Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle
Emeritus Professor

Joan Esterle

Email: 

Background

Professor Joan Esterle is the Chair of the Vale-UQ Coal Geoscience Program. Her research interests are varied but focussed on how geological history impacts on coal measures behaviour during mining, processing and utilisation. She also develops 3D models for the distribution of sedimentary strata that can be used to predict geohazards in coal mines or reservoir behaviour in conventional and non conventional gas resources, and for geosequestration. In addition to working with Vale and other industry partners, she conducts multi-client studies through the Australian Coal Research Program (ACARP), The Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research (ANLECRD), and the UQ Centre for Coal Seam Gas (CCSG).

She received her PhD from The University of Kentucky, USA, in 1990. She worked for 17 years with CSIRO, followed by GeoGAS-Runge Group before joining the UQ full time in 2010. Current projects include:

  • CCSG Surat Geological Framework and Faults and Fractures
  • ACARP Rangal Supermodel-Bowen Basin and Cenozoic Fault Reactivation
  • ANLEC Outcrop Analogue Modelling for CO2 Sequestration

Availability

Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Geology

Qualifications

  • Masters (Research) of Petroleum and Coal Geology, University of Kentucky
  • Doctor of Philosophy of Petroleum and Coal Geology, University of Kentucky

Search Professor Joan Esterle’s works on UQ eSpace

253 works between 1986 and 2025
All (253) Journal Article (140) Book Chapter (2) Conference Publication (94) Book (1) Other Outputs (15) Edited Outputs (1)

161 - 180 of 253 works

2013

Journal Article

Mineralogical characterisation of a potential reservoir system for CO2 sequestration in the Surat Basin

Farquhar, S. M., Dawson, G. K. W., Esterle, J. S. and Golding, S. D. (2013). Mineralogical characterisation of a potential reservoir system for CO2 sequestration in the Surat Basin. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 60 (1), 91-110. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2012.752406

Mineralogical characterisation of a potential reservoir system for CO2 sequestration in the Surat Basin

2013

Conference Publication

Future gas through bioconversion of waster coal

Golding, S. D., Hamilton, S. K., Baublys, K. A., Esterle, J. S., Tyson, G., Robbins, S., Rudolph, V., Zheng, H., Gilcrease, P. C. and Papendick, S. L. (2013). Future gas through bioconversion of waster coal. Goldschmidt Conference 2013, Florence, Italy, 25-30 August 2013. Twickenham, Middlesex, United Kingdom: Mineralogical Society. doi: 10.1180/minmag.2013.077.5.7

Future gas through bioconversion of waster coal

2013

Journal Article

Carbon dioxide-rich coals of the Oaky Creek area, central Bowen Basin: a natural analogue for carbon sequestration in coal systems

Golding, S. D., Uysal, I. T., Bolhar, R., Boreham, C. J., Dawson, G. K. W., Baublys, K. A. and Esterle, J. S. (2013). Carbon dioxide-rich coals of the Oaky Creek area, central Bowen Basin: a natural analogue for carbon sequestration in coal systems. Australian Journal of Earth Sciences, 60 (1), 125-140. doi: 10.1080/08120099.2012.750627

Carbon dioxide-rich coals of the Oaky Creek area, central Bowen Basin: a natural analogue for carbon sequestration in coal systems

2013

Conference Publication

Effect of rank, type and oxidation on coal swelling behaviour

Dmyterko, Anastasia, Nolan, Andrew, Rodrigues, Sandra and Esterle, Joan (2013). Effect of rank, type and oxidation on coal swelling behaviour. ACSC 2013: 10th Australian Coal Science Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 18-19 November 2013.

Effect of rank, type and oxidation on coal swelling behaviour

2013

Conference Publication

Coal characterization by QEMSCAN: The study case of Bowen Basin

Rodrigues, S., Kwitko-Ribeiro, R., Collins, S., Esterle, J. and Jaime, P. (2013). Coal characterization by QEMSCAN: The study case of Bowen Basin. 10th Australian Coal Science Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 18-19 November 2013.

