Five Western Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) companies have been awarded a total of $1.25 million under the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) METS Innovation Program.
The five companies receiving $250,000 each are Total Marine Technology, Aquarius, Big Roller Overland Conveyor Company, Electric Power Conversions Australia, and CMG Operations.
The Western Australian Government says the research funding has been awarded to projects that will directly accelerate the development of companies, products, and new markets benefiting the Western Australian economy.
These projects include a robotic process tank descaling system, an energy-efficient ore conveyor, a cooling system for batteries in retrofitted electric mining trucks, a next-generation airborne gravimeter and an automated platform to optimise processes and reduce personnel risk in drilling.
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael says Western Australia’s METS sector underpins the “global success and competitiveness” of the minerals and mining industries.
“Supporting research into cutting-edge technologies and techniques helps bring new products and services to market quicker,” Michael says.
“The Cook Labor Government through its Diversify WA industry development framework is supporting the growth of the METS sector to the benefit of WA.
“MRIWA funding is helping deliver this government’s economic diversity priorities, while working to sustain our globally competitive mining sector through targeted research.”
The METS Innovation Program supports industry-led METS-related research projects with matched funding of up to $250,000 for eligible companies, alongside facilitation assistance for collaborative projects.
The program also supports the development of new technologies in strategic focus areas including low-emissions technologies, precision and low-impact mining, critical minerals, and the alternative use of tailings and mine waste.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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