The Division's research was directed towards assisting the development of new, and the improvement of existing methods of mineral processing through the application of continually developing expertise in physical and inorganic chemistry related to minerals. This scientific base enabled it to advance to technology in areas such as the environment and energy, which affect the community as a whole. (Commonwealth Government Directory, Vol. 2, 1985). The CSIRO's Historical Directory 1926-1976 puts the starting date at 26 May 1959.

The Minerals Utilization Section became an independent section within the Division of Industrial Chemistry on 9 October 1958, and was accorded Divisional status in May 1959. The division incorporated the Division of Coal Research as Coal Research Laboratories on 10 March 1967, and incorporated most of Ore Dressing Investigations in February 1970.

Historical agency address
339 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne, Vic