Top international research engineers and scientists have gathered in Wollongong to discuss developments in ‘‘green mining’’.
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The sixth International Symposium on Green Mining is the result of a collaboration between the University of Wollongong and China University of Mining and Technology.
More than 120 delegates from Australia, China, Japan, Poland and the US are attending, with talks starting at Novotel this morning.
Organiser Dr Ting Ren, a senior lecturer in mining engineering at UOW, said the mining industry was increasingly focused on reducing environmental impact, while maintaining or maximising the recovery of resources.
‘‘This is a forum for research scientists and engineers to put some of the best ideas together on how we can achieve the objectives of so-called green mining,’’ Dr Ren said.
The two-day symposium includes talks on intelligent mining technology in China’s coalmines, techniques for extracting gas and coal seam gas, emissions control, water protection, minimising mining subsidence, the use of virtual reality in mine rescue training and developments in automation.
‘‘Automation is probably the ultimate goal for any sort of mining operation,’’ Dr Ren said.
‘‘Automation is being implemented in lots of underground and surface mines in Australia but to a certain level we are still developing and improving the technology.
‘‘We are hoping in the next five or 10 years this technology will be more reliable and more intelligent.’’
Dr Ren said the symposium was a product of important ties between UOW and the China University of Mining and Technology.
‘‘This is another milestone in promoting collaboration,’’ he said.
‘‘It is very likely that we will be able to bring some more industry support to the university and perhaps bring in some tourism or investment to the Illawarra.’’