Dr Elaine Wightman
Transformational Learning Group Lead
Sustainable Minerals Institute
Senior Research Fellow
JKMRC
Dr Elaine Wightman specialises in process mineralogy and seeks to understand the contribution from the physical characteristics of particles to their behaviour during processing.
The use of automated tools for mineral characterisation has been core to many of Elaine’s research activities. The Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Center (JKMRC) houses a number of these tools including MLA (Mineral Liberation Analyser) and X-ray micro tomography. Elaine currently manages this facility which supports research at the Centre, across the University and provides services to industry.
Elaine completed her bachelor’s degree in Mineral Processing at The University of Queensland and her doctoral degree in the same field at the University of South Australia. After submitting her thesis she travelled to the UK and spent a year with the colloid group at University of Bristol working as a postdoctoral research fellow. To broaden her experience Elaine then spent a number of years working for Rio Tinto in what was then the Technical Services group. It was there that she first began working with automated mineralogical characterisation tools and gained experience with their application across a range of commodities. Elaine returned to her Brisbane alma mater in 2005 as a researcher working on a number of industry funded collaborative research projects which focused on the optimisation of mineral processing.
Learning is one of Elaine’s passions and she shares this in a number of different ways. In addition to advising PhD and MPhil students, Elaine also teaches undergraduate students and recent graduates in industry. She has developed a range of course materials, for both face-to-face and online delivery. To ensure best-practice in her teaching, Elaine studied part-time and was awarded a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education, graduating in 2015. From 2015-20, Elaine held the additional role of Postgraduate Coordinator for the Sustainable Minerals Institute.
Industry Engagement
Learning is one of Elaine’s passions and she shares this in a number of different ways. In addition to advising PhD and MPhil students, Elaine also teaches undergraduate students and recent graduates in industry. She has developed a range of course materials, for both face-to-face and online delivery. To ensure best-practice in her teaching, Elaine studied part-time and was awarded a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education (2015) and became a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2020.
Collaborations
Elaine is a co-editor of the recently published book Process Mineralogy which included contributions from many internationally recognised experts in the field. Combining her passions for the subject matter and learning, Elaine has also developed and delivered a number of courses with colleagues from Curtin University, The University of New South Wales and The Papua New Guinea University of Technology.
Key Publications
Process Mineralogy. Edited by Becker, M., Wightman, E. M. and Evans, C. L. Brisbane, Australia: Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, 2016.
Funding
Acquisition of FEI Quanta 600 Mk2 MLA system
(2015) UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
Iluka Characterisation
(2015) Iluka Resources Ltd
Understanding the gold flotation behaviour of Ok Tedi ore
(2014-2016) Ok Tedi Mining Limited
AMIRA P9P – The optimisation of mineral processing by modelling and simulation
(2012-2016) AMIRA International Ltd
AMIRA P9O – The optimisation of mineral processing by modelling and simulation
(2008-2011) AMIRA International Ltd
Book Chapter
Wightman, E. M., Evans, C.L., Becker, M. and Gu, Y. (2016). Automated scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectrometry. Process mineralogy. (pp. 97-107) edited by Megan Becker, Elaine Wightman and Cathy Evans. Brisbane, Australia: Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre.