Coal characterization by QEMSCAN: The study case of Bowen Basin

2012

Journal Article

Geological interpretation of gas content trends, Walloon Subgroup, eastern Surat Basin, Queensland, Australia

Hamilton, S. K., Esterle, J. S. and Golding, S. D. (2012). Geological interpretation of gas content trends, Walloon Subgroup, eastern Surat Basin, Queensland, Australia. International Journal of Coal Geology, 101, 21-35. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2012.07.001

Geological interpretation of gas content trends, Walloon Subgroup, eastern Surat Basin, Queensland, Australia

2012

Journal Article

Occurrence of minerals within fractures and matrix of selected Bowen and Ruhr Basin coals

Dawson, G. K. W., Golding, S. D., Esterle, J. S. and Massarotto, P. (2012). Occurrence of minerals within fractures and matrix of selected Bowen and Ruhr Basin coals. International Journal of Coal Geology, 94, 150-166. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2012.01.004

Occurrence of minerals within fractures and matrix of selected Bowen and Ruhr Basin coals

2011

Other Outputs

Guidelines for the Implementation of NGER Method 2 or 3 for Open Cut Coal Mine Fugitive GHG Emissions Reporting (C20005) and Technical Discussion of the Implementation of NGER Method 2 or 3 for Open Cut Coal Mine Fugitive GHG Emissions Reporting (C20005A). Final Report ACARP C20005

Burra, Agi and Esterle, Joan (2011). Guidelines for the Implementation of NGER Method 2 or 3 for Open Cut Coal Mine Fugitive GHG Emissions Reporting (C20005) and Technical Discussion of the Implementation of NGER Method 2 or 3 for Open Cut Coal Mine Fugitive GHG Emissions Reporting (C20005A). Final Report ACARP C20005. Brisbane, Australia: ACARP (Australian Coal Industry Research Program).

Guidelines for the Implementation of NGER Method 2 or 3 for Open Cut Coal Mine Fugitive GHG Emissions Reporting (C20005) and Technical Discussion of the Implementation of NGER Method 2 or 3 for Open Cut Coal Mine Fugitive GHG Emissions Reporting (C20005A). Final Report ACARP C20005

2011

Conference Publication

Adsorption and mineral trapping dominate CO2 storage in coal systems

Golding, S. D., Uysal, I. T., Boreham, C. J., Kirste, D., Baublys, K. A. and Esterle, J. S. (2011). Adsorption and mineral trapping dominate CO2 storage in coal systems. International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (10th, GHGT, 2011), Amsterdam, Netherlands, 19-23 September 2010. Amsterdam, Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2011.02.227

Adsorption and mineral trapping dominate CO2 storage in coal systems

2011

Conference Publication

Coal-to-biomethane potential of microbial consortia native to coal seam formation waters

Papendick, Samuel, Tyson, Gene, Esterle, Joan, Golding, Suzanne D., Rudolph, Victor and Gilcrease, Patrick C. (2011). Coal-to-biomethane potential of microbial consortia native to coal seam formation waters. Sustainable Engineering Forum: Core Programming Topic at the 2011 AIChE Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, October 16, 2011-October 21, 2011. New York NY United States: AIChE.

Coal-to-biomethane potential of microbial consortia native to coal seam formation waters

2011

Conference Publication

Cleat and joint intersections and mineralisation of a coal core from the Bandanna Formation, Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia

Dawson, G. K. W., Esterle, J. S., Golding, S. D. and Massarotto, P. (2011). Cleat and joint intersections and mineralisation of a coal core from the Bandanna Formation, Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia. The Asia Pacific Coalbed Methane Symposium (3rd, APCBM, 2011), Brisbane, Australia, 3-6 May 2011.

