries and researchers - helping you to accelerate research and create new opportunities.

Geoscience Drill Core Research Laboratory

The most advanced collection of instrumentation in Australia specifically assembled for the analysis of drill core specimens.

In-situ Resource Utilisation Facility

The In-situ Resource Utilisation (ISRU) Facility is a lunar testbed, simulating some of the physical characteristics of the Moon’s surface, particularly the lunar dust, for realistic testing and evaluation of assets such as rovers and related equipment.

Environmental & social performance

Responsible resource management

Building a sustainable resources industry

We’ve developing technologies and techniques to support sustainable development goals for the resources industry. From reducing water and energy to developing zero-waste mining practices, we are working with the resources sector to increase environmental and social performance for a sustainable industry

ESG

Critical minerals

Minerals and materials for decarbonisation technologies

The success of the global energy transition relies heavily on the mineral resources sector. As demand for solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage climbs ever higher, so too does our need for a growing supply of critical minerals

Missions

We’re on a mission to solve the biggest issues facing our industry and the planet

Missions Program

As one of the world's largest mission-driven multidisciplinary science and research organisations, we are focusing on the issues that matter the most: for our quality of life, for the economy and for our environment.

Renewable Energy Powerhouse

Delivering renewable energy solutions from our critical minerals

Towards net zero

The Towards Net Zero Mission will help Australian industry and communities prosper in a low emissions world through new economic, social and environmental value.

Hydrogen Industry Mission

The CSIRO Hydrogen Industry Mission was formally launched in May 2021 and focuses on leveraging CSIRO's hydrogen research capabilities in partnership with government, industry and the research community.

AquaWatch Australia

AquaWatch Australia aims to build a comprehensive national water quality monitoring and information system using space-based satellites and in-situ sensors throughout our inland rivers, waterways and coastal environments.

Circular economy

We are providing scientific knowledge to catalyse Australia’s circular economy future.

Minerals technology and expertise applied to Space

We’re harnessing our nation’s technical strengths and natural advantages, generating new innovations that hold the potential to generate significant societal benefits and commercial opportunities and will help transform the Australian space sector

Taking mining technology into orbit

Collaboration is the essential ingredient as CSIRO, Boeing and NASA adapt scanning and mapping tech for operations on the International Space Station. JANE NICHOLLS reports

Space Technology

Developing technologies and capabilities leading to new innovations in the space sector and supporting the growth of the Australian space industry.

Horizon science

Future Science Platforms

Future Science Platforms are critical to turn Australia’s future challenges into opportunities to invent a better future for us all.

Autonomous Sensors

Combining fundamental sensor research and autonomous engineering.

CarbonLock

Developing verifiable, scalable, cost-effective, fast and long-lasting carbon removal solutions.

Deep Earth Imaging

A new pool of young and diverse talent is being brought on board to tackle the next frontier in geoscience – Deep Earth Imaging. The vision is to build a start-up culture where risk-taking is encouraged, writes CSIRO’s DR MIKE MCWILLIAMS, the newly appointed platform leader.

Quantum Technologies

Building capability and expertise to play a key role in the quantum technology industry.

Responsible Innovation

Ensuring socially and ethically responsible science and technology is designed and delivered for the benefit of all Australians.

Future science platforms for innovation

We're investing in four new Future Science Platforms exploring energy storage, carbon locking, immune resilience and biotechnology.

Valuing Sustainability

Measures to underpin sustainable innovation for industries and communities.

Work with us

CSIRO & Co.

Funding and programs

Whether you're a start-up, small or medium sized enterprise or researcher, our programs and funding streams are designed to remove common roadblocks to innovation and progress.

Subcategories

IP and commercialisation

By linking world-class scientific developments with industry, we take research from the lab to the market, creating real-world economic, environmental and society-wide value.

Subcategories

Services

We provide a range of commercial innovation services that help your business benefit from research solutions. We can help you find a practical solution that can be the difference between success and failure.

Subcategories

Commercial success

Commercialisation in action

Chrysos, NextOre and Lasc ExScan are three commercialisation success stories emerging from our portfolio of our mineral resources research and technology development

NextOre giving miners superpower vision to analyse ore

How decades of CSIRO research led to the creation of a world-leading mining innovation company whose technology is making processes more precise, profitable and sustainable. By JANE NICHOLLS

CSIRO technology to help global landmine clearing efforts

CSIRO and corporate advisor RFC Ambrian have developed accurate, cost-effective landmine detection technology which has the capacity to save thousands of lives.

Pyrochar and CSIRO collaborate to decarbonise steelmaking

Pyrochar has announced the successful acquisition of an exclusive global license agreement with CSIRO for an innovative technology that has the potential to decarbonise the steel production industry.

MagSonic slashing emissions at the speed of sound

A remarkable new CSIRO-designed magnesium refining process that slashes both energy use and high-polluting additives, could see Australia nab 10 per cent of global market share for this in-demand metal. FRAN MOLLOY reports

Ultrafines+ boosts LabWest

Ultrafine+, a CSIRO-developed analytical workflow licenced to Western Australian analytical services company, LabWest, is seeing an upsurge in demand from mineral exploration companies. TIMOTHY CONNELL reports

Australia's national science agency

Who we are

For the last century, we've been improving the lives of people everywhere with our science.
We are unique in the breadth and expertise embodied within of our people. We have the agility to draw upon their multidisciplinary skills to tackle the big challenges facing our nation and planet, today and tomorrow. We work to deliver positive impact for our clients and for all Australians.

Our history

Global collaboration

International locations

We focus on delivering connectivity to global science, technology and innovation, as well as accessing new markets for Australian innovation. We have teams based in six countries who act as hubs for their regions, promoting Australian innovation and strengthening the bridges between Australia and the world.

CSIRO Global

Did you know we invented...

Top 10 inventions

We've invented oodles of things that make a difference to the way we live. It was hard to narrow it down but here are our Top 10 inventions from the last 100 years! How many did you know about?