The Extractive Metallurgy Hub brings together six specialised laboratories and pilot-scale processing facilities to support research across the entire extractive metallurgy pathway from fundamental material characterisation to flowsheet development and process scale-up.
Supported by experienced researchers and technical specialists, the Hub provides a collaborative environment for research, analytical services, process development, workforce training and industry engagement.
Read our brochures below for more information.
Work with us
Partner with the Extractive Metallurgy Hub to access advanced analytical facilities, specialist expertise and bench- and pilot-scale processing capabilities. Contact us to discuss:
- Analytical and characterisation services
- Collaborative research and industry projects
- Process development and optimisation
- Tailored professional development courses
Email: A.Nikoloski@murdoch.edu.au
Mineral processing lab
The Mineral Processing Laboratory focuses on improving processes of separating commercially valuable minerals from their ores using properties such as density, magnetism, and surface chemistry. This requires a good understanding on the use of various techniques such as crushing, grinding, milling, flotation, magnetic and gravity separation.
For more information about the lab, or to book it, view the PDF below.
Pyrometallurgy lab
The Pyrometallurgy Laboratory is dedicated to conducting research and experiments on metallurgical processes that involve high temperatures, such as investigating the optimal calcination temperature for α- to β-spodumene conversion, lithium metal production by molten salt electrolysis, development of the salt roast-water leach process for vanadium, among various industrial projects.
For more information about the lab, or to book it, view the PDF below.
Hydrometallurgy lab
The Hydrometallurgy Laboratory plays a crucial role in developing sustainable and efficient metal recovery processes, including leaching, purification, and metal recovery techniques. Professor Aleks and his team have researched and developed hydrometallurgical methods for various commodities over the years.
For more information about the lab, or to book it, view the PDF below.
Electrometallurgy lab
For more information about the lab, or to book it, view the PDF below.
Solids characterisation lab
The Solids Characterisation Laboratory is equipped to provide detailed mineralogical study of mineral surfaces, as well as the thermal behaviour of the materials, with recently completed study looking at resolving the melting issue in the rotary kiln of spodumene processing.
For more information about the lab, or to book it, view the PDF below.
Analytical chemistry lab
The Analytical Laboratory has been furnished with state-of-the-art analytical equipment to empower the research and development work in the hub. The techniques utilised in this lab, which include ICP-OES, XRF, XRD, will enable a full range of physical and chemical examination of various materials including time-sensitive materials requiring quick turnaround.
For more information about the lab, or to book it, view the PDF below.
Autoclave lab
Pilot plant facility
The Extractive Metallurgy Hub’s pilot plant facility provides the ideal space for testing and up scaling our advanced technologies. It houses two key pilot plants: the Copper Electrowinning Pilot Plant, and the Continuous Leach Circuit.