Understanding Critical Minerals

By February 25th, 2025

The Opportunity 

The CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD) is a four-year research training program, focusing on applied research that benefits industry by solving real-world challenges. It aims to produce the next generation of innovation leaders with the skills to work at the interface of research and industry in Australia.

The Program includes:

  1. Admission to a university PhD program.
  2. Supervision by the participating university, CSIRO, and an industry partner.
  3. A four year scholarship package totalling approximately $47,000 per annum (2025 rate).  
  4. A four year Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum.
  5. A 60 day Industry Engagement component with the industry partner.
  6. A structured professional development and training program to develop your applied research skills.

Successful students are subject to the policies, procedures and guidelines of the participating university in addition to the CSIRO Industry PhD Program terms and conditions. Students will receive a standard PhD on completion.

The Project

Supervisory team details

  1. University
Name of university supervisorAntony Burnham
Name of universityThe Australian National University
Email addressAntony.Burnham@anu.edu.au
FacultyEarth Sciences
  • CSIRO
Name of CSIRO supervisorIgnacio Gonzalez-Alvarez
Email addressignacio.gonzalez-Alvarez@csiro.au
CSIRO Business UnitMineral Resources
  • Industry
Name of industry supervisorLeon McGarry
Name of business/organisationBrazilian Rare Earths Limited
Email addressleon.mcgarry@brebrasil.com
Websitehttps://brazilianrareearths.com/

Project details

Project titleUnderstanding Critical Minerals: the Rocha da Rocha Rare Earth Element-Niobium-Scandium Deposits in Northeast Brazil
Project descriptionThis Project aims to better understand the formation of critical mineral deposits. The expected outcome is to develop more efficient detection and study methods. A potential benefit could be supporting Australia to become a key supplier of these elements globally, by detecting and exploring more critical mineral deposits.
Primary location of studentAustralian National University, 142 Mills Road, Acton ACT 2601
Industry engagement component locationBrazilian Rare Earths, Level 1, 139 Macquarie Street, Sydney NSW 2000Potential international travel to São Paulo, Brazil
Other locationsCSIRO Kensington, 26 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington WA 6151
Ideal student skillsetStrong background in geochemistry and mineralogy with a focus on Critical Minerals (REE).Proficiency in laboratory analytical techniques, including advanced microscopy technology and mineral mapping.Experience in geochemical approaches for mineral exploration and economic geology research.Field skills for mapping, sample collection, and stratigraphic understanding.Previous experience or coursework in mineral exploration.Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research environment.Excellent communication and presentation skills.
Application Close DateOpen until position filled

Eligibility Requirements

 The student must:

  1. Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen.  
  2. Meet participating university PhD admission requirements.
  3. Meet university English language requirements.
  4. Not have previously completed a PhD.
  5. Be able to commence the Program in the year of the offer.
  6. Enrol as a full-time PhD student. Part-time arrangements may be considered if approved by the supervisory team and in accordance with university policy.
  7. Be prepared to be located at the project location(s) that the host university has approved and, if required, comply with the host university’s external enrolment procedures.
  8. Be prepared to undergo onboarding to CSIRO, which will include passing mandatory government background checks (allow for between 4 to 8 weeks) and complete any other CSIRO requirements.

Application Process

  1. Applicants are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) following the instructions detailed on the participating university’s webpage.
  2. The EOI is assessed by the supervisory team and shortlisted applicants are interviewed.
  3. The supervisory team nominates a preferred applicant and informs iPhD office.
  4. The nominated applicant will be instructed to apply.
  5. The application is then assessed by the host university against PhD admission criteria.
  6. The university will issue a letter of offer for the program if all conditions have been satisfied.  

Further information