The Australian Research Council (ARC) has awarded funding to a new research project by The University of Queensland to advance knowledge of Coal Seam Gas (CSG) water treatment.
The $450,000 grant will fund the project, led by Dr Steven Pratt, which aims to develop strategies to mitigate silica scaling at coal seam gas water treatment facilities.
It is hoped the research will lead to a more productive use of assets, improved pretreatment infrastructure, and the environmental benefits of reduced chemical waste and increased water recovery.
Announced by ARC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms Leanne Harvey, and Queensland Minister for Education and Training, Senator the Hon. Simon Birmingham, the funding has been delivered under the ARC’s continuous Linkage Projects scheme.
The project is one of four to receive competitive funding under the scheme, intended to strengthen industry-research collaborative efforts.
The additional three projects awarded funding include:
1. $675,000 to University of Wollongong, for a project led by Professor Buddhima Indraratna, to examine the factors that cause mud pumping and evaluate the effectiveness of subsurface drainage to prevent rail track instability
2. $555,000 to The University of Queensland, for a research project led by Associate Professor Yongjun Peng, to understand the reactions taking place during the recovery of base-metal and precious minerals
3. $195,000 for a research project at The University of Queensland, led by Professor Peter Hayes, to support improved extraction and utilisation of Australia’s iron ore resources
ARC Acting CEO Ms Harvey said, “These new Linkage Projects involve significant collaboration between higher education researchers and other parts of the national innovation system—with matching cash and in-kind contributions provided by Partner Organisations, including: Queensland Gas Company; Australasian Centre for Rail Innovation; BHP Billiton Innovation; and Newcrest Mining.”