Summer and Winter Research Programs for Undergraduates

Being able to efficiently recover coarse particles by flotation would enable minerals processing operations to significantly reduce the power these operations consume to grind rocks into fine powders and would open safer and more water efficient options for tailings management.

This project seeks to determine the effect that dosing collector as an aerosol has on the flotation behaviour of coarse particles and to understand the mechanisms driving that behaviour. Traditionally, collectors are dosed to a flotation system as a solution and adsorb onto the mineral surfaces at the solid-liquid interface. However, thermodynamic theory predicts that collector adsorption is greater at the solid-gas interface, so dosing collector as an aerosol together with the air that forms the air bubbles in the flotation system should result in greater collector adsorption onto the mineral surfaces. This in turn should increase the flotation recovery of coarse particles because these particles require more hydrophobic surfaces to be able to float.

This topic will be investigated by performing laboratory scale flotation tests on a complex sulphide ore (chalcopyrite-pyrite) to compare the flotation performance between different collector dosing methods.

Project duration and delivery: 4 weeks duration. The applicant will need to be on-site at the Indooroopilly Mine Site for the duration of the project.

Expected outcomes and deliverables: The applicant will primarily be tasked with assisting to prepare the flotation products for assay, and with assisting to perform flotation tests.

Suitable for: Suitable for UQ enrolled students seeking skills in minerals processing laboratory techniques. The ideal applicant will be comfortable with performing repetitive tasks with care and accuracy.

Primary Supervisor: Associate Professor Liza Forbes

Further information: Interested applicants may contact Associate Professor Liza Forbes to discuss this project in more detail if desired, but this is not a requirement.

Mineral separation is a critical process in mining and resource industries, contributing to the extraction of valuable minerals. Efficient separation methods directly impact resource recovery, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations play a pivotal role in comprehending the hydrodynamics of mineral separation equipment. By virtually modelling fluid-particle interactions, CFD provides insights into complex processes, aiding the improvement of separation efficiency.

This project constitutes a vital component of a broader research project of the CFD team, which aims to leverage simulation techniques for the comprehensive evaluation and optimisation of mineral separation equipment, including conventional flotation cells, reflux classifiers, teeter bed separators, and Hydro Float devices. The applicant, mentored and supported by a team of experienced CFD modellers and researchers, will conduct in-depth analysis and interpretation of results from CFD simulations. This involves a comparative assessment of the impact of different equipment designs and operational conditions on the hydrodynamics and efficiency of a selected mineral separation device, thereby contributing to the advancement of such separation technology.

Duration and delivery: 4 weeks duration, 36 hours per week. The applicant will need to be on-site at the Indooroopilly Mine Site for the duration of the project.

Expected outcomes and deliverables: The project offers a unique opportunity for the applicant to gain insights into the working principles and hydrodynamics governing mineral separation devices. They will acquire valuable skills in CFD modelling, simulation software and data analysis. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to contribute to research publications, and are expected to produce a written report or deliver an oral presentation summarising their findings.

Suitable for:  This project is suitable for UQ enrolled students with a background in engineering or science and a keen interest in computational science and research.  Up to two positions are available.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Dion Weatherley

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Dion Weatherley to discuss this project in more detail, prior to submission of their online application

Researchers are utilising Xray tomography to better understand the mineralogical makeup of metal containing ores and particles. Image processing is required to quantify and characterise the ore particles scanned.

Currently this is undertaken in Dragonfly software. However, due to custom workflows and needs, it is necessary to develop python code to interact with the Dragonfly software. This enables a better user experience and performing additional calculations not available in the software.

Project Duration & Delivery: 4 weeks duration, 20-36 hours per week, as agreed with supervisor. The project will be offered on-site, with an option for some work to be undertaken remotely.

Expected outcomes and deliverables:  The successful applicant will use their python skills to develop plugins GUIs and improved workflows for the analysis of Xray tomography scans.  They will develop problem identification and solving skills particularly within python programming space. Applicants will be required to learn how to work through problem definition and scope, identification of appropriate programming resources, utilise APIs, develop and test software.

Suitable for: Computer based work. Applications from UQ enrolled students with a strong background in python programming are desirable.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Gordon Forbes

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Gordon Forbes to discuss this project in more detail, prior to submission of their online application

In mineral processing, the valuable minerals are separated from the waste material by froth flotation. In this physical-chemical process, mineral particles are mixed with water (pulp) and chemical reagents are added to alter the surfaces of the minerals of interest. These particles are then collected by attachment to air bubbles rising to the top of the flotation cell. The surface properties of the minerals play a key role during this process and determine the separation efficiency.

