Summer and Winter Research Programs for Undergraduates

This project explores innovative physical and chemical strategies to improve metal recovery from mineral ores. The project will investigate the combined application of HVP-enhanced leaching and surfactant-assisted extraction to improve metal recovery from mineral ores. High-Voltage Pulse (HVP) technology utilizes electrical pulses to induce micro-fracturing in ore particles, increasing mineral exposure and lixiviant access. In parallel, selected surfactants are introduced during the leaching process to reduce surface tension, alter mineral surface properties, and accelerate dissolution kinetics. A series of laboratory-scale leaching experiments will be conducted to evaluate the individual and combined effects of HVP treatment and surfactant addition on metal recovery and leaching rate. The findings will help optimise leaching efficiency and contribute to developing more sustainable, cost-effective extraction processes for the mining industry.

Project Duration and delivery:  6 weeks duration, 36 hours per week. Attendance at the UQ Experimental Mine Site, Indooroopilly is required.

Expected outcomes:  The successful candidate can expect to gain the following skills and knowledge:

• Develop practical experience in designing, conducting, and monitoring chemical leaching experiments.
• Build skills in analytical data collection, processing, and interpretation.
• Gain an understanding of particle breakage mechanisms (micro-cracking) and their impact on leaching performance.
• Enhance scientific communication skills through the preparation and presentation of research findings in a written report and/or oral presentation.

Expected deliverables: The successful candidate will undertake the following key activities:

• Prepare and characterise ore samples for laboratory testing.
• Conduct High-Voltage Pulse (HVP) pre-treatment experiments under controlled conditions.
• Perform batch leaching tests to evaluate metal extraction performance.
• Collect, process, and analyse experimental data, including metal recovery, leaching kinetics, and reagent consumption.
• Monitor and assess process performance across different operating conditions.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and follow safe laboratory practices.
• Apply data visualisation and basic statistical analysis techniques to interpret results.
• Contribute to the preparation of a final summary/report presenting findings and recommendations.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to present their findings to the JKMRC research team and contribute to an active research program developing continuous HVP technology for mineral processing.
Depending on the outcomes of the project, the work may contribute to future conference or journal publications and provide a foundation for further research projects in numerical modelling, high voltage pulse processing or mineral processing. 

Suitable for: Suitable for enthusiastic UQ enrolled 3rd or 4th year undergraduate or master’s students with a background in chemistry, chemical engineering, environmental engineering or mining/metallurgical engineering.

Primary Supervisors: Dr Eric O. Ansah and Dr Christian Antonio

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Eric O. Ansah or Dr Christian Antonio to discuss this project in more detail.

An industry-sponsored project investigating novel approaches to enhance base metal sulphide mineral separation is being undertaken. To support this study, background information on the characteristics of the ore - particularly its magnetic properties and liberation behaviour - will be required. The successful candidate will be responsible for determining the mineralogical characteristics and liberation state of two supplied ores from different sources. Research will include assessing the natural magnetic properties of the minerals, specifically their amenability to magnetic separation and the magnetic field strengths required. Following this, supplied ore samples will be characterised through high-intensity magnetic separation at various levels. The procedure will be repeated at progressively finer grind sizes to achieve increased liberation. The work will primarily involve laboratory-based investigations.

Project Duration and delivery: 6 weeks duration, 36 hours per week. Attendance at the UQ Experimental Mine Site, Indooroopilly is required.

Expected outcomes:  At the end of the project the successful candidate can expect to gain the following skills and knowledge:

• Proficiency in structured research, including conducting literature surveys, acquiring and analysing data, and performing data verification and validation;
• Basic knowledge about mineralogy, particularly of those minerals occurring in the supplied sample;
• Knowledge of mineral liberation, and how it affects recovery;
• A sound understanding magnetic separation and the associated laboratory equipment and techniques used;
• The ability to write clear, concise, and technically robust reports for a professional audience;
• The capability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

Expected deliverables: The successful candidate will undertake the following key activities:

• Complete all required laboratory and safety inductions.
• Conduct a literature review of relevant published research.
• Develop an understanding of mineral liberation and magnetic separation principles.
• Gain proficiency in the use of a Davis Tube and high-intensity dry magnetic separator.
• Develop a project plan in consultation with the supervisory team.
• Prepare ore samples for testing, including size reduction activities.
• Conduct magnetic separation experiments using dry magnetic and Davis Tube separation methods.
• Evaluate the impact of particle size and magnetic field intensity on separation performance.
• Calculate magnetic product grade and recovery for each test run.
• Participate in regular meetings with the supervisory team and provide project updates.
• Analyse and interpret experimental results.
• Prepare progress reports and a final project report summarising methodology, results, and recommendations.