Journal Articles
LaBranche, Nikky, Teale, Kellie, Wightman, Elaine, Johnstone, Kelly and Cliff, David (2022). Characterization analysis of airborne particulates from Australian underground coal mines using the mineral liberation analyser. Minerals, 12 (7) 796. doi: 10.3390/min12070796
Tungpalan, Kate, Wightman, Elaine, Keeney, Luke and Manlapig, Emmy (2021). A geometallurgical approach for predicting separation performance. Minerals Engineering, 171 107065, 107065. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2021.107065
Frausto, J.J., Ballantyne, G.R., Runge, K., Powell, M.S., Wightman, E.M., Evans, C.L., Gonzalez, P. and Gomez, S. (2021). The effect of screen versus cyclone classification on the mineral liberation properties of a polymetallic ore. Minerals Engineering, 169 106930, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2021.106930
Song, Yarong, Wightman, Elaine, Kulandaivelu, Jagadeeshkumar, Bu, Hao, Wang, Zhiyao, Yuan, Zhiguo and Jiang, Guangming (2020). Rebar corrosion and its interaction with concrete degradation in reinforced concrete sewers. Water Research, 182 115961, 115961. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2020.115961
Song, Yarong, Wightman, Elaine, Tian, Yimei, Jack, Kevin, Li, Xuan, Zhong, Huiyun, Bond, Philip L., Yuan, Zhiguo and Jiang, Guangming (2019). Corrosion of reinforcing steel in concrete sewers. Science of The Total Environment, 649, 739-748. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.362
Tungpalan, Kate, Wightman, Elaine and Manlapig, Emmy (2017). The role of vein-type mineralisation in mineral liberation. Minerals Engineering, 116, 209-212. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2017.07.001
Tungpalan, Kate, Wightman, Elaine, Manlapig, Emmy and Keeney, Luke (2017). The influence of veins on mineral liberation as described by random masking simulation. Minerals Engineering, 100, 109-114. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2016.10.015
Cruz, Nestor, Peng, Yongjun, Wightman, Elaine and Xu, Ning (2015). The interaction of pH modifiers with kaolinite in copper-gold flotation. Minerals Engineering, 84, 27-33. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2015.09.019
Evans, C. L., Wightman, E. M. and Yuan, X. (2015). Quantifying mineral grain size distributions for process modelling using X-ray micro-tomography. Minerals Engineering, 82 4627, 78-83. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2015.03.026
Cruz, Nestor, Peng, Yongjun and Wightman, Elaine (2015). Interactions of clay minerals in copper-gold flotation: Part 2 - Influence of some calcium bearing gangue minerals on the rheological behaviour. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 141, 51-60. doi: 10.1016/j.minpro.2015.06.012
Cruz, Nestor, Peng, Yongjun, Wightman, Elaine and Xu, Ning (2015). The interaction of clay minerals with gypsum and its effects on copper-gold flotation. Minerals Engineering, 77, 121-130. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2015.03.010
Quinteros, J., Wightman, E., Johnson, N. W. and Bradshaw, D. (2015). Evaluation of the response of valuable and gangue minerals on a recovery, size and liberation basis for a low-grade silver ore. Minerals Engineering, 74, 150-155. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2014.12.019
Tungpalan, Kate, Manlapig, Emmy, Andrusiewicz, Michal, Keeney, Luke, Wightman, Elaine and Edraki, Mansour (2014). An integrated approach of predicting metallurgical performance relating to variability in deposit characteristics. Minerals Engineering, 71, 49-54. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2014.10.004
Jiang, Guangming, Wightman, Elaine, Donose, Bogdan C., Yuan, Zhiguo, Bond, Philip L. and Keller, Jurg (2014). The role of iron in sulfide induced corrosion of sewer concrete. Water Research, 49, 166-174. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.11.007
Wightman, E. M. and Evans, C. L. (2013). Representing and interpreting the liberation spectrum in a processing context. Minerals Engineering, 61, 121-125. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2013.12.012
Newcombe, Bianca, Bradshaw, Dee J. and Wightman, Elaine M. (2013). The hydrodynamics of an operating flash flotation cell. Minerals Engineering, 41, 86-96. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.11.007
Newcombe, Bianca, Wightman, Elaine M. and Bradshaw, Dee J. (2013). The role of a flash flotation circuit in an industrial refractory gold concentrator. Minerals Engineering, 53, 57-73. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2013.06.016
Newcombe, Bianca, Bradshaw, D. and Wightman, E. (2012). Development of a laboratory method to predict plant flash flotation performance. Minerals Engineering, 39, 228-238. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.07.008
Newcombe, Bianca, Bradshaw, D. and Wightman, E. (2012). Flash flotation... and the plight of the coarse particle. Minerals Engineering, 34, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.03.023
Vizcarra, T. G., Wightman, E. M., Johnson, N. W. and Manlapig, E. V. (2011). The effect of breakage method on the shape properties of an iron-oxide hosted copper-gold ore. Minerals Engineering, 24 (13), 1454-1458. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2011.07.007
