Mineralogy of selected bauxite impurities, their solubilities and impacts on Bayer process efficiency. Processing strategies for marginal bauxites Optimized production of biodiesel from selected waste materials.
Dr. Michael Coley's research group focuses on optimizing industrial processes and on applications involving the production and use of renewable energy sources. 
 The group’s key interest involves developing strategies for processing marginal bauxite into smelter-grade alumina.  A large portion of Jamaica’s bauxite resources contain impurities that make current processing technologies unfavourable and uneconomical. Working in conjunction with the bauxite companies which have sponsored some of the research, Dr. Coley and his team have been examining the impurities present in local bauxite and studying their impacts on process efficiency, alumina quality and yield. The ultimate goal of these studies is to develop new technologies for producing alumina from marginal bauxite and for effective control of impurities. 
 The group is also actively engaged in biofuel research. They produce biodiesel, a diesel fuel alternative, from used cooking oil, animal fat and plant-based sources. Fuel quality is assessed against ASTM standards and the impact of feedstock characteristics, processing conditions and the presence of impurities are being investigated. Biodiesel produced in our laboratories is being used on a test basis as a blend in selected vehicles operated by The UWI's Maintenance Department. The group has been trying to stimulate local production and use of biodiesel and is active in training community stakeholders to produce fuel-grade biodiesel and related by-products. 
 Another research theme being pursued by the group is the use of sensor devices to monitor in-vehicle air quality relative to that observed along selected roadways. Changes in pollution levels in relation to variations in vehicle settings are being monitored and a model will eventually be developed to predict both in-vehicle and roadside pollution levels. The model will be sensitive to meteorological conditions and will allow road users to identify unhealthy routes to avoid.