Federation University Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore PhD Scholarship 2026

This industry-funded PhD project aims to investigate the oxidation behaviour of broken ore within sub-level open stopes at CSA Mine, one of Australia's largest underground copper mines. The project offers a unique opportunity to work closely with industry and contribute to solving a significant operational challenge with broader relevance to the mining sector.

Title

• Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine

Industry partner and student host

• Harmony Gold (Australia) Pty Ltd – CSA Mine

Description

• Oxidation and cementation of broken ore can adversely impact ore flow, production scheduling, and mine productivity. The research will involve underground sample collection, laboratory-based oxidation testing, mineralogical and geochemical characterisation, environmental monitoring, and predictive modelling of oxidation processes.

Outcomes

• The outcomes will provide improved understanding of oxidation mechanisms, quantify oxidation rates under varying underground conditions, and develop practical mitigation strategies for underground mining operations. 

• Table of Content
• About Federation University Australia
• Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine PhD Scholarship
• Aim and Benefits of Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine PhD Scholarship
• Requirements for Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine PhD Scholarship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine PhD Scholarship

Aim and Benefits of Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine PhD Scholarship

This project is funded for three years (with the potential for a 6-month extension upon application).

Stipend

• $50,000 per year, provided in fortnightly, tax free installments comprised of $40,000 as the base stipend, and a $10,000 top up from Federation University

Project Support

• $3,000 per year available to spend on the research project provided by the Research Training Program (RTP) allowance

Tuition Fees

• Up to $32,000 will be covered by the Research Training Program (RTP) fee-offset scholarship for domestic students, or by a tuition fee scholarship provided by the Graduate Research School for international students

Requirements for Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine PhD Scholarship Qualification

To be eligible for the project, you must: 

• be eligible for a PhD
• willing to undertake full-time study
• have a background in one or more of the following areas:
  • Mining Engineering
  • Geological Engineering
  • Geology
  • Metallurgical Engineering
  • Civil Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering

Experience with laboratory testing, geochemistry, mineralogy, data analysis, or mine operations will be advantageous.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

• Please contact Associate Professor Manoj Khandelwal before submitting your application.
• When you're ready to apply, follow these instructions.

For more information, kindly visit Federation University scholarship webpage.