- Five Western Australian Mining Equipment,
Technology and Services (METS) companies each awarded matching funding of
$250,000 through the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA)
METS Innovation Program
- Research funding awarded will directly
accelerate the development of new WA companies, products and markets
- The MRIWA METS Innovation Program helps deliver
a key plank of Diversify WA, the State's economic development framework
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.
Projects, including 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, have each received $250,000 in financial
assistance.
This research funding has
been awarded to projects that will directly accelerate the development of
companies, products and new markets benefiting the Western Australian economy.
The five successful
companies and projects were:
- Total Marine Technology - Automation System for
Processing Tank Descale Rig with Advanced AI driven 4D radar and 3D camera
technologies;
- Aquirian Limited - Collar Keeper System
Automation Phase;
- Big Roller Overland Conveyor Company - Big
Roller, energy-efficient overland conveying;
- Electric Power Conversions Australia - Cooling
System for Retrofitted Electric Mining Truck batteries; and
- CMG Operations - Raptor Grav - a next generation
airborne gravimeter.
The $3 million METS
Innovation Program supports industry-led METS-related research projects with
matched funding of up to $250,000 for eligible companies, as well as
facilitation assistance for collaborative projects.
The program 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.
Applications to the next
METS funding round close on 4 March 2025.
For more information on
how to apply and to register your interest, visit: https://www.mriwa.wa.gov.au/research-funding/grant-applications/mets-application-information/
Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael:
"The Westen Australian
METS sector underpins the global success and competitiveness of our minerals
and mining industries.
"Supporting research into
cutting-edge technologies and techniques helps bring new products and services
to market quicker.
"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."
