The mining industry faces increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving resource efficiency and minimising waste generation. Mineral carbonation offers a unique opportunity to permanently capture carbon dioxide through reactions with naturally occurring minerals and mine tailings, converting CO2 into stable carbonate minerals. Despite its significant potential, widespread implementation remains limited by slow reaction kinetics, incomplete understanding of reaction mechanisms, and uncertainty surrounding large-scale deployment.
This project will investigate novel approaches to accelerate mineral carbonation and enhance the value of carbonated products derived from mine wastes and low-grade mineral resources. The research will combine laboratory experimentation, advanced characterisation, and process modelling to develop practical pathways for integrating carbon capture with resource recovery in the mining sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aim <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To develop innovative mineral carbonation technologies that enable permanent carbon dioxide sequestration while creating value-added products from mine wastes and low-grade mineral resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Objectives <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Significance\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mineral carbonation is one of the few carbon capture technologies capable of providing permanent and environmentally stable carbon storage without long-term monitoring requirements. Western Australia possesses vast quantities of mine tailings and mineral residues with significant potential for carbon dioxide sequestration.
This project will generate new knowledge and technologies to accelerate mineral carbonation and improve the economic viability of carbon capture in the mining sector. The outcomes will contribute to the development of sustainable mining practices, support decarbonisation of resource industries, and create new opportunities for transforming mine wastes into valuable products. The research directly supports Australia’s transition toward net-zero emissions while strengthening the competitiveness of the minerals sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ideal Candidate <\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a background in chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, mineral processing, materials science, environmental engineering, or a related discipline. Experience in reaction engineering, materials characterisation, mineral processing, thermodynamics, or carbon capture technologies is desirable. Familiarity with laboratory experimentation, data analysis, and process modelling would be advantageous. The candidate should possess strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills and be eligible for admission to a PhD program at Curtin University. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This project is open to International and Domestic applicants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Internship<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The student will have opportunities to undertake internships with industry partners involved in mining, mineral processing, carbon management, and mine waste utilisation. Internship activities may include carbonation testing, materials characterisation, process assessment, and evaluation of industrial implementation pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scholarship <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are identified as the preferred candidate for this project, you may be considered for an RTP scholarship<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Enquires and How to Apply <\/p>\n\n\n\n For enquires about this opportunity contact Dr Arash Arami-Niya at\u00a0Arash.Araminiya@curtin.edu.au<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n