Following a stellar academic career, Bruce Hobbs was the inspirational force for 20 years in revitalizing CSIRO's R&D for Australia's mining industry. He established the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies in partnership with the Queensland Government, and the Australian Resources Research Centre in Perth with Curtin University and the WA Government, providing a major presence for CSIRO and minerals research in Australia's two principal mining States. He played a key role in seven successful CRC bids in the mining industry, from which numerous commercial products and processes have emerged. His outstanding contribution to the industry was recognized by award of the AIMM's 2004 Institute Medal.