The OEM is a global company specialising in mineral processing. They are working with their iron ore mining customer to develop a solution to reduce the fines going to tailings.

They are seeking to fast-track development of a solution by exploring new technologies, processes and methodologies.

This is an industry wide problem, especially for low grade iron ore mines with high silica and alumina content.

During the grinding process, iron ore is downsized into fines to separate the mineral content from the gangue for better recovery efficiency. The current solution, however, is not practical for the recovery of particles less than 8μm and these non-recovered particles are sent as waste to the tailings storage facility (TSF).

The amount of rich iron ore particles going to tailings at the OEM’s customer’s site is estimated at 1.25 million tonnes per annum.

The OEM is seeking to collaborate with a company with complementary capabilities to develop a solution to recover particle sizes of up to 8μm from iron ore slurry during the classification and screening process.

They are interested in processes with:

- separation efficiency of > 50% for a slurry concentration of > 40% by weight;

- scalability to meet industrial targets;

- operational efficiency;

- **TRL of 5 and above; and

- not be based on chemically enabled separation or classification.

With its mining customer, the OEM is keen to explore opportunities with companies that can offer new or existing technologies from the mining, powder, chemical and pharma industries.

Working with companies with complimentary capabilities will fast track development of an industry solution and provide a path to market in mining for the technology partner.

**TRL 5 – Definition for this Challenge:

The intended technology is developed and accessible as pilot scale prototype that demonstrates the actual operational scenario and qualifies all acceptance criteria limited to demonstrating prototype function and performance criteria can be met in the intended operating condition and external environment.

Phase 1 - Submission Period

Suppliers are invited to submit their short-form solution to the challenge by Monday 14 July 2025 for evaluation by Austmine and the OEM. 

The solution submission questions can be viewed here.

A shortlisting process takes place and successful suppliers are invited to participate in Phase 2. 

Phase 2 - Evaluation Period

Shortlisted suppliers will be invited to a technical briefing, where each supplier will be able to gain more information about the challenge from the OEM. This will allow you to refine your proposed solution prior to the next stage. 

Following the technical briefing, suppliers will pitch their solution directly to the OEM online via Teams breakout rooms. This provides the opportunity to ‘sell’ the solution, gain feedback from operational teams and field questions about the solution.

Phase 3 - Full Proposal Submission

Following the Pitch Session, a final shortlisting of supplier(s) takes place.  Shortlisted suppliers are invited to submit their formal technical and economic proposals.

Winner Announced

The OEM will select the best fit solution(s) for the challenge. Unsuccessful suppliers are notified in writing by Austmine.

Solution Submission Deadline
14 July 2025

Shortlisted Suppliers Notified
24 July 2025

Technical Briefing
29 July 2025

Virtual Pitch Sessions
5 August 2025

Final Proposal Deadline
25 August 2025