The project will conclude with a final close-out report on the findings and results as well as the preparation and delivery of a presentation to peers about the project.

Suitable for: Suitable for an enthusiastic UQ enrolled 3rd or 4th year engineering undergraduates and master’s students with a background in physics, mineral processing, or extractive metallurgy.

Primary Supervisors: Professor Quentin Campbell, Dr Christian Antonio and Dr Daniel Lay

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Quentin Campbell to discuss this project in more detail.

The Jameson cell flotation technology was developed at Mount Isa Mines in the late 1980s. Today, the Jameson cell has over 500 installations worldwide and is widely used in the processing of commodities such as lead, zinc, copper, coal, and industrial minerals. 

Given the importance that the Jameson cell has attained over the years, research studies have been conducted to enhance the understanding of its operational principles, and at the heart of this, the operation of the downcomer - an essential component of the technology. The operation of the downcomer is affected by a range of operating variables, such as air rate, downcomer pressure, solids concentration, and feed particle characteristics, often in complex, intercorrelated ways. 

A detailed understanding of the mechanisms that affect recovery performance within the downcomer would enable the optimisation of two critical aspects: maximising metallurgical performance while reducing the environmental impact of the mining industry.

This project aims to develop a deep understanding of how each variable affects downcomer performance, which could be used to enhance the design of the Jameson cell. The objectives are therefore to 1.) undertake a detailed experimental study of a Jameson Cell downcomer to better understand its operating mechanisms and 2.) to determine how changes in key system variables affect its operation and recovery.
Finally, 3.) use this understanding to provide guidance on improving Jameson Cell operation and design.

This project is being undertaken by a PhD student as part of the ARC CoE for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals, and the successful candidate will support the PhD student in executing their experimental plan, including subsequent sample preparation and analysis.

Project Duration and delivery: 6 weeks duration, 36 hours per week. Attendance at the UQ Experimental Mine Site, Indooroopilly is required. A hybrid arrangement may be possible, if required, for several days over the duration of the placement to perform data analysis.

Expected outcomes:  At the end of the project the successful candidate can expect to gain the following skills and knowledge:

• Knowledge of the fundamental principles of the flotation process.
• Receive hands-on training in using a range of laboratory equipment, including the L150 Jameson cell.
• Recognise the broader significance of high-intensity flotation technology in promoting sustainable mineral resource management and improving mining industry practices.
• Collaborate with professionals from diverse fields to tackle complex challenges in mineral processing, fostering interdisciplinary approaches.
• Learn about the best practices of experimental design, sample preparation and data analysis while developing presentation skills.

Expected deliverables: The successful candidate will undertake the following key activities:

• Assist with experimental test work using the L150 laboratory-scale Jameson cell.
• Operate the rig under a range of testing conditions.
• Collect samples during experimental runs.
• Prepare samples for laboratory analysis.
• Conduct chemical analysis of collected samples.
• Contribute to generating data that supports evaluation of operating variables on downcomer recovery performance.
• Assist in producing research outcomes that inform the PhD project's research objectives.

The successful applicant will prepare a presentation on the work performed for the project at the end of the placement.

Suitable for: Suitable for an enthusiastic UQ enrolled 3rd or 4th year undergraduates or master's within the Chemical or Mechanical Engineering Schools.  Candidates from other engineering schools may also be considered.

Primary Supervisors: Lizette Verster, Associate Professor Kym Runge and Angel Gomez Velaquez

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Lizette Verster to discuss this project in more detail.

Conventional crushing methods apply mechanical forces to break ore particles, whereas High Voltage Pulse (HVP) treatment uses short-duration electrical discharges to induce preferential breakage along mineral boundaries.  Compared with conventional crushing, HVP may produce particles with different physical and surface characteristics that influence downstream flotation performance.

