SoS Minerals research is aimed at the interface between
Sustainable Use of Natural Resources (SUNR) Theme
Theme Leader ‐ Professor Louise Heathwaite
Challenge 1 (of 4) – Extending the Resource Base
Goal to predict the environmental implications of current and future use of non‐renewable natural resources, with an emphasis on resource use for energy
Other SUNR research funded so far, include CCS, bioenergy and, most recently, Resource Recovery from Waste.
Extensive consultation with experts, public fora and industry 2010‐2011
Action Plan – defining the initiative – published in 2011.
Goal 1
Understand E‐tech element cycling and concentration in natural systems
Goal 2
Understand how to predict and mitigate the environmental effects of extraction and recovery of E‐tech elements
Adrian Boyce, Professor of Applied Geology, SUERC, Chair
Alan Gibbon, Development Director of New Technology, MIRO
Hylke Glass, Rio Tinto Professor of Mining and Minerals Engineering, Camborne School of Mines
Gus Gunn, Leader, BGS Minerals Sustainability Team, British Geological Survey
Barrie Johnson, Professor of Environmental Biotechnology, Bangor University
Steve Roberts, Professor of Geology, Soton (NOC)
Dan Smith, Lecturer in Applied and Environmental Geology, University of Leicester
Mark Tibbet, Professor of Soil Ecology, Cranfield University
Frances Wall, Professor and Head of Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter
Bruce Yardley, Professor of Metamorphic Geology, University of Leeds
Terms of Reference
• advise on the programme’s strategic priorities
• refine the programme’s science focus
• lay the foundation of a Science Plan
• advise on the development of user engagement
Review research opportunities from all lists of Critical Metals and Materials
Determine specific targets within the bounds of NERCs remit (TAP 3 Challenges)
Two goals were defined and E‐Tech elements specified
Draft to NERC – re‐refined
International Review
Science Plan approved and published late 2012
Elements important to environmental technologies
Significant knowledge gaps
Elements critical to environmental technologies
Significant knowledge gaps
Li
Co Te Se Nd
V
In Ga HREE
Elements important to environmental technologies
Some knowledge gaps
Elements critical to environmental technologies
Some knowledge gaps
Nb
C
PGM
Importance to Environmental Technologies
Goal 1: Understand E‐tech element cycling and concentration in natural systems
Goal 2: Understand how to predict and mitigate the environmental effects of extraction and recovery of E‐tech elements
Opportunity for reducing impact
Significant science opportunities
Ecosystem disturbance
Phyto technologies
Significant opportunity for reducing impact
Significant science opportunities
Bio‐processing
Co‐product recovery
Geometallurgy
Ionic Liquids
In situ mining
Opportunity for reducing impact
Some science opportunities
Significant opportunity for
reducing impact
Some science opportunities
Mine waters
Leaching
Importance to Environmental Technologies
Goal 1: Understand E‐tech element cycling and concentration in natural systems
Goal 2: Understand how to predict and mitigate the environmental effects of extraction and recovery of E‐tech elements
Announcement of Opportunity January 2013
Launched at CBI ‐ February 2013
The Catalyst Grants
provide development opportunities
Evidence gathering, strategic reviews and research needs/impact assessments
Planning and hosting of themed 'research challenge workshops' and research meetings
Two stages of Implementation
Building appropriate research strategies, plans and proposals
Catalyst Phase
Bringing together working partnerships, collaborations and management mechanisms Main Research Grant Stage
(can bring international experts to assist)
Developing leading teams and management structures
EPSRC involvement – Exciting development
Developing Knowledge Exchange and Communication Strategies
Now £1M in catalyst pot
Importance of Collaboration – Cross‐disciplinarity ‐ NERC‐EPSRC
Industrial Partnership/s – Essential Criteria
“The direct involvement and contribution of industrial partners
will be a sine qua non for the SoS Minerals programme.”
Engagement
Exploration – Mining – Processing – Refining – End‐users
23
Proposals
131 Investigators
36
Institutes in UK
64
40
11
Engineering
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Material Sciences
Chemistry
Biosciences
Computing
Business
Industrial Partners
University/Institute Partners
Survey/Agency Partners
sosminerals@nerc.ac.uk
LEARN MORE – JOIN IN
Environmental Sustainability Knowledge Transfer Network
Dedicated website – with active memberships across Academia, Policy and Industry
Google “SoS Minerals Connect”
Security of Supply of Mineral Resources
(SoS Minerals)