Unlocking Critical Metals from Legacy Mine Waste: Bismuth Characterisation and Recovery Pathways Using Synchrotron XFM (2026)
Abstract
This project will use synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy (XFM) to investigate how the critical metal bismuth (Bi) is distributed within legacy mine waste from the Herberton region, Queensland. By mapping Bi and its associations with other elements at micro-scales, we aim to determine how recoverable it is using modern processing methods. The outcomes will support sustainable resource recovery from historical mine sites and inform future strategies for extracting critical metals from waste, helping reduce environmental risks while contributing to Australia's clean energy transition.