Cleat and joint intersections and mineralisation of a coal core from the Bandanna Formation, Bowen Basin, Queensland, Australia

2011

Conference Publication

Experimental supercritical CO2 and water interactions with coal under simulated in situ conditions

Dawson, G.K.W., Golding, S.D., Massarotto, P. and Esterle, J.S. (2011). Experimental supercritical CO2 and water interactions with coal under simulated in situ conditions. 10th International Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 19-23 September 2010. The Netherlands: Elseiver. doi: 10.1016/j.egypro.2011.02.228

Experimental supercritical CO2 and water interactions with coal under simulated in situ conditions

2011

Conference Publication

Coal-to-biomethane potential of microbial consortia native to coal seam formation waters

Papendick, Samuel, Tyson, Gene, Esterle, Joan, Golding, Suzanne D., Rudolph, Victor and Gilcrease, Patrick C. (2011). Coal-to-biomethane potential of microbial consortia native to coal seam formation waters. Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Division - Core Programming Topic at the 2011 AIChE Annual Meeting, Minneapolis, MN, October 16, 2011-October 21, 2011. New York NY United States: AIChE.

Coal-to-biomethane potential of microbial consortia native to coal seam formation waters

2010

Journal Article

Stable isotope and water quality analysis of coal bed methane production waters and gases from the Bowen Basin, Australia

Kinnon, E. C. P., Golding, S. D., Boreham, C. J., Baublys, K. A. and Esterle, J. S. (2010). Stable isotope and water quality analysis of coal bed methane production waters and gases from the Bowen Basin, Australia. International Journal of Coal Geology, 82 (3-4), 219-231. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2009.10.014

Stable isotope and water quality analysis of coal bed methane production waters and gases from the Bowen Basin, Australia

2010

Journal Article

Controls on coal cleat spacing

Dawson, G.K.W. and Esterle, J.S. (2010). Controls on coal cleat spacing. International Journal of Coal Geology, 82 (3-4), 213-218. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2009.10.004

Controls on coal cleat spacing

2010

Conference Publication

Adsorption and mineral trapping dominate CO2 storage in coal systems

Golding, Susanne, Uysal, Tonguc, Borham, Chris, Kirste, Dirk, Baublys, Kim and Esterle, Joan (2010). Adsorption and mineral trapping dominate CO2 storage in coal systems. 10th Conference on Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies (GHGT), Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 19-23 September, 2010.

Adsorption and mineral trapping dominate CO2 storage in coal systems

2010

Conference Publication

Stable isotope and water quality analysis of coal bed methane production waters and gases from the Bowen Basin, Australia

Kinnon, E. C. P., Golding, S. D., Boreham, C. J., Baublys, K. A. and Esterle, J. S. (2010). Stable isotope and water quality analysis of coal bed methane production waters and gases from the Bowen Basin, Australia. APCBM 2008 Asia Pacific Coalbed Methane Symposium, Brisbane, Qld., Australia, 22-24 September 2008. Amstedam, The Netherlands: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2009.10.014

Stable isotope and water quality analysis of coal bed methane production waters and gases from the Bowen Basin, Australia

2009

Journal Article

Regional study on potential CO2 geosequestration in the Collie Basin and the Southern Perth Basin of Western Australia

Varma, Sunil, Underschultz, Jim, Dance, Tess, Langford, Robert, Esterle, Joan, Dodds, Kevin and van Gent, Dominique (2009). Regional study on potential CO2 geosequestration in the Collie Basin and the Southern Perth Basin of Western Australia. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 26 (7), 1255-1273. doi: 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2008.05.001

Regional study on potential CO2 geosequestration in the Collie Basin and the Southern Perth Basin of Western Australia

2009

Journal Article

Dynamic Micromapping of CO2 Sorption in Coal

Radlinski, Andrzej P., Busbridge, Tara L., Gray, Evan MacA., Blach, Tomasz P., Cheng, Gang, Melnichenko, Yuri B., Cookson, David J., Mastaterz, Maria and Esterle, Joan (2009). Dynamic Micromapping of CO2 Sorption in Coal. Langmuir, 25 (4), 2385-2389. doi: 10.1021/la801925k

