The state-of-the-art facility, based at Murdoch University's Rockingham Campus, boasts six specialised labs equipped with sophisticated analytical tools for process optimisation and advanced mineral characterisation. It also holds a piloting area for advanced testing and scaling-up of technologies.

Mineral Processing Lab

• Sample Preparation: Jaw Crusher, Cone Crusher, Rod Mill, Ring Mill, Rotary Sample Dividers, AS 1210 compliant Pressure Filters
• Gravity Separation: Wilfley Shaking Table
• Magnetic Separation: Davis Tube Tester
• Flotation: Denver Flotation Cells of various sizes
• Size Classification: Sieve Shaker (both dry and wet sieving), Cyclosizer (sub-sieve range)

Solids Characterisation Lab

• Thermal analysis (TGA/DSC up to 1600°C)
• Coating-free SEM, nanoscale imaging, EDS
• High-resolution SEM, multi-functional analysis
• Carbon/gold coater for SEM sample preparation
• High-resolution surface imaging
• Advanced material & microstructural analysis
• Battery & green energy materials characterisation 
• Circular economy applications (recycled materials)

Analytical Lab

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS)
• X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF)
• X-ray Diffractometry (XRD)
• Microwave Digester

Hydrometallurgy Lab

• HSC and METSIM process modelling
• Leaching Studies
• Continuous Leach Circuit
• Process and flowsheet development
• Laboratory and pilot scale trials
• Radiation facility for safe handling of NORM material
• Kinetic and thermodynamic studies
• Process optimisation and by-products recovery
• Variability studies

Electrometallurgy Lab

• Applied Electrochemistry
• Stationary and Flow Battery Research
• Corrosion Studies
• Fuel Cells
• Electrocatalysis
• Sensors
• Supercapacitors
• Chemical production by Electrodialysis

Pyrometallurgy Lab

• Muffle furnaces, rotary tube furnaces
• XRF disc fusion machine
• Sample fusion for ICP analysis
• Molten salt electrolysis
• Gas plumbing including hydrogen for direct reduction of iron (green steel production)

Research Team

Professor Aleks Nikoloski, a Murdoch University Professor of Extractive Metallurgy (Hydrometallurgy), leads the Extractive Metallurgy Hub team. He is a leader in his field, having contributed to the development of new technology for the production of critical minerals from ores and recyclable materials. 

Professor Nikoloski has created a senior research team for the Hub, comprising a wealth of knowledge and experience across academia and industry, spanning hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy, and electrochemistry. This team notably includes Murdoch University Emeritus Professor Pritam Singh, and Adjunct Professors Angus McFarlane from Rio Tinto, Christopher Ward from IGO Limited, and Don Ibana. 

The senior team lends their expertise and experience to supervising the Hub's PhD and Master's students who are working to advance key areas of extractive metallurgy.

Hub Origins

The Hub was developed with support from the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) and grant funding from the State Government’s Investment Attraction Fund, administered by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification. 

It was officially opened on the 23rd July 2025 by Magenta Marshall MLA - Member for Rockingham, Murdoch University Vice Chancellor Andrew Deeks, Harry Butler Institute Executive Director Treena Burgess, City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamlin, and Professor Aleks Nikoloski.

Collaborate with us

Contact us if you're looking for expert consultation, innovative solutions or research services in extractive metallurgy. We also offer workforce training and masterclasses on expert topics throughout the year, as well as tours for industry, government agencies, schools and corporate entities. 

Contact

Professor Aleks Nikoloski - Extractive Metallurgy Hub Lead
Email: A.Nikoloski@murdoch.edu.au. 

Resources

Watch the video to learn about how Murdoch University's Hydrometallurgy team is recycling batteries.