Investigating interactions between sulfide minerals and in-situ recovery fluids for copper mining
Project overview
Project title
Investigating the interactions between sulfide minerals and in-situ recovery fluids for sustainable copper mining.
Project description
In-situ recovery (ISR) is emerging as a transformative technique for the extraction of copper (Cu) from Australian sediment-hosted deposits and reprocessing of mine tailings. In contrast to conventional hard-rock mining, ISR offers a non-invasive, environmentally sustainable and economically viable alternative, with the potential to unlock copper resources from low-grade or marginal deposits. As Cu is essential for the electrification of transport and renewable energy systems, ISR technologies hold significant potential to contribute to the global development and deployment of low-carbon energy and transport infrastructure in a manner that minimise impacts on the environment and local communities. This project, in collaboration with EnviroCopper Ltd, will investigate the mineralogical, geochemical, biological and kinetic aspects of fluid-rock interactions during ISR of the Kapunda Cu deposit, South Australia. By addressing these aspects, it will advance our understanding of ISR processes and support its broader adoption at both national and global scale.
Supervisory team
University
| Name of university supervisor | Fang Xia Dr. Tobias Bamforth |
| Name of university | Murdoch University |
| Email address | f.xia@murdoch.edu.au toby.bamforth@monash.edu |
| Faculty | College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics |
CSIRO
| Name of CSIRO supervisor | Yuan Mei |
| Email address | yuan.mei@csiro.au |
| CSIRO Research Unit | Mineral Resources |
Industry
| Name of industry supervisor | Leon Faulkner |
| Name of business/organisation | EnviroCopper |
| Email address | lfaulkner@envirocopper.com.au |
Further details
| Primary location of student | Murdoch University, 90 South Street, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia |
| Industry engagement component location | EnviroCopper Limited, Suite 4, Level 1, 155 King William Road, Unley SA 5061, Australia |
| Other locations | CSIRO Kensington, 26 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington WA 6151, Australia |
| Ideal student skillset | A background in the earth or physical sciences, including but not limited to extractive metallurgy, geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, physics or biology. A strong interest in addressing environmental, mineralogical and metallurgical challenges through an integrated experimental, theoretical and mineralogical approach. Strong interpersonal and presentation skills to present findings to both industry and academic audiences. Experience with experimental and analytical techniques (e.g., SEM, XRD, ICP-MS) and/or in geological mapping/sampling is desirable, ideally evidenced by previous publications or a strong BSc/MSc thesis. |
| Application close date | Open until position filled |
| Apply | Contact Fang Xia |