CSIRO’s Sustainable Mining Technologies Research Program is developing safer and more sustainable mining solutions. Around 100 staff and affiliates work on automation, digital connectivity, environmental performance, and mine safety. The program uses advanced tools like geospatial monitoring, autonomous systems, and real-time sensing.
Romana Dew, Senior Spatial Scientist, focuses on data-informed decision-making. She translates geoscience into visualisations and information for current and future mine operations. Her work helps improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in mining. Romana applies her experience in geology, geography, and palaeogeography to guide innovation and research directions.
Karan Naidu leads the Mobile Mission Operations Centre project. The centre acts as a mobile command hub for remote mining operations and space-related activities. Karan applies knowledge from robotics, automation, and aerospace to create systems that allow zero-entry mining, reducing risk for workers. Technologies tested in remote mines can be adapted for space applications.
Xulu Lin develops distributed fibre optic sensing (DFOS) for underground safety. DFOS turns ordinary fibre optic cables into thousands of sensors. It detects tiny ground movements in real time. Integrating AI and machine learning allows processing large volumes of seismic data quickly. This helps mines monitor stability, improve safety, and make better operational decisions.
The program shows how AI, sensing technologies, and space-inspired innovations can transform mining. Safer operations, better environmental outcomes, and digital tools are shaping the future of the sector.