MINING SECTOR
Patents originating from Australia are heavily focused on extracting as much value from the mined ore. A typical mineral processing patent consists of a step-by-step method of various operations in a particular order. The key subject matter of the invention may be that the novel flowsheet achieves the extraction of a higher-grade ore with an additional benefit.
Automation is fertile ground for patents, despite what might appear to be the routine application of known technology. In many instances, the patentability of autonomous vehicle inventions resides in the control systems, typically achieved through an algorithm collaborating with onboard sensors and networks to propel the vehicle without colliding.
These Australian patents are just a few examples of what might at first blush be thought of as simply ‘a good idea’ and that have become innovative and practical solutions for the mining industry. It reminds us to never dismiss a good idea as ‘not patentable’ or ‘not worth protecting’.
These patents also highlight the broad range of subject matter that can be patented in mining and mineral processing.
