Monash launches national low-emission steel Hub
(L-R): Prof. Sankar Bhattacharya, Prof. Jie Bao, Prof. Sharon Pickering, Prof. Ute Roessner AM, Dr. Tim Evans and Prof. Geoff Wang
This week, Monash University officially launched the Australian Research Council (ARC) Research Hub for Smart Process Design and Control, a national initiative to accelerate greener, more sustainable steel production.
Steel underpins global infrastructure, yet its production contributes around eight per cent of global CO₂ emissions. The new Hub unites researchers from Monash University, Macquarie University, The University of Queensland, UNSW and Western Sydney University.
Industry partners include including Rio Tinto, Baowu Group Co. Ltd. and China Steel Corporation, keen to advance low-emission steelmaking while strengthening the long-term competitiveness of Australian iron ore.
Guests heard from VIP speakers Professor Sharon Pickering, Vice-Chancellor and President, Monash University; Professor Ute Roessner AM, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Research Council; Dr Tim Evans, Chief Engineer at Rio Tinto; Professor Jie Bao, UNSW; and Professor Geoff Wang, The University of Queensland.
Hub Director Professor Sankar Bhattacharya said the initiative will drive fundamental change in the sustainability of one of the world’s most critical industries.
“This Hub will create smarter, cleaner and more efficient steelmaking processes. By combining simulation, AI and industrial testing we can transform one of the world’s most critical industries to use diverse Australian ore while keeping Australia at the forefront of sustainable innovation,” he said.
“Collaboration between universities and industry can tackle one of the most urgent climate challenges while keeping Australia - and Australian iron ore - competitive in global markets.”
The Hub will also train the next generation of engineers and researchers to lead Australia’s transition to a low-emission industrial economy.
Read more about the Hub in The Australian Mining Review here.
