Monash research flags overlooked step in battery recycling

By Hannah Winks

Thursday, 12 March 2026

NewsTechnology & Innovation

New research from Monash University has identified the pre-treatment stage of lithium-ion battery recycling as a significant contributor to both environmental impact and material recovery efficiency.

The MOU supports Metallium’s plan to develop a national network of e-waste processing facilities, strategically located near major e-waste collection hubs, rapidly expanding U.S. data centre industrial parks and regional industrial corridors with strong logistics and waste generation.

Emerson PACSafe Integrated Safety Controller

New technologyTechnology & Innovation

Emerson PACSafe Integrated Safety Controller

A scalable, flexible, and reliable Configurable Safety Controller Available from Control Logic is Emerson’s PACSafe Configurable Safety Controller for integrated Category 4, Performance Level e, SIL3 machine safety applications in the packaging, food and beverage, life sciences, and manufacturing industries. With an extensive library of TÜV-certified SIL3 function blocks, and icon-based, drag-and-drop configuration, the PACsafe controllers enable quick deployment and a safe state reaction time of 15ms, so you’ll no longer have to choose between performance and flexibility. Emerson’s PACSafe solutions easily scale from small to complex machines, with the intuitive graphical-based software, complete with an extensive library of TÜV-certified SIL3 function blocks. This can enable quick integration of e-stops, pull wire, interlock gates, optical sensors, two-hand controls, safety mats...

World’s largest mineral exploration centre launches

ExplorationNewsTechnology & Innovation

World’s largest mineral exploration centre launches

BY JESSICA CUMMINS A NEW $218 million research collaboration has launched in Adelaide that will develop new technologies to increase the discovery of mineral deposits across the country. The MinEx Cooperative Research Centre (MinEx CRC) was opened at the Australian Geoscience Council Convention in Adelaide on 15 October. The centre, backed by a $50 million Federal Government grant, was a collaboration between 34 companies in the Mining Equipment, Technology and Services (METS) and majors including BHP, South32, Anglo American and Barrick, which will commit $165 million over the next decade. It would also be supported by research organisations including the CSIRO, University of Adelaide, Curtin University, University of South Australia, the University of Western Australia, University of Newcastle,...

Quartz potential easily sorted

Industry ProfilesNewsTechnology & Innovation

Quartz potential easily sorted

LASER sorting technology developed by TOMRA is being used to unlock the full potential of quartz deposits. With a structural approach to sorting that’s unique in the market, the scattering effect of multiple laser beams can be used to separate a quartz rock from a similar-looking one containing no quartz: quartz or quartz veins will appear as a glowing crystals because quartz returns the laser light in a larger area, while others will remain dark with no visible scattering. Large and pure crystals can be clearly discriminated from other rocks or minerals with a smaller crystal structure, regardless of the colour or chemical composition. Indeed, the quartz market is already witnessing a steady growth, and this trend is expected to continue. Analysts...

Fortescue to develop green iron technology with Chinese steelmaker

InternationalNewsTechnology & Innovation

Fortescue to develop green iron technology with Chinese steelmaker

Fortescue (ASX: FMG) will collaborate with Taiyuan Iron and Steel Group (TISCO), a subsidiary of China Baowu, to trial an emerging green ironmaking technology.

Fortescue removes high-risk rodenticides from operations

NewsProjects & Operations

Fortescue removes high-risk rodenticides from operations

Fortescue has removed second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARS) from its operations, in a move to reduce risks to native wildlife, including threatened species such as the Northern Quoll.

Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada has seen its final day of production after 23 years of operation.

NewsProjects & Operations

Rio Tinto diamond mine delivers final production

Rio Tinto’s (ASX: RIO) Diavik diamond mine in the Northwest Territories of Canada has seen its final day of production after 23 years of operation.

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) and Curtin University have advanced research into environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, building on their three-year collaboration to demonstrate the technology’s potential to support biodiversity surveying in remote and sensitive environments.

NewsTechnology & Innovation

MinRes and Curtin advance eDNA research for biodiversity monitoring

Mineral Resources (ASX: MIN) and Curtin University have advanced research into environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring, building on their three-year collaboration to demonstrate the technology’s potential to support biodiversity surveying in remote and sensitive environments.

Fenix Resources (ASX: FEX) is bracing its Mid-West operations in WA for the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle and diesel fuel delivery uncertainty linked to global supply constraints.

NewsProjects & Operations

WA iron ore operations hit by cyclone and fuel shortages

Fenix Resources (ASX: FEX) is bracing its Mid-West operations in WA for the impacts of Tropical Cyclone Narelle and diesel fuel delivery uncertainty linked to global supply constraints.