Central Queensland University Gladstone recently welcomed Shamsul Akan to the research team located at the Process Engineering and Light Metals Centre.

Over the next two years, Mr Akan will undertake research in the preliminary stages of mineral carbonation - the capture of carbon dioxide in naturally occurring minerals.

Mr Akan said his research would concentrate on the use of red mud, a waste product of alumina refining and flyash, a by-product of coal-fired power stations.

“Carbon dioxide capture in minerals happens in nature and my research will look at hastening this process using methods already proven to be successful,” said Mr Akan.

Mr Akan is working towards obtaining a Masters Degree in mineral engineering.

Dr David Weedon from CQU’s Centre for Clean Coal said it was expected Mr Akan’s research and other work at the centre would lead to a cleaner use of coal to meet stricter environmental demands.