Are you seeking to advance your career in mining, energy and natural resources? The University of South Australia—Australia’s University of Enterprise—is offering an exceptional opportunity to apply for a PhD project that seeks to map the interface between mineral exploration and society, based in the Future Industries Institute in collaboration with the Government of South Australia’s Department of Energy and Mining (DEM) and our MinEX CRC.
Global demand for materials critical to building clean technologies is increasing exponentially as countries work towards net-zero carbon emissions targets. The MinEx CRC is developing new drilling and sensor technologies to deliver more efficient and environmentally friendly methods of mineral exploration.
But social license to operate (SLO) is a challenge to all mineral exploration and mining activities. Disruptive technologies will impact SLO because how they will be used and the impact they may have on the environment and community differ from that of traditional technologies.
Such variables require communication not only within the field in which they will be applied, but also with the public to build confidence and acceptance in purpose and application. This PhD project will investigate how MinEx CRC innovations in mineral exploration technologies impact or may be impacted by SLO and regulatory policy and governance approaches.
The project will consider the environmental and physical ground surface impact of MinEx CRC technologies towards acceptance of mineral exploration; how MinEx CRC technologies may impact people and communities, for example through employment opportunities; and identify pinch points between new MinEx CRC technologies, regulatory policy and governance approaches and SLO that may be reconciled to improve approaches to mineral exploration.
This is an opportunity for you to join a world-renowned collaborative endeavour between FII and the MinEx CRC. Together they have developed a new coiled tubing drill rig for mineral exploration, laser-based sensors for collection of real time rock chemistry data, machine learning algorithms for automation, and geoscience projects for understanding mineral system genesis and ore deposit targeting.
You will be immediately immersed within a dynamic environment within which you will be supported not only in your own project, but also encouraged to directly learn about the broader MinEx CRC agenda. This project will position you as an important expert in this critical and ever-evolving industry.
What you’ll do
In this research degree project, you will be required to undertake independent research that involves collecting qualitative data through conducting formal interviews of key stakeholders and through focus groups; collecting quantitative data through literature review and surveys; analysing, interpreting and synthesising data; liaising with key stakeholders within MinEx CRC; and communicating results.
You will develop knowledge in understanding interactions between geoscience and the community, environment and government; stakeholder communication; communication of research outcomes to a variety of audiences and through media; strengthening qualitative research methods skills; project and time management; networking; and leadership.
You will be encouraged to travel to local and international conferences as required, if travel permitted.
You will become a member of a large MinEx CRC postgraduate student cohort, with opportunities to develop a support group of fellow postgraduate students and be involved in the broader CRC community through the CRC Annual Conference, workshops and other CRC events.
This project offers you potential to forge strong academic and industry networks and advance your career in this industry.
Where you’ll be based
You’ll be based in the Future Industries Institute (FII) as well as the MinEx CRC.
FII was established with a new research culture in mind—one deeply engaged with industry, with the end goal of building economic growth through relevant innovation and industry partnership.
The Institute reflects the University's strategic ambition to be Australia's University of Enterprise which engages fully with the professions and industry globally, whose research is informed, leading edge and relevant. FII continues to forge national and international research partnerships in new industries and technologies that address real world issues. Our goal is to support a creative and engaged culture and to help develop a sustainable ecosystem in which innovation, complex, growth-focused industries thrive.
FII's research supports state and national research priorities and comprises top research teams able to collaborate across disciplines and to work with industry partners to deliver innovative solutions.
With a vibrant research environment, a strong industry orientation, and active international and national links, both academic and industry based, the Institute is among the very best in Australia and attracts and retains leading researchers.
Supervisory Team
Associate Professor Caroline Tiddy - Principal Supervisor
Dr Adam Simpson – Co-Supervisor
Professor Vicki Waye – Co-Supervisor
Professor Jennifer McKay – Co-Supervisor
Benjamin Zammit, SA Department of Energy and Mining – Industry Advisor
Eligibility and Selection
This project is open to application from both domestic and international applicants.
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. Additionally applicants must meet the projects selection criteria:
Essential
- Knowledge of the mineral exploration industry
- Knowledge and experience of the essentials of qualitative research methods
- Research experience in relation to the social impacts of natural resource extraction
Desirable
- Understanding of policy and regulation related to natural resource extraction
All applications that meet the eligibility and selection criteria will be considered for this project. A merit selection process will be used to determine the successful candidate.
The successful applicant is expected to study full-time, and to be based at our Mawson Lakes Campus in the north of Adelaide. Note that international students on a student visa will need to study full-time.
Essential Dates
Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close at11.30pm [ACST]. Sunday, 23 January 2022.
Principal Supervisor: Associate Professor Caroline Tiddy