Developing an eco-efficient approach for separation of critical minerals from dilute solutions

Critical minerals are strategically important for the world, underpinning the economic growth and the energy transition. 

The defining challenge is, however, the decline in the grade of the resources and the growing pressures from environmental regulations, demanding new technologies that can sustainably extract minerals from low-grade resources, e.g. reclaiming minerals from dilute solutions after bio-leaching or heap leaching, or extracting strategic minerals from seawater. 

This project aims to develop a new pathway for extracting low-grade critical minerals from aqueous environments. 

The new approach will utilise the chemical and physiochemical principles to enable the separation. 

We are looking for candidates who have strong background knowledge in chemical science, physiochemical science, or chemical engineering science.

The University of Queensland (UQ) has a strong and internationally focused research culture. 

UQ ranks well within the top 100 universities worldwide, measured through a number of major independent university rankings: the Academic Ranking of World Universities, Times Higher Education World University Rankings, US News Best Global Universities Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities, and is indeed in the top 50 in some of these rankings. 

The project will be based in the School of Chemical Engineering UQ - a highly regarded institution for its teaching and research in metallurgy and minerals processing. The School of Chemical Engineering UQ has been consistently ranked in the top five in the world in the field of metallurgy and minerals processing in recent years. 

This project is supported by the Research project scholarship.

Learn more about the Research project 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 chemical science, physiochemical science, and chemical engineering science would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the fields of chemical engineering and minerals engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of the integrated experimental and computational research approach is highly desirable.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by 8 December, 2026 8 December, 2026.

Before you apply

1. Check your eligibility for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).
2. Prepare your documentation.
3. If you have any questions about whether the project is suitable for your research interests, contact Dr Ngoc Nguyen (n.nguyen9@uq.edu.au).

When you apply

To apply, submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the program. You don't need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. How to submit an EOI

In your EOI, complete the ‘Scholarship/Sponsorship’ section with the following details:

1. Are you applying for an advertised project: 'Yes'
2. Project: 'Research project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: MINERALS-NGUYEN
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/developing-eco-efficient-approach-separation-critical-minerals-dilute-solutions

Submit an EOI