Amira Global is pleased to welcome Melbourne’s RMIT University to its CoLabs program following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding this week.

The MOU between Amira Global and RMIT paves the way for mining and mining supply companies to use the university’s test facilities to de-risk innovation and technology entering the industry.

RMIT is a valued addition to the Amira CoLabs Program, which connects a network of test facilities around the world.

Members will have facilitated access to RMIT’s test labs on a case-by-case basis.

Amira Global CEO Dr Jacqui Coombes said facilities, such as those offered by RMIT, are helping the mining industry implement technology of economic, social, and environmental value.

“We are extremely fortunate to have RMIT as part of our global network. It is the first university in the CoLabs Program, and we welcome their contribution to fast-tracking the best solutions possible into industry.”

RMIT Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and Vice-President, Professor Calum Drummond, said industry collaboration was a key focus for the university and an important ingredient for producing high impact research.

“Industry is embedded in everything we do and a key way that we’re supporting Australia’s economic recovery,” Prof Drummond said.

“We look forward to codesigning and co-creating solutions with new industry partners.”

RMIT’s Advanced Manufacturing Precinct already has a solid track record in helping industry partners with high value-add technology, such as rapid prototyping and repairs of metal parts in mining using 3D printers.

“Mining companies will find a range of relevant research capability at RMIT, backed by world-class facilities and expertise. Some of these areas include circular economy and sustainability expertise, environmental custodianship, resource processing technology, materials engineering, advanced manufacturing, Industry 4.0, geospatial science and social policy,” he said.

The Amira CoLabs program is designed to:

• Accelerate collaboration across the ecosystem
• Develop pathways for Amira projects within the Futures Programs to enable accelerated translation and implementation of R&D outcomes
• Develop and strengthen pathways for scaling and commercialisation of R&D outcomes
• De-risk R&D outcomes ahead of on-site deployment.

For more information on the MOU or the CoLabs program, please contact Anil Subramanya.