How will our resource use and mining operations change as we move towards a sustainable, decarbonised future? 

In this episode, Jessica is joined by Professor Michael Hitch, the Head of Curtin University’s renowned Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering (WASM: MECE). The school has for the past six years ranked as the world’s second-best mining school in the QS World University Rankings by Subject. 

Together, they unpack how the mining industry is shifting towards a greater focus on economic sufficiency, social wellbeing and biophysical integrity. 

• Benefits of adopting a circular economy [01:11]
• Importance of a ‘Social License to Operate’ [08:55]
• Challenges in the developing world [11:55]
• Professor Hitch’s transition from industry to academia [14:13]
• Western Australia’s role in the future of mining [16:22]
• Rethinking our use of sustainable resources [19:08]

Learn more

• Curtin University: Resources, mining and minerals research website
• The Extractive Industries and Society: European mining and the social license to operate
• The Extractive Industries and Society: Miners and mendicants: A cautionary tale
• WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering website

Connect with our guests

Professor Michael Hitch is the Head of WASM: MECE. Prior to beginning his academic career, he had 20 years of industry experience, which saw him travel frequently around the globe. 

Professor Hitch has extensively studied the benefits of the circular economy model, Social Licenses to Operate, sequestering human-caused carbon dioxide emissions and extracting valuable byproducts in mining processes.

• Professor Hitch’s Twitter profile
• Professor Hitch’s staff profile
• Professor Hitch’s LinkedIn profile
• WA School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering LinkedIn profile

Join Curtin University

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

• Work with us
• Study a research degree
• Start postgraduate education

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Transcript

https://thefutureof.simplecast.com/episodes/sustainable-resources/transcript

 

Behind the scenes

This episode came to fruition thanks to the combined efforts of:

Jessica Morrison, Host

Anita Shore, Executive Producer

Annabelle Fouchard, Producer and Recordist

Daniel Jauk, Episode Researcher and Editor

Alexandra Eftos, Assistant Producer

Amy Hosking, Social Media.

 

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

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