IPhD Scholarship - Sustainable Copper Mining through In-Situ Recovery (ISR)
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 minimize 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. The research will advance understanding of ISR processes and support its broader adoption nationally and globally.
About the CSIRO Industry PhD Program (iPhD)
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. (
The program includes:
* 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, 2025 rate)
* A Project Expense and Development package of $13,000 per annum
* A 60-day industry engagement component
* Structured professional development and training
Students will receive a standard PhD on completion and are subject to university and CSIRO iPhD Program policies.
Supervisory Team
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
Locations
* Primary Location: Murdoch University, WA
* Industry Placement: EnviroCopper Ltd, SA including Kapunda site
* Additional Access: CSIRO Mineral Resources, Kensington WA
Ideal Candidate Profile
* Background in earth or physical sciences (e.g., 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 (e.g., SEM, XRD, ICP-MS) and/or geological mapping/sampling is desirable, ideally supported by publications or a strong BSc/MSc thesis.
Eligibility
Applicants should:
* 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 (typically 4–8 weeks)
How to Apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
* A 2-page statement
* Up-to-date CV
* Academic transcripts
Open until position filled. For more information please check this link:
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