Background
Innovate for a Sustainable Future: Revolutionizing Tailings Management in the Mining Industry
Calling all young innovators and researchers (age 18-35) with a passion to drive change and make a difference! The Mining Innovation and Research Battlefield (MIRB) 2025 competition is looking for inventive solutions that consider the social, environmental, economic, and technical aspects that could revolutionize tailings management, aiming for zero harm to people and the environment.
MIRB is convened by the Development Partner Institute, with a final round of pitching held at Mining Indaba in Cape Town, in February 2025.
Challenge
What are the innovative and sustainable solutions for revolutionizing tailings management, and how can these be applied to achieve zero harm while supporting a more responsible and circular mining economy?
Billions of tonnes of mine tailings are produced globally each year, and the volume is rising due to the increasing demand for minerals and metals and the decrease in the quality of ore grade. Tailings waste from mining activity may contain toxic chemicals and other contaminants, which can remain hazardous for decades. Inadequate management and storage of these tailings can lead to pollution of rivers, water quality, and soil, as well as negative impacts on biodiversity and the ecosystem. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that the exact number of active tailings facilities (containing waste material) is currently unknown, although initiatives are ongoing to determine both the location and status of these facilities. Failures of tailings facilities are continuing to be reported across the globe and community complaints are rising. These failures remain unacceptable to both an evolving mining industry and society.
We encourage you to propose innovative solutions, collaborate with leading experts and engage in dialogue with stakeholders to shape the future of tailings management.
Your research will not only raise the bar for the industry, it will also enhance disclosure, accountability and transparency, with new requirements for independent oversight. Break new ground in areas such as affected communities, integrated knowledge base, facility design and operation, governance, emergency response, and public disclosure. Uncover the key to achieving strong social, environmental, and technical outcomes in tailings management.
Additionally, the MIRB challenges you to revolutionize the concept of waste production in tailings management. Imagine a future where zero waste is the norm, eliminating the environmental impact of this engineered process. Explore materials, supply chains, and innovative approaches to transform current and legacy tailings storage. Your research could pave the way for a sustainable and circular approach to tailings production worldwide.
Through your application, please demonstrate answers to the following elements, focusing on this year’s challenge question:
- What is the objective? What will your solution/research accomplish?
- What makes your solution/research significant, original or creative?
- Describe the process of implementation and time frame.
- What resources (e.g. human, financial, physical) are required?
- How is your proposal going to be rolled out?
- How does it support the Sustainable Development Goals?
DPI request that all applicants upload supporting evidence with more detailed information regarding budget, innovation and methodology.
What's in it for you?
Up to ten of the highest-scoring applications will be shortlisted and notified in mid-November 2024 to prepare their pitches. These finalists will be invited to Round One.
Round One – online, end of November 2024
- Applicants will present a 5-minute pitch to our judging panel, with up to 3 minutes for questions.
- Shortlisted applicants who are unable to present and/or experience technical problems may be asked to submit a pre-recorded video of their pitch for the first round.
- Note: all applicants must be available via phone or video conferencing during the first pitching round for live Q&A after their video
- All finalists will secure an exclusive opportunity to pitch in front of global leaders in mining, and receive peer recognition for their innovative solution/research.
Up to four proposals will be taken forward to Round 2.
Round Two – in-person, 4 February 2025:
- The Round 2 finalists will present an updated 5-minute pitch in-person and on stage at Mining Indaba, with time for questions from our judging panel of industry experts.
- Round 2 finalists will receive a delegate pass to Mining Indaba, in Cape Town, South Africa (valued at £2,515).
- The winner of the $25,000 research grant will be announced at this event.
- All Round 2 finalists will receive exclusive networking opportunities and access to partner events at Mining Indaba.
The Winning Pitch:
In addition to having the opportunity to pitch in front of the world’s top mining companies and receive recognition for your research, the winning Innovation & Research proposal will receive:
- A unique platform to test and contribute new ideas on the global stage and receive instant feedback from leaders in both industry and academia
- An Innovation Grant to support your research up to $25,000 USD, thanks to Anglo American
- Industry Networking Event with the judges for winner and runners-up on 5 February 2025. This is a rare opportunity to make face-to-face connections and form partnerships with both industry, researchers, innovators and academia.
Please Note:
- The winner(s) of the Innovation Grant will be required to measure and report on progress quarterly during the following 12-month period.
- By 30 December 2024, the winner(s) must submit an overview of how the funds have been spent, outcomes and learnings achieved to date, and a plan for the expenditure of the remaining grant funds if applicable.
- Please note that your innovation will be displayed on a public platform, hosted by Leading Edge Only (LEO).