Welcome to the latest issue of MINE Australia.
This edition, we look beyond Australia, and even the Earth itself, as we consider what lessons the mining industry can learn from studying the stars. Inspired by Curtin University’s analysis of a meteorite that fell to Earth, we ask what kind of mineral potential the celestial bodies could hold, and whether tackling the challenges of space mining could help improve operations here on Earth.
Perhaps most encouragingly, many of these challenges have already been overcome, or at least considered. Space mining would require sophisticated exploration work, autonomous mining and efficient operations, all of which are key points of interest for the mining industry at the moment.
Elsewhere, we consider how Australian mining has impacted, and been impacted by, the actions of its neighbours, both locally and globally.
With the world turning away from Russian products due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, Australian miners backed by Russian interests could struggle; and as China’s interest in Australian commodities cools, new countries in East Asia are in demand as recipients for Australia’s still massive mineral output.
We also look into the work of Geoscience Australia and its latest identified mineral resources report, to see if fears about the gradual exhaustion of the world’s mineral reserves are justified in Australia. We also consider the past, present and future of the Queensland Resources Council.
For all this, and our usual range of news and updates from Ukraine, read on.
JP Casey, editor
