Predicting the interactions between rivers and groundwater pumping

Abstract We summarise research that the eWater Cooperative Research Centre is carrying out incorporating groundwater-surface water interaction capabilities into the next generation of river management tools being developed for Australia's large river basins. We describe three simplified modelling approaches that are currently in development: (i) a reach scale 'Groundwater-Surface Water Link' model, which operates as a groundwater link to river models and accounts for interactions at the river-reach scale; (ii) a sub-reach scale 'Floodplain Processes' model, which dynamically models bank storage, evapotranspiration, and floodplain inundation. It enables more refined modelling of groundwater-surface water interactions, and can be linked to ecological response models; and (iii) a catchment scale model that estimates the surface and sub-surface flow components to streams

Social capital in the life-of-mine

Innovation remains a pathway to increased productivity and a route for meeting future supply. Innovation is a strong driver of change in the resource sector and will impact on an increasingly savvy society. Therefore, new relationships with society are required to protect the value of the resource and build social capital. Developing a more systematic set of rules and norms to manage social capital through the life of mine is becoming increasingly important and could be tackled in a similar way to pre-feasibility studies. In regards to automation, pinning a long-term relationship on the promise of jobs to come - which may be engineered out during the course of an operation - is not an act of respectful partnership. Instead, we must work together to identify what can be delivered through the course of a 30 year relationship, and create institutions and mechanisms from which all can benefit

Foresighting for the Australian minerals industry: findings from the AusIMM survey

The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (The AuslMM), the CSIRO Minerals Down Under (MDU) National Research Flagship in collaboration has conducted a survey of AuslMM members to identify the critical factors they believe will shape the development of the Australian minerals industry over the next 20-30 years. The purpose of this survey, and the larger program of fore sighting work being carried out within CSIRO, has been to foster forward thinking about future technology requirements, capacity constraints and stewardship of environmental and social capital in regional Australia to inform this decade's research and development investment decisions. The technological improvements and innovation were seen as the key means through which the industry would be able to achieve greater cost efficiencies or improved returns in the future. MDU conducted this research to help develop scenarios exploring the future uncertainties of the Australian minerals industry

Our future world: global megatrends that will change the way we live

This CSIRO report discusses the possible ways the environment and natural resources will be used in the future and how society and culture will accommodate and adjust to these changes. Despite the challenge, humanity has an incredible ability to innovate and adapt. The More from less megatrend explores how companies, governments and communities will discover new ways of ensuring quality of life for current and future generations within the confines of the natural world’s limited resources.   Science, technology, business processes, government policy, lifestyle patterns and cultural norms will all play a role

Article Circular Economy: Questions for Responsible Minerals, Additive Manufacturing and Recycling of Metals

www.mdpi.com/journal/resource