Nova Terra: Revolutionizing Collaboration and Innovation in the Australian Resources Sector

Meet CORE’s newest Adelaide Hub Member, Nova Terra! An Australian research institution that has emerged as a trailblazer in the mining and resources industry. From its origins to its current standing as a prominent force in collaborative innovation, Nova Terra has consistently pushed boundaries, embracing sustainability, technological advancements, and cross-sector collaboration.

Background and Leadership

Nova Terra's Managing Director, Tom Payten hails from the scenic Yarra Valley, where he honed his skills through diverse experiences in wineries, factories, and restaurants during his formative years. Simultaneously Tom pursued studies in nanotechnology and physics with a specific emphasis on disruptive technologies and materials characterization. 

On graduating with a double degree in Nanotechnology and Physics, Tom joined Rio Tinto's internal Technology & Innovation division as a geometallurgist. This diverse and immersive role saw him provide critical support across the entire mining life cycle, including technology development programs.

After a decade with Rio Tinto, Tom embarked on a Ph.D. journey in real-time mineral sensing. His doctoral research showcased groundbreaking sensing capabilities for zircon, rutile, rare earth phosphates, and lithium minerals.

Tom is now Managing Director at Nova Terra. Charged with forging strong ties between academia and industry, driving innovation projects, and overseeing progress towards commercialization, he plays a pivotal role in the Nova Terra's growth and impact.

Leading the Charge for Collaborative Innovation

Nova Terra, an Australian research institution, has become a catalyst for collaborative innovation in the mining and resources sector. Their mission is to "foster collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutes to address real-world challenges by linking advanced science and practical applications", says Tom and they are redefining the boundaries of traditional approaches. 

Through strategic partnerships with leading universities and industry players, Nova Terra has developed a framework for innovation. Tom highlights, "our competitive advantage lies in our strong collaborative network with leading universities and industry players, allowing us to take risks and fail fast."

Staying Ahead of Innovation

In pursuit of innovation, Nova Terra prioritizes projects that can reach technology readiness levels (TRL) 7-8 within 12-18 months. This commitment to rapid advancement and tangible outcomes is a testament to their vision. "We prioritize projects where our involvement will help accelerate important developments for the future, with our projects addressing key concerns around sustainability and the circular economy in mining", says Tom. 

Recent innovations have solidified Nova Terra's position as an industry leader., exemplified by their endeavour to repurpose acid mine drainage water for use in upgrading iron ore fines. This innovative solution not only reduces water infrastructure reliance but also addresses historical environmental liabilities and highlights their commitment to sustainability and immediate benefits for partners.

Corporate Social Responsibility, ESG, and Sustainability:

Nova Terra's commitment to corporate social responsibility and sustainability is paramount to their continued success. By actively engaging with leading experts in ESG and sustainability to ensure compliance with global standards, they hope to help shift society's perception of the mining and resources sector. "We want our legacy to help improve employment outcomes for traditional owners and contribute to social progress", says Tom. 

Innovations of Tomorrow

As the industry evolves, Nova Terra ensures they stay ahead of emerging trends through constant assessment of new technologies. And, as for growth of the business, bolstered by their local successes, the team plan to deploy solutions globally and expand their network overseas.

But, they are aware there are some critical challenges in the next 5-10 years including improving education engagement and fostering a greater risk appetite within the mining industry. To that end,  Nova Terra advocates for a commitment to sustainable innovation and stronger relationships with universities and high schools to ensure a sustainable talent pipeline and robust research network is foster now and in the future.