This project will investigate the flotation performance of copper ore subjected to HVP treatment and conventional crushing. The student will participate in laboratory sample preparation, grinding, flotation testing, and data analysis to compare the two comminution approaches. Experimental products will be prepared for chemical assaying, and the results will contribute to ongoing JKMRC research examining the potential benefits of HVP technology for mineral processing and sustainable resource recovery.

Project Duration and delivery: 6 weeks duration, 36 hours per week. Attendance at the UQ Experimental Mine Site, Indooroopilly is required. Laboratory work must be conducted on-site, with flexibility for data analysis and literature review activities to be conducted remotely. Working arrangements can be discussed between the successful candidate and supervisors.

Expected outcomes:  At the end of the project the successful candidate can expect to gain the following skills and knowledge: 

• Gain hands-on experience in mineral processing research and laboratory experimentation.
• Develop skills in sample preparation, flotation testing, recovery and kinetic analysis, and metallurgical data interpretation.
• Build understanding of how comminution methods influence flotation performance and resource recovery.
• Gain exposure to advanced mineral characterisation techniques, including Mineral Liberation Analysis (MLA) and surface characterisation methods (where project progress permits).
• Strengthen capabilities in experimental design, data analysis, scientific communication, and research reporting.
• Generate and analyse flotation data comparing HVP-treated and conventionally crushed materials.
• Prepare a report summarising flotation recovery, product grades, flotation kinetics, and the effects of different comminution approaches.
• Contribute experimental data and findings to ongoing HVP research at JKMRC.

Expected deliverables: The successful candidate will undertake the following key activities:

• Complete a literature review on mineral processing, flotation, and high-voltage pulse treatment.
• Prepare ore samples and undertake particle size classification.
• Conduct grinding and flotation experiments.
• Collect and prepare flotation products for chemical analysis.
• Perform recovery, grade, and flotation kinetics analyses.
• Process, visualise, and interpret experimental data.
• Prepare and present project findings through a written report and presentation.

The successful applicant will prepare a presentation on the work performed for the project at the end of the placement. Depending on the project's outcomes, the work may contribute to ongoing research projects and future conference or journal publications.

Suitable for: Suitable for an enthusiastic UQ enrolled undergraduates or master's students in mining, metallurgical, chemical, materials, or related engineering and science disciplines with an interest in mineral processing, flotation, and laboratory-based research.
Prior flotation experience is not required; however, an interest in experimental work, data analysis, and mineral characterisation would be advantageous.

Primary Supervisors:  Joy Marisol Maniaul and Dr Christian Antonio

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Joy Marisol Maniaul to discuss this project in more detail.

High voltage pulse (HVP) technology uses short electrical discharges to selectively damage and break mineral particles. At the JKMRC, a novel continuous HVP system is being developed in which grizzly bars act simultaneously as electrodes and as a particle separation device. Experimental testing has demonstrated the potential of this concept for ore pre-concentration, but the mechanisms controlling electrical breakdown within the new electrode configuration are not yet fully understood.

This project will develop a transient numerical model in COMSOL Multiphysics to investigate how electrical breakdown develops within rock particles treated using the electrode-grizzly system. The model will build on existing published approaches for simulating electrical breakdown in heterogeneous rocks and will examine how factors such as particle-electrode contact, water gaps and mineralogical heterogeneity influence the location and development of discharge paths.

The successful candidate will work with existing electrode-grizzly geometries, experimental observations and previous modelling developed at the JKMRC. The outcomes will help improve understanding of the electrical behaviour of the system and provide guidance for future electrode design and operating conditions.

Project Duration and delivery: 6 weeks duration, 36 hours per week. Attendance at the UQ Experimental Mine Site, Indooroopilly is required. A hybrid arrangement may be possible, if required, for simulation and data analysis work able to be undertaken remotely.
Working arrangements can be discussed between the successful candidate and supervisors.

