Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 April 2024
Campus
Hobart
Citizenship requirement
Domestic / International
Scholarship
$32,192pa for 3.5 years
About the research project
Ore deposit mineralogical characterisation is recognised as an important component of mineral exploration and geometallurgical assessments. It aims to optimise the efficiency of extraction of precious and critical green (i.e., copper) metals, whilst also minimising the amount of waste material. Consequently, improved methods for modelling the geometric and mineralogical complexities of known ore bodies will help develop more efficient extraction, processing, and waste management protocols for the purpose of better ore recovery. Optimising the characterisation of ore-bearing rocks and efficiencies created therein have implications for reducing the impact of mining activities on the local environment, and through upscaling, on the global climate.
The Nautanen iron oxide-copper-gold (IOCG) deposit is an important base metal resource in the Aitik-Malmberget district of northern Sweden. Small-scale mining of surficial iron mineralisation occurred during the early twentieth century. However, recent drilling by Boliden has identified significant copper and gold resources. Nautanen is hosted within a belt of Paleoproterozoic volcanic, volcaniclastic and intermediate intrusions of the Muorjevaara Group, which also hosts the world-class Aitik deposit 15 km to the southeast.
This project will aim to develop workflows and methods for mineral chemistry variance mapping and geometallurgical domaining using geological, geochemical and textural field criteria in a complexly deformed and metamorphosed Paleoproterozoic mineral system. This may involve the integration of a variety of geologic and geotechnical datasets, including but not limited to petrographic, XRD, mineral chemistry, SEM, ASD, ICP-MS, hyperspectral and micro-XRF data. The results of this study will be used to improve methods for ore identification and extraction and inform future base metal exploration in ancient terranes. The potential exists to expand this project to other Boliden operated sites should the candidate demonstrate the ability to develop workflows that can be implemented across different mineral systems. The outcomes of this project will form an integral part of the AMIRA P1249 research program.
Primary Supervisor
Meet Dr Michael BakerFunding
The successful applicant will receive a scholarship which 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:
- BSc with First Class Honours or equivalent in economic geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geometallurgy
- 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:
- Proficiency in written and oral English is required
- BSc with First Class Honours or equivalent in economic geology, geophysics, geochemistry, geometallurgy
- Experience in numerical modelling and/or machine learning
- The successful applicant will be self-motivated and willing to work as part of a research team
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- One or more peer reviewed publications
- The successful applicant will have solid knowledge of IOCG or porphyry deposits and the geochemical criteria that are used in exploration for these systems
- Experience in the mineral resource industry is an advantage, particularly in IOCG and/or porphyry exploration
- Proficiency in Python programming language or similar
- Previous exposure to laser ablation (LA-ICPMS) and mineral liberation analysis (MLA) analytical techniques
- Familiarity with GIS software (e.g., Leapfrog)
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Michael Baker to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- 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.
- Apply prior to 1 April 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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