Precision and Low Impact Mining Technologies inventory ​

The Challenge

To ensure the minerals industry meets Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, a focus on responsible mining practices, reduced footprints and mitigation of environmental impacts are essential. Despite technological advancements, legislative bodies and research institutes lack knowledge on novel and emerging Precision and Low Impact Mining (PLIM) technologies. 

Key Findings

In Western Australia, underground and solution mining exhibited significantly higher extraction and spatial precision than open pit mining. Underground mining also demonstrated the lowest overall environmental impact, while solution mining achieved comparable results.  

The greatest potential to improve material extraction precision was demonstrated via phyto-mining, solution mining, and in-situ recovery. Autonomous haulage, dry stacking and the Jameson Concentrator demonstrated greater reductions in disturbance footprints compared to conventional technologies. Adoption barriers included scalability, geological suitability and groundwater contamination risks. 

Benefits to WA

Preliminary quantitative baselines to characterise the Western Australian mining industry were developed. It established quantifiable precision and environmental impact metrics to support the identification of potential PLIM technologies, providing a foundation for strategic decision making on future research investments in technologies with the greatest environmental benefit.