Geometallurgy of Ernest Henry

Geometallurgical characterization of the Ernest Henry IOCG deposit

Degree type

Masters by research

Closing date

1 June 2024

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic

About the research project

Iron oxide copper-gold (IOCG) deposits are an enigmatic but highly valuable class of mineral systems. Their genesis and hydrothermal evolution are fairly well understood, despite long-standing debates over fluid sources and deformational regimes at the time of mineralization. However, mineralogical zonation within ore zones and the geometallurgical character of individual IOCG deposits remains poorly constrained. In particular, understanding the comprehensive modal mineralogy and deportment of potentially deleterious elements in a given IOCG system can potentially result in millions of dollars in savings to the mining company in the form of reduced environmental contaminants in waste dumps and increased efficiency in ore recovery rates.

This project will primarily study the Ernest Henry IOCG deposit, Cloncurry, Queensland, Australia, to map changes in modal mineralogy across the orebodies, with the goal of reducing geoenvironmental hazards, increasing recovery rates, and providing a clearer picture of gold and copper deportments.

Primary Supervisor

Meet Dr Jeffrey Steadman

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $32,192 per annum (2024 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:

  • The successful applicant will have a solid background in mineralogy and geochemistry, particularly as they relate to ore processing
  • The candidate will also possess a working knowledge of iron oxide copper-gold deposits, including their overall geochemical and geometallurgical character
  • The successful applicant will be self-motivated and well able to fit in a research team environment

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Extensive experience with geological modelling software (e.g., Leapfrog, Vulcan, etc.)
  • Familiarity with mineral liberation analysis (MLA) techniques
  • Previous exposure to laser ablation (LA-ICPMS) and other microbeam analytical techniques

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact Dr Jeffrey Steadman to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 1 June 2024.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

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