Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine
- Category
- Funded research project
- Location
- Ballarat
- Value
- $50,000
- Open date
- 24/06/2026
- Close date
- 31/08/2026
- Study sector
- Higher education
- Study level
- Higher Degree by Research
- Student type
- Domestic, International
- Student status
- New / commencing
- Scholarships available
- 1
Project overview
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.
Terms and conditions
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.
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
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.
Please contact Associate Professor Manoj Khandelwal before submitting your application. When you're ready to apply, follow these instructions.