Sustainable beneficiation of lithium minerals

Lithium is a critical mineral for the clean energy transition, but current methods for separating lithium minerals from waste rock are energy-intensive and often inefficient. This project will develop sustainable beneficiation processes to improve lithium recovery while lowering costs and reducing environmental impacts.

The research will explore environmentally friendly reagents and examine how fluid flow conditions can enhance separation efficiency. In addition to laboratory experiments, advanced modelling will be used to gain deeper insights into key sub-processes in comminution and flotation. This includes simulating particle breakage during ore processing, bubble formation and bubble–particle interactions, and how flotation performance changes under different flow conditions.

The PhD candidate will gain hands-on experience in both experimental and computational approaches, including mineral processing, reagent testing, and advanced simulation methods. The outcomes of this project will help advance greener processing technologies and improve the efficient use of lithium resources, supporting the sustainable supply of materials essential for renewable energy and battery technologies.

UQ Chemical Engineering has state-of-the-art laboratory facilities for comminution, flotation, and dewatering, along with access to the advanced analytical capabilities of the UQ Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis. All major equipment required for this project is already available.

UQ is recognised globally for excellence in this field: Chemical Engineering was ranked in the top 39 worldwide in the 2025 QS World Rankings by Subject, while Minerals & Mining Engineering was ranked sixth. The project aligns closely with UQ’s Strategic Research Plans in Mining and Minerals Processing.

UQ also has strong, long-standing partnerships with the Australian resources industry, collaborating with most major mineral companies through innovative research programs in mineral beneficiation and resource recovery, including numerous ARC Linkage projects. This project will build on and further strengthen these partnerships, providing opportunities for impactful research and industry engagement.

This is an Fellowship support scheme scholarship project that aligns with a recently awarded Australian Government grant.

The scholarship includes:

• living stipend of $36,400 per annum tax free (2025 rate), indexed annually
• your tuition fees covered
• single overseas student health cover (OSHC).

Learn more about the Fellowship support scheme 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 mineral processing, chemical engineering principles, or computational modelling (e.g., CFD, DEM) would be an advantage for this project, although training will be provided where needed.

You will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, or mechanical engineering and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is highly desirable.

This project requires candidates to commence no later than Research Quarter 3, 2026. You can start in an earlier research quarter.

You must submit an expression of interest (EOI) by the closing date for the research quarter (RQ) you want to start in:

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 Associate Professor Liguang Wang (liguang.wang@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: 'Fellowship project scholarship'
3. Scholarship Code Listed in the Advertisement: WANG-260825
4. Link to Scholarship Advertisement: https://study.uq.edu.au/study-options/phd-mphil-professional-doctorate/projects/sustainable-beneficiation-lithium-minerals

Submit an EOI