Federal government co-invests in high-tech ore sorting process

EQ Resources Limited has announced that it has successfully secured $600,000 in co-investment from the federal government’s Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC) via the $30 million Commercialisation Fund, allowing it to expand its advanced technologies for tungsten recovery at its Mt Carbine mine. The mine, near Cairns, is Australia’s only primary tungsten producer.

Combined investment from EQ Resources, its partners and AMGC, totalling $1.97 million, will assist in commercialising industrial-scale operations for an advanced minerals processing flowsheet developed for the Mt Carbine Expansion Project.

Technologies to be incorporated include the advanced XRT ore sorting technology from TOMRA Sorting Pty Ltd, as well as hyperspectral imaging sensors developed by Plotlogic Pty Ltd. The implementation will further be supported by CRONIMET Australia Pty Ltd and the University of Queensland Sustainable Minerals Institute.

AMGC is an industry-led, not-for-profit organisation established through the Australian Government’s Industry Growth Centres Initiative. AMGC’s vision is to transform Australian manufacturing to become an internationally competitive, dynamic and thriving industry with advanced capabilities and skills at its core.

“EQ Resources’ project brings together industry and research leaders to commercialise a world-leading technology which will convert what was once a mining waste product into new revenue streams,” said AMGC’s Managing Director, Dr Jens Goennemann. “The project proves that Australia’s manufacturing industry is stepping forward to develop globally relevant solutions which will improve operations and add value in the process.”

“We are delighted to have the support of AMGC for this blending of advanced technologies to drive the sustainable future for Mt Carbine,” said EQR’s Chief Executive Officer, Kevin MacNeill. “EQR is committed to seeking leading-edge solutions to enhance smart processing and reduce energy and water use in our mine of the future.

“The journey does not end here as we will continue to seek technology solutions to enhance our sustainable mining and treatment practices to ensure Mt Carbine optimises its pathway towards building a circular mining venture.”