Fresh Science

Models created by engineers at the University of Western Australia are being used by industry to help keep offshore facilities safe. The team has been conducting laboratory modelling to predict the performance of offshore facilities in the open ocean, including the impact of ship motions and forces due to ocean waves, wind and currents.

Previously unknown species of naturally-occurring bacteria have the potential to save the alumina and aluminium industries millions of dollars while helping to reduce their impact on the environment, microbiologist Naomi McSweeney has found in a collaborative project between Alcoa, CSIRO and the University of Western Australia.

You may not be able to squeeze blood out of a stone but—by applying the right amount of ultrasound during processing—Jianhua (Jason) Du and colleagues from the University of South Australia have been able to squeeze a considerable amount of fresh water from mining waste.

The technology could help mineral processing plants to become more compact, highly efficient, and consume less of resources such as water and power, he says.