NextOre, a Sydney-based mining technology company, in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney's Robotics Institute, is leveraging medical technology and robotics to improve sustainability and efficiency in the mining sector.
NextOre's magnetic resonance (MR) analyser, originally developed by the CSIRO, is an application of the same technology used in MRI scanners found in hospitals.
It quickly sorts valuable minerals from waste, aiming to reduce fuel, water, and chemical use while minimising waste and tailings. This technology is already operational at several mine sites globally.
In adapting the analyser technology for use in large mining trucks, NextOre sought the assistance of the Robotics Institute at UTS. "We knew from the start that scaling this technology would take more than just smart hardware," said NextOre Chief Operating Officer Shivika Singh. "That's where UTS came in. Their robotics capabilities helped us bring this system to life and their students are now part of our innovation engine."
The partnership is introducing new automation, machine learning, and robotics into the mining industry, changing how the sector operates and creating new opportunities for graduates to enter the industry fully prepared.
As mining increasingly seeks graduates with skills in robotics, automation, software, and AI, this collaboration helps students transition seamlessly from academia to industry.
"We're not just building new tech, we're building the next generation of mining professionals," Singh remarked. "This is where a student with a robotics major can walk straight into a mining company and help shape its future."
Students from UTS are gaining practical experience by working on significant industrial challenges, such as developing a 7-metre MR ore scanner and constructing a lightweight, industrial 3D vision platform.
This initiative supplies NextOre with technically proficient graduates ready to work at the junction of sustainability and technological innovation.
Hung Thai, a UTS Robotics Institute graduate now employed as a mechatronics engineer at NextOre, shared his experience: "When I started my robotics degree, I never imagined I'd end up in mining but through the university's collaboration with NextOre, I got to jump from coursework theory to actual application, where I saw how Robotics, AI and control automation from simulation and lab comes to real life."
"The experience completely transformed my perspective on engineering, and now I'm proud to be part of a team developing technologies that make mining cleaner, smarter, and more efficient."
Kenny Tafianoto, another graduate of the UTS Robotics Institute working at NextOre, also reflected on his unexpected journey into mining: "My journey into automation began with an industry capstone project at UTS. I was intrigued to learn that the mining sector was embracing robotic automation, and through the project - supported by both UTS and NextOre - I gained exposure to both robotics and mining technologies. At the time, I never imagined that just a year later, I'd be flying out to service a machine on an active mine site."
"Working at NextOre has not only deepened my understanding of automation but also accelerated my growth as an engineer."
Associate Professor Gavin Paul from UTS highlighted the benefits of the partnership: "This is a true example of academia meeting industry in a way that benefits both sides. Our students get real-world experience on projects with real impact. And companies like NextOre gain new ideas and fresh talent who can think beyond traditional mining."
NextOre's CEO, Chris Beal, also commented on the environmental implications of the collaboration.
"We're proud to be driving meaningful change in the industry. With UTS, we're not only improving the efficiency of mineral processing - we're demonstrating that mining can be part of a sustainable future."