Expected outcomes:  At the end of the project the successful candidate can expect to gain the following skills and knowledge: 

• Gain practical experience in multiphysics numerical modelling using COMSOL Multiphysics.
• Develop skills in transient electrical simulations, dielectric breakdown modelling, and interpretation of electric field and current-density results.
• Learn to construct numerical models, define material properties and boundary conditions, and implement time-dependent simulations.
• Build experience translating published mathematical and physical models into numerical simulations and comparing predictions with experimental data.
• Gain exposure to mineral processing research, including comminution, ore characterisation, process modelling, and equipment development.
• Develop and document a transient COMSOL model of electrical breakdown in rock particles.
• Apply the model to assess the effects of particle-electrode contact and water gaps on discharge behaviour.
• Generate simulation results, a documented modelling methodology, and recommendations for future model and electrode-grizzly design improvements.

Expected deliverables: The successful candidate will undertake the following key activities:

• Complete a literature review on electrical breakdown and HVP treatment of rocks.
• Become familiar with the existing COMSOL electrode-grizzly model.
• Develop a transient electrical breakdown model incorporating progressive changes in electrical properties.
• Test and validate the model using simple particle geometries.
• Apply the model to electrode-grizzly configurations.
• Conduct simulations comparing particle-electrode contact and water-gap arrangements.
• Investigate heterogeneous particle and multiple-particle configurations (subject to project progress).
• Analyse simulation outputs, including electric field distributions, current paths, and breakdown behaviour across different configurations.

The successful applicant will prepare a presentation on the work performed for the project at the end of the placement. Depending on the project's outcomes, the work may contribute to ongoing research projects and future conference or journal publications.

Suitable for: Suitable for an enthusiastic UQ enrolled undergraduates or master's students in electrical, mechanical, materials, mining, chemical, or related engineering disciplines with an interest in numerical modelling and applied research. Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics, finite-element modelling, or electrical simulations is advantageous but not required.

Primary Supervisors:  Flavio P Andre and Dr Christian Antonio

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Flavio Andre to discuss this project in more detail.

The induced polarisation (IP) technique is widely used in geophysical exploration to characterise subsurface materials through their electrical properties, particularly chargeability and resistivity. These electrical properties provide information on mineralisation, matrix composition, and the electrochemical characteristics of geological formations. 
Understanding the relationship between IP responses measured on broken materials, could provide a predictive tool for assessing ore behaviour and, ultimately, flotation performance. In particular, investigating the galvanic interaction between sulphide minerals at different proportions using IP measurements represents a novel approach to linking mineralogical characteristics with electrochemical behaviour.

Therefore, this project will focus on developing and establishing a methodology for IP measurements on sulphide minerals. The methodology will provide a basis for investigating how particle size, mineral composition, liberation, and mineral–mineral interactions influence the electrical response of ore samples, with the longer-term objective of assessing whether IP measurements can be used as a predictive indicator of flotation performance.

Project Duration and delivery: 6 weeks duration, 36 hours per week. Attendance at the UQ Experimental Mine Site, Indooroopilly is required. 

Expected outcomes:  At the end of the project the successful candidate can expect to gain the following skills and knowledge: 

• Gain practical experience in induced polarisation (IP) measurements and their application to mineral processing.
• Develop an understanding of chargeability and resistivity measurements and their relationship to mineral composition and particle characteristics.
• Build skills in ore sampling, crushing, grinding, experimental design, data collection, and data analysis.
• Develop the ability to relate geophysical measurements to mineral processing and flotation behaviour.
• Establish a methodology for conducting IP measurements on crushed and ground mineral samples.
• Investigate the relationship between sample characteristics and electrical response.
• Prepare and present project findings through a written report and/or oral presentation.
• Contribute findings that may support future research publications or further project development, subject to project outcomes.

Expected deliverables: The successful candidate will undertake the following key activities:

• Prepare representative ore samples through sampling, crushing, and grinding.
• Operate the induced polarisation (IP) measurement system and conduct systematic testing.
• Collect and process electrical response data, including chargeability and resistivity measurements.
• Assess the relationship between sample characteristics, particle size, mineral composition, and IP responses.
• Compare IP results with available mineralogical and chemical data where appropriate.
• Analyse and interpret findings to evaluate the potential application of IP measurements in mineral processing.

By the end of the project, the successful applicant will have developed a methodology for conducting induced polarisation (IP) measurements on crushed and ground mineral samples and evaluated the relationship between sample characteristics and electrical response.
The successful applicant will prepare a written report and/or oral presentation summarising the methodology, results, and key findings, with outcomes potentially contributing to future research publications or further project development.

