To develop innovative, near real-time assaying procedures for barite rock, and implement novel grade distribution models to embed the capability to undertake selective mining, thereby minimising mining costs and waste while increasing market opportunities through diversification of mined products.

The project aims to convert waste product from seafood processing into valuable materials for novel industrial applications. The Consortium researches on the development of worldwide-sourced and UK-manufactured high performance functional materials for use in the food, agricultural and drilling sectors by processing chitosan, a biopolymer from crustacean waste. A novel low environmental impact process for obtaining chitosan and a range of functional materials based on derivatisation of the biopolymer is being developed. The demographic trend towards smaller households in the UK means that there is rapid growth in packaging that offers fresh food in a consumer-ready state. Increasing safety and shelf-life of highly perishable food is very important for producers and consumers and presents a major business opportunity, that is addressed in this project. The agricultural applications of the functional material demonstrate clear technical advantages over competing materials, because it allows the reduction of chemical and irrigation inputs. The project is funded by the Technology Strategy Board and the Consortium brings together leading companies in polymer, food, agricultural and drilling industries along with academic institutions with the aim to modify the processing of crustacean shells (using existing waste) and provide a range of new bio-based materials.

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