Skip to content
Engineering, Political

Monash expert: new traces of asbestos found in mulch

Monash University < 1 mins read

Following news that asbestos has been found at a Cranbourne reserve, a Monash researcher is available to discuss how world-first technology can detect asbestos in waste.

Monash PhD candidate Diani Sirimewan has led the development of new cutting-edge technology capable of recognising tiny asbestos particles inside mulch and recycled soil. Researchers are currently trialling the technology in robotic arms at the University’s Clayton campus.

Diani Sirimewan, PhD candidate, Automation and Sustainability in Construction and Intelligent Infrastructure (ASCII) Lab, Faculty of Engineering
Contact details: +61 408 508 454 or [email protected]

  • How construction waste is processed and the risks

  • Insights from recent visits to Victoria’s major recycling facilities

  • Why so many waste management facilities are still relying on human workers to sort through dangerous waste 

  • The need for more investment in robotics R&D to improve the efficiency of construction waste processing and recycling in Australia.

For any other topics on which you may be seeking expert comment, contact the Monash University Media Unit on +61 3 9903 4840 or [email protected] 

 

More from this category

  • Manufacturing, Political
  • 12/12/2025
  • 12:19
Australian Workers' Union

AWU welcomes government action to secure Tomago’s future

The Australian Workers' Union has strongly endorsed today's announcement that theTomago aluminium smelter will remain operational, with federal and state governments committing to work with Rio Tinto on a long-term solution. “This is a pivotal moment for Australian manufacturing,” AWU National Secretary Paul Farrow said. "The AWU has been knocking on every door - federal, state, company, thought leaders - to make sure the right people were talking to each other and working toward a solution. We're pleased that effort has paid off. "For months we've been saying that Tomago isn't just another industrial site. It's the test case for…

  • Oil Mining Resources, Political
  • 12/12/2025
  • 12:06
Mining and Energy Union

MEU: Coal communities need stability and consistency following Net Zero Commission report

The Mining and Energy Union has responded to the NSW Net Zero Commission’s Coal Mining Emissions Spotlight Report, emphasising the continuing importance of coal mining to the state's economy and regional communities, and the need for clear, consistent emissions policy. MEU General Secretary Grahame Kelly said coal mining remains a foundation of regional prosperity in NSW, supporting jobs, local small businesses and billions in annual state revenue. “Coal mining delivers more than $3 billion a year in royalties for NSW and supports thousands of secure, well-paid regional jobs,” Mr Kelly said. “It also accounts forjust12 per cent of the state’s…

  • Political
  • 11/12/2025
  • 11:51
Unions NSW

Not meaningful reform: workers lose under compensation cuts

Psychologically injured workers who are close to catatonic will have their support payments cut under new laws agreed to between the Government and the Liberals and Nationals. Despite repeated evidence that a WPI of more than 21% means a worker has no capacity to work, the Parliament looks set to raise the threshold for income support to 25%, before ratcheting up to 28 per cent by 2029. “The parliament has failed to deliver meaningful reform. Instead, it has taken a sledgehammer to the entitlements of traumatised and vulnerable workers,” said Thomas Costa, acting Secretary of Unions NSW. Under the changes,…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.