Evans, C. L., Wightman, E. M., Manlapig, E. V. and Coulter, B. L. (2011). Application of process mineralogy as a tool for sustainable processing. Minerals Engineering, 24 (12), 1242-1248. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2011.03.017
Albijanic, Boris, Amini, Eiman, Wightman, Elaine, Ozdemir, Orhan, Nguyen, Anh V. and Bradshaw, Dee J. (2011). A relationship between the bubble-particle attachment time and the mineralogy of a copper-sulphide ore. Minerals Engineering, 24 (12), 1335-1339. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2011.06.005
Vizcarra, T. G., Harmer, S. L., Wightman, E. M., Johnson, N. W. and Manlapig, E. V. (2011). The influence of particle shape properties and associated surface chemistry on the flotation kinetics of chalcopyrite. Minerals Engineering, 24 (8), 807-816. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2011.02.019
Vizcarra, T. G., Wightman, E. M., Johnson, N. W. and Manlapig, E. V. (2010). The effect of breakage mechanism on the mineral liberation properties of sulphide ores. Minerals Engineering, 23 (5), 374-382. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2009.11.012
Zanin, M., Wightman, E., Grano, S. R. and Franzidis, J-P. (2009). Quantifying contributions to froth stability in porphyry copper plants. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 91 (1-2), 19-27. doi: 10.1016/j.minpro.2008.11.003
Wightman, EM, Grano, SR and Ralston, J (2000). Selectivity in the polymer assisted separation of galena from quartz by flotation. Minerals Engineering, 13 (8-9), 843-856. doi: 10.1016/S0892-6875(00)00073-X
Conference Papers
Wightman, E., Evans, R. , Rawson, C., Lilford, E. and Maybee, B. (2022). Pathways to securing the skills pipeline in the resources sector. IMPC Asia Pacific 2022, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 22-24 August 2022. Carlton, VIC, Australia: The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Tungpalan, Kate, Wightman, Elaine and Evans, Cathy (2019). Key ore textures influencing separation behaviour of ores. 15th SGA Biennial Meeting on Life with Ore Deposits on Earth, Glasgow, Scotland, 27-30 August 2019. Geneva, Switzerland: Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (SGA).
Wightman, E. M. and Evans, C. L. (2016). Assessing mineralogical indicators for ore hardness. IMPC 2016 - 28th International Mineral Processing Congress, Quebec City, Canada, 11-15 September 2016. Quebec City, Canada: Canadian Institute Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
Wightman, E. M. and Evans, C. L. (2016). Developing and sustaining capability in process mineralogy. 28th International Mineral Processing Congress, IMPC 2016, Quebec City, Canada, 11-15 September 2016. Westmount, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
Andrusiewicz, M., Evans, C. L., Mariano, R., Morrison, R. D. and Wightman, E. M. (2016). A texture-based model of mineral liberation. IMPC 2016 - 28th International Mineral Processing Congress, Québec City, Canada, 11-15 September 2016. Québec City, Canada: Canadian Institute Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
Evans, Catherine L., Wightman, Elaine M. and Yuan, Xiaoli (2014). Quantifying mineral grain size distributions for process modelling. 3rd International Symposium on Process Mineralogy (Process Mineralogy '14), Cape Town, South Africa, 17-19 November 2014. Oxford, United Kingdom: Minerals Engineering International.
Wightman, Elaine M., Evans, Catherine L. and Tungpalan, Djoan (2014). Measurement and interpretation of textural features at meso-scale. 3rd International Symposium on Process Mineralogy (Process Mineralogy '14), Cape Town, South Africa, 17-19 November 2014. Minerals Engineering International.
Resabal, Vannie J., Manlapig, Emmanuel, Evans, Catherine L. and Wightman, Elaine M. (2014). A method using 2-D images of particles obtained from SEM-based image analysis system to model mineral liberation in regrind stirred mills. 3rd International Symposium on Process Mineralogy (Process Mineralogy '14), Cape Town, South Africa, 17-19 November 2014. Minerals Engineering International.
Edraki, M., Huynh, T., Baumgartl, T., Huang, L., Andrusiewicz, M., Tungpalan, K., Tayebi-Khorami, M., Wightman, E., Palaniandy, S., Manlapig, E., Evans, C., Farrokhpay, S., Bradshaw, D. and Vink, S. (2014). Designer tailings – an integrated model for tailings management. Life-of-Mine 2014, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 16-18 July 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AUSIMM.
Edraki, Mansour, Huynh, Trang, Baumgartl, Thomas, Huang, Longbin, Andrusiewicz, Michal, Tungpalan, Kate, Tayebi-Khorami, Maedeh, Wightman, Elaine, Palaniandy, Sam, Manlapig, Emmanuel, Evans, Cathy, Farrokhpay, Saeed, Bradshaw, Dee and Vink, Sue (2014). Designer tailings: improving the management of tailings through collaborative research. AMD14: The Triennial 8th Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 29 April–2 May, 2014. Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia: JKTech.