Suitable for: Suitable for an enthusiastic UQ enrolled 3rd or 4th year undergraduates or master's students in mining engineering, minerals processing, chemical engineering, or related disciplines with an interest in mineral exploration, mineral processing, geophysics, electrochemistry, and experimental research.
No prior experience with induced polarisation (IP) measurements is required; however, a willingness to undertake laboratory work, analyse experimental data, and learn new measurement techniques is essential.

Primary Supervisors:  Dr Unzile Yenial Arslan and Associate Professor Liza Forbes

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Unzile Yenial Arslan to discuss this project in more detail.

High voltage pulse (HVP) technology has shown potential to selectively break metal-bearing minerals in ores. Selective breakage provides a pathway to preconcentration which can increase the energy efficiency and reduce the footprint of mineral processing operations. Research at JKMRC aims to fundamentally understand the main drivers for mineral selectivity in HVP systems and how it affects ore amenability. To advance this objective, HVP-treated products have been analysed using the Micro-CT (MCT) beamline at the Australian Synchrotron which will enable high-resolution, 3D characterisation of breakage products and the resulting mineral distribution.

This project will develop a workflow for analysing synchrotron micro-CT datasets using Dragonfly Image Processing software. The workflow will be designed to quantitively assess the extent of mineral liberation across the size ranges analysed and evaluate the effectiveness of HVP-induced selective breakage. It will also aim to quantify the distribution of micro-cracks and porosities within the treated samples with the objective of determining whether there is evidence of preferential damage within specific mineral phases. 

The outcomes of this project will provide valuable insight into the mechanisms governing selectivity in HVP systems and how it influences ore amenability. The completed workflow will also potentially be used in the quantitative analysis of future microCT datasets generated by ongoing HVP research projects.

Project Duration and delivery: 6 weeks duration, 36 hours per week. Attendance at the UQ Experimental Mine Site, Indooroopilly is required. A hybrid arrangement may be possible, if required, for data analysis work able to be undertaken remotely.
Working arrangements can be discussed between the successful candidate and supervisors.

Expected outcomes:  At the end of the project the successful candidate can expect to gain the following skills and knowledge: 

• Gain practical experience in analysing synchrotron micro-CT data for mineral microstructure and fracture characterisation.
• Develop skills in Dragonfly software, including 3D visualisation, image segmentation, and quantitative image analysis.
• Build expertise in advanced characterisation techniques relevant to comminution and mineral processing research.
• Gain exposure to a broad range of mineral processing research areas through the JKMRC research environment.
• Develop a workflow for processing and analysing synchrotron micro-CT datasets.
• Quantitatively assess the effects of HVP treatment on mineral liberation, micro-crack formation, and porosity development.
• Generate insights into the mechanisms driving selective breakage and ore amenability in HVP systems.

Expected deliverables: The successful candidate will undertake the following key activities:

• Complete a literature review on HVP treatment of ores, mineral liberation, pre-weakening, and preconcentration.
• Develop proficiency in Dragonfly image analysis software and the interpretation of micro-CT datasets.
• Develop an image analysis workflow for processing synchrotron micro-CT data.
• Process and analyse CT datasets to quantify liberation of dense mineral phases.
• Quantify the extent of micro-crack propagation and porosity within sample specimens.
• Evaluate the selective effects of HVP treatment using image analysis data.

The successful candidate will prepare an oral presentation summarising their findings to the JKMRC research team.  Depending on the outcomes of the project, the work may contribute to future conference or journal publications and provide a foundation for further research projects in numerical modelling, high voltage pulse processing or mineral processing.

Suitable for: Suitable for an enthusiastic UQ enrolled undergraduates or master's students in mining, chemical, materials engineering, geology, computer science, data science, or related disciplines with an interest in data analysis, image processing, and mineral processing research. Experience with quantitative image analysis or Python programming is advantageous but not required. 
This project is particularly suited to candidates who enjoy working at the intersection of engineering, data science, and advanced characterisation techniques.

Primary Supervisors:  Dr Christian Antonio, Karlo Baladad, and Terrence Rosal

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Karlo Baladad to discuss this project in more detail.