$500,000 research grant for Australian Centre for Geomechanics

3/12/95

Western Australia's aim to become a world-class research centre for the oil and mining industries has moved a step closer as a result of support from the State Government.

The Australian Centre for Geomechanics is to receive $500,000 for research and education projects.

"The centre already receives significant funding from the industry and from its partners," Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan said today.

"The funding is being provided by the Department of Commerce and Trade.

"It will improve the ACG's capacity to return significant benefits to Australia as a whole and specifically to the mining and oil and gas industries."

Geomechanics is the science of rock and soil behaviour under load, one of the most crucial factors in the long-term viability of minerals excavation or stability of petroleum structures.

Applying the principles of geomechanics leads to better excavation design and stability, as well as improved economics and safety at mine sites.

The Australian Centre for Geomechanics was established in 1992. It is a joint venture between the University of Western Australia's Geomechanics Group, CSIRO's Division of Exploration and Mining, the Western Australian School of Mines and the Department of Minerals and Energy.

The centre has 16 corporate members from mining and resources organisations and hopes to increase membership to 40 within five years.

Mr Cowan said the centre had developed an excellent reputation for research projects developed in conjunction with industry and for educational courses which introduced the fundamentals of geomechanics to personnel in the mining and offshore industries.

The centre had told the Government that the funding would be used to employ additional research and education staff, buy major equipment items to pursue its research goals, and develop a strong regional research facility at the WA School of Mines in Kalgoorlie.

"The State Government's support for this work is conditional upon these funds being matched by funds from other sources, including industry, the universities and the Federal Government," the Minister said.

"The Government will consider requests for further funding for the centre in future, subject to the centre's work record and availability of funds."

The Australian Centre for Geomechanics is one of a number of centres of excellence in industry-focused research and development in WA to receive funding commitments in recent months.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 222 9595