Posted: 11 December
Offer description
Job Title:
Sustainable Copper Mining Researcher
About the Project:
This research project focuses on sustainable copper mining through in-situ recovery (ISR), a transformative technique for extracting copper from Australian sediment-hosted deposits and reprocessing mine tailings. ISR offers a non-invasive, environmentally friendly, and economically viable alternative to conventional hard-rock mining, enabling the unlocking of copper resources from low-grade or marginal deposits.
Copper is essential for electrifying transport and renewable energy systems, making ISR technologies significant contributors to global development and deployment of low-carbon energy and transport infrastructure while minimizing environmental impacts.
This four-year project will investigate the mineralogical, geochemical, biological, and kinetic aspects of fluid-rock interactions during ISR of the Kapunda Cu deposit, South Australia. The research aims to advance understanding of ISR processes and support its broader adoption nationally and globally.
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About the CSIRO Industry PhD Program:
The CSIRO iPhD Program is a four-year applied research training program designed to produce the next generation of innovation leaders who can work at the interface of research and industry.
* Admission to a university PhD program
* Supervision by university, CSIRO, and industry experts
* A four-year scholarship package totalling approx. $47,000 per annum (tax-free)
* A Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum
* A 60-day industry engagement component
Students will receive a standard PhD on completion and are subject to university and CSIRO iPhD Program policies.
Project Details:
This project is supported by a world-leading supervisory team combining expertise from academia, CSIRO, and industry.
* Professor Fang Xia – Murdoch University
* Dr Tobias Bamforth – Monash University
* Dr Yuan Mei – Senior Scientist, CSIRO Mineral Resources
* Mr Leon Faulkner – Managing Director, EnviroCopper Ltd
The primary location of this project will be Murdoch University, WA, with an industry placement at EnviroCopper Ltd, SA including the Kapunda site. Additional access will be available at CSIRO Mineral Resources, Kensington WA.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
We seek candidates with a background in earth or physical sciences, such as extractive metallurgy, geology, mineralogy, geochemistry, chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental science, physics, or biology.
* Strong interest in addressing environmental, mineralogical, and metallurgical challenges through integrated experimental, theoretical, and mineralogical approaches
* Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills for engaging both industry and academic audiences
* Experience with experimental and analytical techniques, geological mapping/sampling, and/or publications or a strong BSc/MSc thesis
Eligibility:
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
* Be an Australian citizen, Permanent Resident, or a New Zealand citizen
* Meet university English language requirements
* Not have previously completed a PhD
* Enrol as a full-time PhD student (part-time may be considered with approval)
* Be willing to work at approved project locations and comply with enrolment procedures
* Complete CSIRO onboarding requirements, including mandatory background checks
