People

• Dr Diego Mesa – Research Fellow
• Dr Luis Salinas-Farran – Research Associate
• Dr Jorge Avalos-Patino – Research Associate

• Mr Ugo Legendre
• Mr Bute Bu
• Mr Gonzalo Larrabure
• Mr Luka Malone
• Mr Kosuke Ikeya
• Mr John Morley
• Mr Arjun Pukkella
• Mr Jose Martinez
• Ms Becky Ryder

Description of their projects:

Name: Gonzalo Larrabure

Project Title: Multimodal approach to obtain spatiotemporal insights into column and stirred-tank leaching experiments through surface-level analysis and 3D imaging.

Abstract: Leaching is a complex process with important phenomena occurring at different scales. My research aims to provide a methodology for assessing column and stirred-tank leaching behaviour at ore particle, mineral grain, and mineral surface scales in small-scale experimental systems. This methodology combines inputs from hydrometallurgical assays, surface-sensitive techniques (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy), and 2D (SEM/EDX) and 3D imaging (micro computed tomography) to thoroughly understand surface passivation and changes in the leaching solution and in the mineralogy and microstructure of the particles.

Name: Ugo Legendre

Project Title: The material-energy nexus: not enough materials for energy, or not enough energy for materials?

Abstract: My research focuses on large-scale energy and material supply-demand analyses in the context of energy transition scenarios. I am developing a dynamic energy supply model for the EU that simulates declining fossil fuel supplies and accounts for the "upfront" energy needed to build renewable energy plants like solar and wind.

As fossil fuel supplies decline, electrifying production processes for materials like iron, hydrogen, and ammonia will become essential, significantly altering energy demands. Since these materials are critical for manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels, my model incorporates how their energy requirements evolve with electrification.

Finally, I assess the feasibility of material supply for the energy transition and constrain renewable energy plant growth based on projected resource availability. This analysis aims to identify the physical limits of renewable energy expansion, providing insights into addressing the climate and energy crises effectively.

Name: Luka Malone

Project Title: Decision Making Under Uncertainty in Lunar ISRU

Abstract: My research aims to develop decision support systems and strategies for lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU). As we begin the next phase of human space exploration, we will have to rely less on exports from earth, and rather take on a ‘living off the land’ approach as we utilize local resources, such as the lunar regolith, to produce useful products such as vehicle propellant.

The uncertainties involved in ISRU warrant a flexible design approach, which puts operators in a position to better deal with emergent events and conditions that stem from operating in the highly remote and harsh lunar surface environment.

To facilitate this flexible design approach, I utilize simulation games and digital twin modelling to find optimal decision-making strategies and factors that influence decision making in Lunar ISRU.

Name: Kosuke Ikeya

Project Title: Design and Operations of Lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization Plants under Extreme Uncertainty

Abstract: This PhD project aims to develop a methodology to assist decision-making on the design and operations of lunar In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems under extreme uncertainty.

ISRU refers to using extraterrestrial resources to create products such as oxygen that support space exploration. Lunar ISRU, in particular, has been the focus of extensive research due to the increasing interest in human exploration of the Moon, where oxygen-rich regolith and potentially water ice are available.

Despite significant advances in lunar ISRU systems engineering, there are still major research gaps that need to be addressed to establish more effective and efficient lunar ISRU systems. Uncertainty inherent in lunar ISRU operations and the lunar environment has been especially overlooked. This PhD project assesses how uncertainty can affect the operations of lunar ISRU and the decision-making process to help decision-makers optimize the design and operation of lunar ISRU systems under extreme uncertainty.

Name: John Donald Morley

Project Title: Transforming mine waste into a raw material for sustainable battery production

Abstract: The PhD investigates the potential of using mine waste (tailings) as raw material for battery anodes. Mine waste is a complex assemblage of minerals, each with differing properties which must be fully understood to utilise their electrochemical potential efficiently. Mine wastes from common sources with differing compositions (metal sulphides, metal oxides and silicates) are tested for their potential and fully characterised using X-ray techniques and electron microscopy to fully comprehend their reaction pathways and degradation. Through electrochemical experimentation of 2032 coin cells and characterisation of the electrodes produced before, during and after cycling, the impact of different mineralogy and the effect of mixing can be fully understood. These materials are tested with both Li-ion and future-looking Na-ion chemistries. Finally, with this holistic approach, mineral processing strategies are undertaken, considering financial, energy, water and performance efficiency, to enhance these materials to maximise their abilities as sustainable battery electrode materials.

