Deakin University launches metal resources research centre

Deakin University has officially launched circAlloy, a new research centre dedicated to transforming how Australia designs, uses, reuses and recovers metal resources, in order to strengthen the nation’s capability in sustainable manufacturing and the circular economy.

Bringing together researchers, industry partners and government stakeholders, circAlloy (ARC Training Centre for Resource Efficient Alloys in a Circular Economy) will drive innovation in resource-efficient alloy technologies and support the transition to more sustainable and resilient materials systems, according to the university.

The Centre — supported by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre program — aims to address nationally significant challenges facing Australian industry, including reducing waste, improving material efficiency, lowering emissions and strengthening sovereign capability in advanced manufacturing.

Deakin University Caretaker Vice-Chancellor Professor Matthew Clarke said circAlloy would help position Australia as a leader in sustainable materials innovation.

“Australia mines and exports metals, yet too much of the value — and too much of the material itself — slips through our fingers as waste,” he said. “Every tonne of metal we waste carries with it wasted energy, wasted water and wasted money.

“A nation that designs, uses and recovers its resources more intelligently is a nation that is more self-reliant, more competitive and more secure. That is precisely what circAlloy will achieve.”

The research has practical applications across manufacturing, construction, transport, infrastructure and recycling. Researchers will develop next-generation alloy materials and processes that use fewer raw materials, require less energy to produce, last longer in service and are easier to reuse and recycle at end of life.

A key focus of circAlloy is building Australia’s future workforce through specialised training, industry engagement and research opportunities, which will help develop the next generation of materials scientists, engineers and advanced manufacturing professionals.

Image credit: Deakin University