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The Mineral Industry Sustainable
Technology Programme (MIST) provides a basis for implementation of
focussed research and development activity aimed at supporting achievement
of ALSF objectives. The programme will provide funding support for R&D
projects that address priorities defined in the scope of MIST. Funding
will be provided in the form of grants from the ALSF. The MIST programme
will operate until March 2011.
MIST is established to provide a mechanism for defining research
requirements and implementing research, development and demonstration
projects in accordance with the second objective of the ALSF
‘Promoting environmentally friendly aggregate extraction and transport’.
The objective of MIST is ‘to reduce the environmental effects of
mineral extraction through development, promotion and implementation of
sustainable technologies’.
To achieve this objective MIST will;
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Establish research opportunities
through consultation and awareness of new technologies
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Provide co-funding for research,
development and demonstration projects
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Operate on a co-funding basis
encouraging contributions from other sources
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Promote dissemination of research outputs
and application of new procedures/technologies
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Co-ordinate with other programmes funded
under the ALSF
MIST will encourage research and development in five key areas of activity
related to mineral extraction:
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Environmental assessment procedures and
tools
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Impact mitigation and management
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Site design, and operation & closure
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Knowledge and technology transfer
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Optimising resource value
All projects funded under
MIST will require match funding in the form of cash and/or in-kind
contributions from project consortia. MIST will provide grant funding of
a minimum of 50% of total project costs. The balance of funding is to be
provided by the applicant organisation or partnership, either in cash or
as in-kind support. Industry participation in a project is to be
encouraged. In exceptional circumstances 100% funding will be provided.
The programme will operate on a ‘calls
for bids’ basis, and is open to both public and private sector
organisations.
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