Advanced recovery of graphite from complex ores

About this project

Improve graphite processing technologies

If you are seeking to build a career in energy, resources & mining and are concerned about the efficiency of graphite recovery, the University of South Australia – Australia’s University of Enterprise – is offering a hands-on project-based Doctor of Philosophy within the Future Industries Institute (FII), in partnership with iTECH Minerals.

Graphite flotation behaviour has close similarities to that of molybdenite, but faces significant challenges mainly characterised by their fine flaky nature with associated lower bubble-particle collision in flotation process. This usually results in high graphite losses in the flotation circuit thus resulting in the reduction in the overall feedstock submitted for downstream extraction. To this end, the PhD program will seek to deliver cost-effective methods for producing consistently high graphite recovery and grade, from South Australian ores for downstream hydrometallurgical extraction. 

A key output of the proposed project will comprise producing the important mineralogical and metallurgical information that will enable prudent and efficacious graphite recovery. The success of the project will have significant impact on the final flowsheet design, choice of unit operations and processing strategy on typical South Australian ores. The project will also lead to the creation of new knowledge and enhanced understanding for the South Australian mining industry to develop novel, cost effective and sustainable graphite processing technologies. 

What you’ll do
You will undertake laboratory scale studies, which will be complimented with mini-pilot plant studies. Furthermore, you will get the opportunity to attend national and international conferences to share research findings and meet other students and experts in the field of research.

Where you’ll be based
You will be based in the Future Industries Institute (FII) which 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.  Financial Support 
This project is funded for reasonable research expenses. Additionally, a living allowance scholarship of $35,200 per annum is available to Australian and New Zealand citizens, and permanent residents of Australia, including permanent humanitarian visa holders. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants will be eligible to receive an increased stipend rate of $52,352 per annum (2025 rate). A fee-offset or waiver for the standard term of the program is also included. For full terms and benefits of the scholarship please refer to our scholarship information. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Eligibility and Selection
This project is open to applications from Australian or New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents or permanent humanitarian visa holders. International applicants are not invited to apply at this time.

Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for entrance into a PhD. 

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. 

Essential Dates 
Applicants are expected to start in a timely fashion upon receipt of an offer. Extended deferral periods are not available. Applications close on Sunday, 27 July, 2025.