$1.25 million awarded through WA METS Innovation Program

Five companies in the state have been awarded $1.25 million in total under the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) METS Innovation Program.

According to a statement from WA mines minister David Michael, the funding of $250,000 per grant is matched by each mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector company, aiding projects that will “directly accelerate the development of new WA companies, products and markets”.

Projects include those by Electric Power Conversions Australia (EPCA), which is developing a cooling system for batteries in retrofitted electric mining trucks, and Big Roller Overland Conveyor Company, developing an energy-efficient ore conveyor.

“Supporting research into cutting-edge technologies and techniques helps bring new products and services to market quicker,” said Michael in a statement on Wednesday.

“MRIWA funding is helping deliver this Government’s economic diversity priorities, while working to sustain our globally competitive mining sector through targeted research.” 

The MRIWA is a statutory body established by the state government. 

Projects supported align with its focus areas, including low-emissions technologies, precision and low-impact mining, critical minerals, and the alternative use of tailings and waste.

A list of grant recipients and their projects is reproduced below

• Total Marine Technology – Automation System for Processing Tank Descale Rig with Advanced AI driven 4D radar and 3D camera technologies;
• Aquirian Limited – Collar Keeper System Automation Phase;
• Big Roller Overland Conveyor Company – Big Roller, energy-efficient overland conveying;
• Electric Power Conversions Australia – Cooling System for Retrofitted Electric Mining Truck batteries; and
• CMG Operations – Raptor Grav – a next generation airborne gravimeter.

Picture: credit EPCA