Aussie, RI seal research deal

Aussie, RI seal research deal

CANBERRA (Dow Jones): An Australian government scientific and research agency will conduct research on minerals exploration and mining with its Indonesian counterpart under a new agreement, CSIRO Australia said yesterday.

The agreement will provide the framework for research on minerals and coal exploration, and mining and environmental management in tropical terrains.

"The Australian and Indonesian mining industries share a common interest in promoting cooperative research to provide innovative solutions to industry problems and improve the efficiency and productivity of exploration and mining processes," CSIRO said in a statement.

CSIRO Deputy Chief Executive Colin Adam said although there are some economic difficulties now in Indonesia there are important long-term opportunities for Australian mining companies there.