UQ Tailings Innovation Summit
Workshops
17 & 20 November 2026
The UQ Tailings Innovation Workshops are interactive and designed to deepen understanding, build collaboration and advance responsible tailings management
Take advantage of our special discounted rate and attend a second workshop for only $199.
Please note that, due to workshop timings, delegates may register for a maximum of one pre-Summit workshop and one post-Summit workshop.
All workshops will be held in UQ Brisbane City.
The workshops on Tuesday 17 November will end by 4.45pm so that delegates can attend the Welcome Reception in the venue's Atrium. Entrance to the Welcome Reception is included in the ticket cost.
Workshops Tuesday 17 November 2026
Workshop 01
OreSand Masterclass & Innovation Ecosystem Workshop: Building a circular economy through tailings reduction
OreSand is a circular economy solution that reduces tailings generation while producing sustainable, low-carbon manufactured sand directly from metal ore bodies during mineral processing. By creating a valuable sand by-product, it can significantly reduce reliance on sand extracted from rivers, coastlines, and other sensitive ecosystems.
This workshop combines research, industry experience, and policy insights to provide practical strategies for advancing mining circularity. Participants will learn why previous tailings repurposing initiatives have struggled, how OreSand can be produced at scale, and where the greatest commercial and social value exists. Real-world case studies demonstrate pathways to transform mining waste into long-term economic and environmental benefits.
Workshop 02
Tailings Disaster Prevention through a Social Science Lens
This interactive workshop explores tailings disaster prevention through a social science lens, framing tailings management as both a technical and social challenge. It examines how vulnerability, institutional memory, and community participation shape disaster risk in tailings management.
Through a combination of presentations, group discussions, and practical exercises, participants will engage with interdisciplinary perspectives and reflect on how more integrated, inclusive, and prevention-oriented approaches can strengthen tailings management for more sustainable outcomes.
Workshop 03
Lab to Landscape: Scalable Monitoring of Mine Waste Using Spectroscopy, Drones and Satellites
This workshop equips mining and government leaders with a state-of-the-art understanding of mine waste monitoring, using drones, satellite and laboratory hyperspectral, multispectral, and LiDAR systems.
Participants will explore how these emergent technologies are quantifying erosion, spatially mapping mineral signatures linked to acid rock drainage, and acting as early-warning systems. The program will cover lab-scale spectroscopy, drone surveying, and satellite observation to enable monitoring over multiple or large sites. Case studies will demonstrate the operational value, and we will discuss what is required to achieve environmental assurance.
Interactive elements include hands-on sample scanning and a guided drone activity.
Workshops Friday 20 November 2026
Workshop 04
Sourcing Minerals for Carbon Removal Roundtable
This workshop is designed to bring together mining professionals interested in carbon removal and carbon removal experts seeking to understand mining and mineral resource assessment. The workshop will provide an overview of carbon removal credit markets and key technologies, focusing on mineral-based pathways such as enhanced rock weathering, surficial mineralisation, and ocean alkalinity enhancement.
Sessions include a carbon credit buyer perspective, a start-up case study, and in-depth talks on sourcing minerals, including from tailings. Participants will also take part in an interactive exercise focused on identifying potential mineral sources in Queensland. The workshop will emphasise practical insights and cross-sector understanding.
Workshop 05
Metal Characterisation and Recovery from Tailings Roundtable
Tailings represent both a long-standing environmental liability and an alternative source of critical minerals, strategic materials, and precious metals. Reprocessing legacy and fresh tailings offers a pathway towards a more circular, sustainable minerals supply chain, yet the real challenge lies in translating characterisation and quantification into recoverable pathways.
Hosted by the Mine Waste Transformation through Characterisation (MIWATCH) research group, this workshop opens with a global overview on tailings reprocessing before turning to characterisation, quantification, and lab-scale reprocessing outcomes through a series of case studies. Participants will explore key challenges and opportunities, and work together to shape priorities for the future of tailings reprocessing.
Private meeting
Coalition for Responsible Sand and Silicates Advisory Board
By invitation only.
- For more information visit the website: responsiblesand.org
- If you are interested in joining, please contact Louise Gallagher: louise@responsiblesand.org