Latest Industry News
- Water utilities know where AI fits — but can the foundations carry it? June 24, 2026Over three days of conversations at Ozwater 2026 with operators, engineers, analysts and asset managers, the same theme kept surfacing: real enthusiasm for AI, paired with real uncertainty about whether the underlying systems are ready for it. Australian water utilities have been collecting data for decades. What many lack is the foundation to use it: […]
- Training centre opens to improve alloy lifecycle June 24, 2026The ARC Training Centre for Resource Efficient Alloys in a Circular Economy (circAlloy) has officially launched at Deakin University. As demand for metal grows, there is increasing pressure to use fewer raw materials, reduce energy use and cut emissions. circAlloy aims to get more value from materials, while reducing waste and environmental impact. Work at […]
- Detoxifying 'super fungi' may recover critical minerals June 24, 2026The University of Queensland has engineered a fungus that could be used to extract critical minerals from toxic mining waste while also helping to remediate sites. Environmental engineers at UQ’s Biosustainability Hub are growing unique fungal strains that can be used to detoxify mining tailings and capture traces of important rare earths without the need […]
- Collaboration provides NZ's largest smart water meter upgrade June 23, 2026Itron is working together with Watercare Services, a New Zealand water and wastewater utility, to modernise its water network by upgrading its existing mechanical meters with 100,000 Itron Intelis wSource digital water meters. This upgrade is part of Watercare’s plan to connect almost half a million smart meters in total across the Auckland region. The […]
- FIFA World Cup to generate 156 tonnes of plastic waste June 23, 2026The 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament is set to generate an estimated 156 tonnes of single-use plastic waste.* That’s enough waste to stretch the length of more than 13,000 football pitches — with FIFA’s reusable water bottle ban expected to make the problem worse. In the UK, new research has found three-quarters of the public […]
- Refinery transforms CO2 into useable raw materials June 22, 2026MCi Carbon has officially opened Myrtle, a fully integrated multi-purpose carbon refinery, marking a milestone for global industrial decarbonisation. The mineral carbonation facility transforms CO2 and low-value mineral feedstocks into carbon-embodied materials used in everyday products. These include concrete, plasterboard, paint, paper, glass and adhesives — permanently locking carbon into raw materials. Mineral carbonation is […]
- Partnership to develop lower-emission titanium production June 22, 2026Murdoch University researchers are working to transform how titanium metal is produced by developing a more efficient, lower-cost and lower-emission alternative to current methods. Traditional titanium production relies on the Kroll process, a multi-step method which generates waste and can be costly and energy intensive. London-based Empire Metals has commissioned the university’s Extractive Metallurgy Hub […]
- Siemens expands Fusesaver manufacturing facility June 16, 2026Siemens has announced an expansion of its Fusesaver manufacturing facility in Queensland. The expansion to new premises will see operations grow from 1400 to 5500 m2 and is expected to double the workforce and increase exports by more than $300 million over the next 10 years. Fusesaver is an MV vacuum circuit-breaker that clears faults […]
- Antibiotics in wastewater may contribute to antimicrobial resistance June 15, 2026Antibiotics continue to drive antimicrobial resistance in bacteria even after passing through wastewater treatment plants and being discharged into rivers and seas, research from The University of Queensland and University of Exeter has found. UQ PhD candidate Pooja Lakhey said up to 90% of antibiotics taken are passed through our bodies into toilets and enter […]
- Lessons in long-distance telemetry June 15, 2026Long-distance telemetry systems are central to the operation of critical infrastructure across sectors ranging from utilities and mining to energy and water treatment. However, while modern wireless technologies have made remote monitoring more accessible than ever, designing telemetry systems that remain reliable over large distances and in harsh environments is far from straightforward. Here, Ian […]
- BESS project provides long-duration battery for NSW June 15, 2026The NSW Government has officially opened the Limondale Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which powers a long-duration, eight-hour battery. Located near Balranald in south-west NSW, RWE Renewables Australia’s Limondale BESS will play a role in strengthening grid reliability by storing excess solar energy during the day and dispatching it during evening and peak demand periods. […]
- Top super funds lacking investment in renewable energy June 15, 2026A study has revealed Australia’s top 30 superannuation funds have invested in just a fraction (4%) of the renewable energy capacity needed to meet the country’s mandated 2030 climate goals. The Australian Government has set a target to achieve 82% renewable electricity by 2030. Achieving this target would require more than 97 GW of renewable […]