Title:
Geoenvironmental characterisation of historic mine tailings: evaluating opportunities for reprocessing
Type:
Living allowance plus operational funds
Value & Duration:
This scholarship provides $26,288pa (2016 rate) living allowance for 3 years, with a possible 6 month extension. Operational funds to support the PhD research project will be provided through the Transforming the Mining Value Chain (TMVC) ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub.
Closing date:
As per current round.
The Research Project:
This research will focus on the King River delta/Macquarie Harbour, Western Tasmania. Tailings are sourced from the Mt. Lyell Copper mine, Queenstown. Approximately 100 Mt of mine tailings and slag materials were discharged into the Queen and King Rivers since the 1890s, with the 2.5 km2 King River delta built from approximately 10 Mt of mine tailings. This delta is contaminated with Cu, Pb, and Zn. Whilst the tailings properties and the geochemistry of Macquarie Harbour have been documented in previous studies(e.g., Taylor et al., 1997; Eriksen et al., 2001; Augistinus et al., 2010), the sulphide chemistry has yet to be detailed at the micro-scale. Considering this, this research is focussed on resolving:
  1. What is the sedimentological architecture of tailings and slag in both riverine and delta environments?
  2. What are the geoenvironmental properties of tailings and slag?
  3. What is the sulphide chemistry and what are the key oxidation products,where do deleterious and precious metals deport?
  4. If a potential target is identified, will its extraction be of economic benefit?

Eligibility:
The following eligibility criteria apply to this scholarship:
  • The scholarship is open to Australian (domestic) candidates and to International candidates.
  • The PhD must be undertaken on a full-time basis.
  • Applicants must already have been awarded a first class Honours degree or hold equivalent qualifications or relevant and substantial research experience in an appropriate sector.
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate strong research and analytical skills.
Candidates from a variety of disciplinary backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Knowledge and skills that will be ranked highly include:
  • Strong background in mineralogy and environmental geochemistry.
  • Experience in challenging fieldwork.
  • Understanding of metallurgy and sedimentology.
  • Knowledge of geophysical techniques.

Funding:
This PhD scholarship is jointly funded by the TMVC Hub and the University of Tasmania.
Application Process:
Applicants should complete the application via the University of Tasmania's admissions system and scholarship section (see How to Apply on theGraduate Research Future Studentspage) and indicateunder Scholarship Supportthat you wish to be considered for a UTAS Merit Basedliving allowance scholarship.
More information:
Please contact Dr Anita Parbhakar-Fox () for more information.