Interactions of organic components in process water with gold

The project will investigate how the organic components existing in process water adsorb on gold surfaces and then interact with collectors used in gold flotation and lixiviants used in gold leaching. The project will identify the problematic organic components which cause problems during the gold extraction processes.

This is part of an Australian Research Council Linkage Project supported by BHP and Newmont US Limited. The project addresses the low-quality water that has been used in the resources industry to save fresh water but shows harmful effects on gold extraction. The candidate will be part of a research team, working closely with another PhD student, who will study the interactions of inorganic components in process water with gold, and will be supervised by experts in both physical and chemical processing of metals. The fundamental understanding from the PhD projects will guide the development of solutions to solving industry problems. In addition to working with the research team consisting of professors and research fellows in university, the candidate will also work closely with industry experts from BHP and Newmont.

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions. Today, UQ is ranked in the world's top 50. The project is carried out in the School of Chemical Engineering which is internationally renowned. We deliver quality programs and leadership in education, research and development, and expert consulting to support chemical and metallurgical process industries.

Worldwide, UQ Chemical Engineering is ranked the top 50 and UQ Minerals and Mining Engineering is ranked the top 5 (QS World University Rankings 2023). Catalysed by our move to a new home, the state-of-the-art Andrew N. Liveris Building, the School is entering an exciting new era. We are seeking to recruit research engineers who are passionate and committed to creating change with positive local and international impacts.

This is an Earmarked scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $35,000 per annum tax free (2024 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Earmarked scholarship.

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your:

• previous academic record
• publication record
• honours and awards
• employment history.

A working knowledge of flotation and leaching would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of chemistry, chemical engineering, resource engineering or a relevant field and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of gold processing is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 4, 2024. To allow time for your application to be processed, we recommend applying no later than 30 June, 2024 31 March, 2024.

You can start in an earlier research quarter. See application dates.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. Contact Professor Yongjun Peng (yongjun.peng@uq.edu.au) to discuss your interest and suitability.

When you apply

You apply for this scholarship when you submit an application for a PhD. You don’t need to submit a separate scholarship application.

In your application ensure that under the ‘Scholarships and collaborative study’ section you select:

• My higher degree is not collaborative
• I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship
• UQ Earmarked Scholarship type.

Apply now