AI control of an electromagnetic eddy current particle separator for ore enrichment

There has been significant interest in the dry separation of conducting particles using a rotating magnetic drum [1, 2]. In 2023 the principal supervisors took delivery of a purpose built machine to separate conducting particles from non-conducting material using magnetic fields. The machine is now housed at the Nathan Campus, Griffith University. The initial application was to refine gold ore from Queensland mine sites. The machine was funded by the company EGRS (Qld) and built by Mineral Technology (Gold Coast) with an estimated value of more than $100,000.

The machine has several variables which will be controlled by the particles separated including:

a)     Drum rotation speed

b)     Ore delivery speed

c)     Particle size

d)     Particle conductivity contrast

e)     Particle speed of recovery.

An AI-based control algorithm embedded in the control electronics will be developed in this project. The control system will classify the three stages of the separation process, which involve electrostatic, magnetostatic, and electromagnetic particle sorting. The outcomes demonstrated within Griffith University initially before being transported to mine site.

The ore recovery system will benefit the mineral extraction and processing industries [3] by using a water-less device running on sustainable energy (photovoltaics) at the mine site. This reduces the transport costs to refineries, a significantly reduced chemical requirement, and the reduction of waste-water current stored in sullage ponds.

The company EGRS has supported the project with cash for output assays, machine manufacture and patent costs to date.

The two principal supervisors have been involved with the project since its inception 10 years ago.  

The successful PhD candidate, preferably with (1) degree(s) in B.Eng/Hons) and/or Master in Electromagnetics/Communications Engineering, (2) at least 2 first-author publications in international peer-reviewed journals, will have the opportunity to collaborate with engineers form the company Mineral Technologies to gain work experience and an opportunity for future employment.

The successful PhD candidate is expected to fulfil all of Griffith University’s PhD selection criteria. It is expected that the PhD candidate be based in-person on Griffith’s Nathan campus in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.

Funding Notes

Griffith University funds both domestic and international PhD candidates on a competitive basis and is one of few institutions to offer both a tuition fee waiver and a living stipend.

To be eligible and competitive for a Griffith University Postgraduate Research Scholarship (domestic; View Website) or a Griffith University International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (international applicants; View Website) you need to have First Class Honours or equivalent research experience.

First-author peer-reviewed publications in international journals are advantageous.

Top-ranked candidates will be selected from among applicants to proceed to a formal PhD and scholarship application through Griffith University, with the support of the prospective supervisory team.

Applications can be received and processed year-round for our four intakes. Click here for key dates.

Location

It is expected that the PhD candidate be based in-person on Griffith’s Nathan campus in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, even though some travel to Griffith’s Gold Coast campus may be required.