Name: Te Bu

Project Title: Miniaturised separator for high-efficiency microfluidic system separation: process intensification and numbering-up strategy.

Abstract: This PhD project focuses on developing a miniaturised hydrocyclone-based separator, advancing for high-efficiency microfluidic separations across various applications that rely on micro-process. By employing computational fluid dynamics (CFD), Population Balance Model (PBM) and adjoint algorithms, I aim to improve the fluid dynamics of multi-phase separators and achieve process intensification with the novel geometric and topologic design. Utilising cutting-edge fabrication methods, including Stereolithography 3D Printing, Photolithography and CNC machining, the novel design is rapid iterated which will further support the development of compact separator matrix system and numbering-up strategies.

By integrating CFD simulations with experimental validation, this project addresses essential separation needs, including microplastic removal from environmental samples, primary harvest of microalgae, mineral particle separation, demulsification for oil and gas industry, liquid-liquid separation after chemical extraction, and the rapid plasma purification for trauma care and blood products.

Name: Arjun Kumar Pukkella

Project title: The Role of Conic Curvature and Surface-Wall Roughness in Gas cyclones and Hydrocyclones

Abstract:

Research Focus: Explored the impact of conic curvature and surface-wall roughness on gas cyclones and hydrocyclones, focusing on transforming traditional separators into efficient classifiers.

Novel Conic Design: Developed CFD simulations and experimental validations to demonstrate that convex-conic cyclones reduce bypass and achieve coarser cut-sizes, enhancing classification performance.

Hydrocyclone Application: Applied findings from gas cyclones to hydrocyclone design, showing significant improvements for ball-mill classifier circuits in reducing bypass and optimizing cut-size.

Surface-Wall Roughness Impact: Investigated how internal roughness from wear affects hydrocyclone efficiency, with CFD and experiments showing a shift in hydrocyclone behavior from classification toward separation as roughness increases.

Industrial Implementation: Provided insights for designing novel hydrocyclones for industrial applications in mineral processing, supported by both laboratory experiments and CFD simulations.

Name: Jose Martinez

Project Title: Effect of frother chemistry on froth stability

Abstract: Flotation performance is predominantly governed by particle recovery within froth zone, which is intrinsically linked to froth stability. Previous studies on froth stability have largely focused on the influence of operational variables and equipment design, leaving the role of frother chemistry unexplored. This research aims to study the impact of frother chemistry on froth stability through measurements of air recovery and gas holdup. The insights gained from the relationship between these variables have the potential to enhance recovery models and refine computational simulations. By doing this a better understanding of the flotation process will be achieved.

Name: Becky Ryder

Project Title: Assessing the Environmental Impacts of the Desalination Network Supplying the Mining Industry

Abstract: Water is critical for processing minerals essential to the green energy transition, but supporting the high water demands of the mining industry faces challenges. Declining ore grades and rising metal demands will require large water volumes, often in regions with already heightened water stress. Climate change exacerbates these issues, pushing industry to adopt desalination as a solution. However, desalination’s environmental impacts and energy demands raise concerns. In Chile, the sector's use of seawater is expected to grow, emphasizing the need to reduce the environmental and water footprints of desalination. This PhD employs ISO 14040 life cycle assessment and ISO 14046 water footprinting to evaluate the environmental impacts of Chile’s expanding desalination network. It aims to suggest methods to improve water management strategies through plant and pipeline design and provide a methodological framework to support comparisons across mining regions, aiding decision-making to ensure a more sustainable and secure water supply.

• Dr Isobel Mackay 
• Dr Angus Morrison
• Dr Francisco Reyes
• Dr Fernando Sitorus
• Dr Dennis Vega-Garcia
• Dr Hao Wang
• Dr Peipei Wang 
• Dr Juliana Segura-Salazar
• Mr Reuben Cruise 
• Ms Paulina Quintanilla 
• Mr Haosen Zhang