Jiang, Guangming, Wightman, Elaine, Donose, Bogdan C., Yuan, Zhiguo, Bond, Philip L. and Keller, Jurg (2014). Understanding corrosion of concrete sewer using advanced mineral analysis. Ozwater'14, Brisbane, Australia, 29 April - 1 May 2014.
Quinteros, J., Wightman, E., Bradshaw, D. and Johnson, N. (2014). Applying process mineralogy to complex low-grade silver ores.. XXVII International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2014, Santiago, Chile, 20-24 October 2014. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digital Publications.
Tungpalan, Djoan, Wightman, Elaine M. and Manlapig, Emmanuel (2014). Relating mineralogical and testural characteristics to flotation behaviour. 3rd International Symposium on Process Mineralogy (Process Mineralogy '14), Cape Town, South Africa, 17-19 November 2014. OXFORD: Minerals Engineering International. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2015.02.005
Evans, Catherine L., Andrusiewicz, Michal M., Wightman, Elaine M., Brennan, Matthew S., Morrison, Robert D. and Manlapig, Emmanuel (2013). Simulating concentrators from feed to final products using a multi-component methodology. 2013 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit (SME 2013) and CMA 115th National Western Mining Conference, Denver, CO, United States, 24-27 February 2013. Littleton, CO, United States: Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration.
Edraki, Mansour, Huynh, Trang, Baumgartl, Thomas, Huang, Longbin, Andrusiewicz, Michal, Tungpalan, Kate, Tayebi-Khorami, Maedeh, Wightman, Elaine, Palaniandy, Sam, Manlapig, Emmanuel, Evans, Cathy, Farrokhpay, Saeed, Bradshaw, Dee and Vink, Sue (2013). Designing mine tailings through collaborative research. enviromine2013: 3rd International Seminar on Environmental Issues in Mining, Santiago, Chile, 4-6 December, 2013. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
Sandoval, G., Wightman, E., Bradshaw, D. and Montes, G. (2013). Application of Positive Matrix Factorization and model development of size-by-liberation recovery at fixed chemistry. Flotation'13: The 6th International Flotation Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, 18-21 November, 2013.
Quinteros-Riquelme, J., Bradshaw, D., Wightman, E. and Johnson, N. W. (2013). Evaluation of the response of valuable and gangue minerals on a recovery, size and liberation basis for a low grade silver ore. Flotation'13: The 6th International Flotation Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, 18-21 November, 2013.
Bradshaw, D. J., Wightman, E. M., Evans, C. L. and Triffett, B. (2012). Characterising the reasons for the difference in performance of two ore blends in early processing at OZ Minerals Prominent Hill operation. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart, Tasmania, 29-31 October 2012. Carlton, Victoria: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Newcombe, B., Bradshaw, D. J. and Wightman, E. M. (2012). Into the belly of the flash.....insights into the mechanisms at work within a flash flotation cell. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart, Tasmania, 29-31 October 2012. Carlton, Victoria: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Quinteros-Riquelme, J., Johnson, N. W., Bradshaw, D. and Wightman, E. (2012). Study of flotation performance in a complex silver ore at laboratory scale. XXVI International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2012, New Delhi, India, 24-28 September 2012. New Delhi, India: Technowrites.
Wightman, Elaine M. and Evans, Catherine L. (2012). Representing and interpreting the liberation spectrum in a processing context. Process Mineralogy '12, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-9 November 2012. Minerals Engineering International.
Evans, Catherine L., Wightman, Elaine M. and Yuan, Xiaoli (2012). Characterising ore micro-texture using x-ray micro-tomography. 44th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Mineral Processors, Ottawa, Canada, 17-19 January 2012. Montreal, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.
Newcombe, Bianca, Wightman, Elaine M. and Bradshaw, Dee J. (2011). Prediction of plant flash flotation performance using conventional laboratory methods. Flotation'11, Cape Town, South Africa, 14-17 November 2011.
Sandoval, Gerson, Wightman, Elaine M., Bradshaw, Dee J. and Manton, P. (2011). Characterising the effect of mineralogy on flotation performance at Telfer operation. Flotation '11, Cape Town, South Africa, 14-17 November 2011.
