Cave Mining 2040, which was originally proposed by the SMI's Professor Gideon Chitombo, aims to develop solutions that will reduce lead times and capital investment while also improving viability, safety, cost, production, and societal and environmental acceptance.

Those involved with Cave Mining 2040 will collaborate on projects aimed at developing new and improved cave mining methods that could help meet future demand for minerals.

Paul Lever, CEO of Mining3, said he was looking forward to furthering the collaboration between academia and industry. "Involving researchers, industry and government will accelerate the required innovations and information to transform cave mining, ensuring its longevity through viable and sustainable methods."

SMI Director, Professor Neville Plint said the agreement was important because it brings together two Queensland based, world-class research organizations and that they are "working collaboratively with industry to unlock complex orebodies that occur at depth and require advancements in cave mining technologies.

"We look forward to developing further partnerships to enhance Queensland's and Australia's reputation as a leader in research, technology and innovation."

After an initial consultation with established and future mine owners; mining equipment and technology services, original equipment manufacturers and a range of other organisations, a number of cave mining challenges have been identified.

The first phase of Cave Mining 2040, Horizon 1, is now underway comprising eight research areas - total deposit knowledge, cave engineering, cave establishment, mine design for new and emerging technologies, high stresses and major seismicity, macro-block design and sequencing optimisation, sublevel caving and open automation platform.

Cave Mining 2040 is a cornerstone activity within the Transforming Cave Mining initiative — a partnership between Mining3 and the Sustainable Minerals Institute.