State-of-art, cutting-edge biotechnology can offer a pathway for the development of a new generation of flotation reagents that would replace the use of conventional toxic chemicals in mineral processing, contributing to more sustainable and environmentally friendly mining practices. This project aims to test the application of novel bioreagents developed to target and modify the surfaces of copper minerals and evaluate the resulting surface properties, such as hydrophobicity. 

Project duration and delivery: 4 weeks duration. Full-time on-site attendance at the Indooroopilly Mine Site is required.

Expected outcomes and deliverables:  The work will involve the applicant doing laboratory work where different bioreagents will be tested and compared with traditional reagents used in flotation. The applicant will undertake contact angle measurements to ascertain mineral hydrophobicity and data analysis. The outcomes of this work will help determine the efficacy of the new reagents compared with the traditional reagents used in the flotation of copper minerals.

Suitable for: This project is open to one UQ enrolled student with an engineering or science background.

Primary Supervisor:  Dr Susana Brito e Abreu

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Dr Susana Brito e Abreu to discuss this project in more detail, prior to submission of their online application

Effective flotation techniques require processing feed materials within a specific fine size range in mineral processing, necessitating intense comminution processes. Comminution, one of the most energy-intensive operations, accounts for a significant portion of mining operating costs and contributes to increased carbon emissions. Therefore, reducing energy consumption in comminution processes is crucial to mitigating the industry’s environmental impact.

Developing new equipment like the HydroFloat®, a fluidised bed separator designed for coarse particle flotation, presents opportunities for early waste rejection in processing circuits, enhancing liberation and reducing energy-intensive grinding requirements. However, limited research exists on the chemical factors influencing performance in this new hydrodynamic environment, especially regarding bubble size and bubble surface area flux determination. These are essential for optimising operations and fast-tracking implementation across various commodities globally.

Developing an understanding of how to control bubble size and surface area flux in HydroFloat®'s unique hydrodynamic environment is essential for enhancing unit operation and control. Implementing such methodologies will support equipment utilisation across various commodities, reduce global energy consumption for grinding, and mitigate the mining industry's environmental impact on the greenhouse effect.

Project Duration and delivery: 4 weeks duration. Full-time onsite attendance at the Indooroopilly Mine Site is required, however a hybrid arrangement is possible for several days over the duration of the placement.

Expected outcomes and deliverables: Producing a significant volume of high-quality images for bubble identification and analysis using MATLAB code. The analysis will provide insights into the types of bubbles present in the process, their sizes, distribution, and volumes. Collecting this data will aid in understanding the relationship between chemical and hydrodynamic parameters and their effect on bubble coalescence and surface area flux.

Applicants will:

• Gain knowledge of the fundamental principles of the flotation process, with a focus on coarse particle flotation
• Participate in a laboratory visit and receive hands-on training in using a range of laboratory equipment
• Understand the influence of chemical reagents on bubble formation and behaviour in flotation processes
• Recognize the broader significance of coarse particle flotation technology in promoting sustainable mineral resource management and improving mining industry practices
• Utilise the MATLAB code extensively for data analysis and interpretation
• Collaborate with professionals from diverse fields to tackle complex challenges in mineral processing, fostering interdisciplinary approaches

The project will yield high-quality bubble analysis data from images received using a MATLAB code developed specifically for on-site purposes.

Applicants will be asked to produce a report containing all the collected data.

Suitable for: This project is open to 3rd-4th year students from the UQ Chemical Engineering School.

Primary Supervisor: Dr Ünzile Yenial Arslan

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Anna Skliar to discuss this project in more detail, prior to submission of their online application.

This project will involve reviewing incidents and literature to identify and map lifecycle and supply chain risks and circular economy impacts in a manner that facilitates comparative analysis between proposals.

Duration and delivery: 4 weeks duration, 36 hours per week. This project will involve meetings at St Lucia but work can be conducted remotely.

Expected outcomes and deliverables: From this project, the applicant can expect to gain skills in systematic literature review, incident investigation analysis and report writing.

Suitable for: This project is open to a UQ enrolled student who is interested in identifying, analysing and representing risk associated with emerging energy sources. It will involve a lot of reading and coding of reports.

Primary Supervisor: Professor Maureen Hassall

Further information: Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Maureen Hassall to discuss this project in more detail, prior to submission of their online application.