New director leads minerals and energy research

Leaders

An internationally recognised metallurgical engineer has been appointed Director of the University of Adelaide's new Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources (IMER).

As IMER Director, Professor Stephen Grano will foster large-scale research projects of global significance for the mineral and energy resource industries, drawing together a range of disciplines and expertise.

"We will be establishing large research programs and partnerships that will help these critical industries grow in a manner that is technically, economically, socially and environmentally sustainable," said Professor Grano.

"We will be addressing the complex research challenges faced by the mineral and energy sectors by providing integrated research, education, professional development and consulting services."

Professor Grano has come to the University of Adelaide from the Ian Wark Research Institute at the University of South Australia, where he was Research Professor of Minerals Processing, initially joining them in 1987. There he led major research projects in mineral processing with significant benefit for industry.

Before that Professor Grano worked as metallurgist with Mount Isa Mines, working in both copper and lead/zinc streams.

Last year, Professor Grano won the 2009 South Australian Science Excellence Award for Excellence in Research Commercialisation in recognition of the range of industry partnerships forged at national and international levels. His research was recognised for having the potential to make a major contribution to reducing energy consumption and improving productivity in mineral processing operations.

He has extensive industrial experience in mineral flotation and has been involved in a diverse range of flotation operations around the world.

"Stephen works closely with the minerals and energy industries and has an excellent track record in successful technology transfer to industry," said Professor Mike Brooks, the University of Adelaide's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research).

"He has extensive leadership experience, an outstanding record of success in winning grant funding, and has brought together a range of national and global industry partnerships over the past 20 years.

"His expertise and experience will be key to the development of the University's Institute for Mineral and Energy Resources as a premier research facility for the mining and energy sectors."

www.adelaide.edu.au/imer

Story by Robyn Mills