Wightman, Elaine M., Evans, Catherine L. and Bradshaw, Dee J. (2011). Investigating the behaviour of secondary copper sulphide minerals at plant scale.. Flotation '11, Cape Town, S. A., November 14-17, 2011.
Amini, E., Bradshaw, D. J. and Wightman, E. (2010). Influence of variation in grind size distribution on flotation kinetics of Northparkes copper ore. XII IMPS: XII International Mineral Processing Symposium, Cappadocia, Turkey, 6-8 October, 2010. Ankara, Turkey: Dept Mining Engin., Hacettep University.
Botman, P. T., Holtham, P. N. and Wightman, E. (2010). An investigation of the potential for eucalyptus oils as reagents in fine coal flotation. 13th Australian Coal Preparation Conference, Mackay, Qld., Australia, 12-17 September 2010. Sydney, N.S.W., Australia: Australian Coal Preparation Society.
Holuszko, M., Wightman, Elaine M. and Manlapig, Emmanuel (2010). Methods for improving the flotation recovery of the coarse fraction of a nickel ore. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Schwarz, Sarah Evelina Elizabeth and Wightman, Elaine M. (2010). Flotation circuit optimisation - towards more sustainable practice. 25th International Mineral Processing Congress 2010 (IMPC 2010), Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Wightman, Elaine M., Evans, Catherine L., Bradshaw, Dee J. and Manlapig, Emmanuel (2010). Predicting flotation response from liberation information. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Tang, Dong, Wightman, Elaine M., Franzidis, J-P. and Gonzalo Montes-Atenas (2010). Assessment of the consistency between different laboratory froth stability measurements. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Vizcarra, Timothy, Wightman, Elaine M., Johnson, N. W. and Manlapig, Emmanuel (2010). The physical basis of non random breakage in an iron-oxide hosted copper gold ore. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Amini,E., Alexander, D. and Wightman, E. M. (2009). Using laboratory scale flotation testing to predict pilot scale flotation performance.. 41st Annual CMP Conference 2009, Ottawa, Canada, 20-22 January 2009. Montreal, Canada: CMP.
Evans, C. L. and Wightman, E. M. (2009). Modelling liberation of comminuted particles. Preprint 09-088.. SME Annual Meeting, Denver, Colorado, 22-25 February 2009. Littleton, Colorado: SME.
Evans, C. L., Coulter, B. L., Wightman, E. M. and Burrows, A. S. (2009). Improving energy efficiency across mineral processing and smelting operations - A new approach.. SDIMI 2009, Gold Coast, QLD, 6-8 July, 2009. Carlton, VIC: AusIMM.
Tang, D., Wightman, E. M. and Franzidis, J-P. (2008). Characterising scavenger froth performance in a pilot scale OK3 cell. XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress (XXIV IMPC), Beijing, China, 24-28 September, 2008. Beijing China: Science Press.
Wightman, E.M., Evans, C. L., Vizcarra, T. and Sandoval, G. (2008). Process mineralogy as a tool in modelling mineral processing operations.. ICAM Australia 2008, Brisbane, QLD, 8-10 September, 2008. Carlton, VIC: AusIMM.
Vizcarra, T. and Wightman, E.M. (2008). Assessing the effect of breakage mechanism on the mineral liberation properties of a copper porphyry ore. XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress (XXIV IMPC), Beijing, China, 24-28 September, 2008. Beijing, China: Science Press.
Zanin, M., Wightman, E. M. and Franzidis, J.-P. (2007). Froth stability as a performance indicator in sulphide minerals flotation plants. Chemeca 2007, Sofitel, Melbourne, VIC, 23-26 September, 2007. Barton, ACT: Engineers Australia.
Wightman, E. M., Zanin, M., Franzidis, J.-P. and Manlapig, E. V. (2007). Relating froth vision to cell operating performance in industrial flotation plants. Chemeca 2007, Sofitel, Melbourne, Australia, 23-26 September, 2007. Barton, ACT: Engineers Australia.
Wightman, EM, Grano, SR and Ralston, J (1999). Aspects of the selective flocculation and flotation of ultrafine galena particles. 3rd UBC-McGill Bi-Annual International Symposium on Fundamentals of Mineral Processing held at the 38th Annual Conference of Metallurgists of CIM, Quebec City Canada, Aug 17-19, 1999. MONTREAL: CANADIAN INST MINING, METALLURGY AND PETROLEUM.