Dynamic Micromapping of CO2 Sorption in Coal

2009

Journal Article

CO2 Sequestration in Coals and Enhanced Coalbed Methane Recovery Preface

Karacan, C. Oezgen, Larsen, John W. and Esterle, Joan S. (2009). CO2 Sequestration in Coals and Enhanced Coalbed Methane Recovery Preface. International Journal of Coal Geology, 77 (1-2), 1-1. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2008.10.001

CO2 Sequestration in Coals and Enhanced Coalbed Methane Recovery Preface

Current funding

  • 2024 - 2028
    Optimising biomass addition in premium coking coals
    Anglo American Steelmaking Coal Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2027
    High value biocoke for low emission steel production
    ARC Discovery Projects
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2024 - 2025
    Tracking the Carbonisation Performance of Vitrinite Macerals
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2024
    Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Geological Assessment Southern Denison Trough
    Denison Gas (Qld) Limited
    Open grant
  • 2023 - 2024
    Coal matrix shrinkage and its effects on cleat porosity, permeability and late life coal behaviour
    Arrow Energy Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    A guideline towards standardising structure interpretation in ATV/OTV logs
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2024
    Hyperspectral characterisation of coal and evaluation of coal quality spectral predictive features
    Plotlogic Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2022 - 2023
    Utilising hyperspectral drill core scanning for geotechnical characterisation
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2024
    Australian Coal Petrographic Atlas: Maintaining the Knowledge
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Influence of inertinite and volatile release characteristics on viscosity development and fusibility during coking
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Reducing the Subjectivity of CMRR Calculation Using Machine Learning
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2023
    In-situ Characterisation of Coal from Coal Seam Gas Developments (ARC Linkage Project led by UNSW)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Testing the Surat Basin two deposition centre hypothesis: Part A Zircon geochronology
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2020 - 2022
    Integrating In Situ Stress Patterns with Basin to Local Scale Structures in the Nebo Synclinorium, Bowen Basin
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2023
    Topsoil deficits in site rehabilitation accelerated transformation of spoils to functional soils
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Analysis of the stable isotype characteristics of a coalbed methane field in the Cesar Rancheria Basin, Colombia and implications for gas saturation and production
    Drummond Energy Inc
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2022
    The Jundah Project
    Bridgeport Energy (QLD) Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2019 - 2020
    Coal spectral libraries for scanning devices
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2021
    Advanced Environmental Technologies for Increasing Coal Seam Permeability
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2018 - 2019
    Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometer (CF-IRMS) and ancillary preparation systems for carbon, nitrogen and sulfur isotope microanalysis for archaeology, biology, earth and environmental scie
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Regional geological study of the Hutton Sandstone
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Workflow improvement of Arrow's Regional Facies Model
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Physical and chemical interactions occurring between macerals during cokemaking and their influence on coke strength
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Regional geological model update
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2019
    Controls on Fluorine and Phosphorus Distribution in Bowen Basin Coals
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Centre for Geoanalytical Mass Spectrometry (CGMS) - Achieving excellence in isotope geochemistry and geochronology
    UQ Research Facilities Infrastructure Grants
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Integrated geological analysis of coalbed methane fields
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2016 - 2018
    Guidelines for estimating rock mass strength from laboratory properties (ACARP grant administered by UNSW)
    University of New South Wales
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2023
    Vale-UQ Coal Geosciences Programs
    Vale Exploration Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Coals as methane bioreactors: significance of microbial methane generation in coal seams for coal seam gas (CSG) production and CO2 geosequestration
    QGC Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Hyperspectral scanning of Precipice Outcrop
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2018
    Understanding faults and fractures in the surat basin
    QGC Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Provision of hydrology research to better include faults and aquitards in Australian regional groundwater models to improve assessment of impacts of CSG extraction
    CSIRO
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Supermodel 2015 - Fault characterisation in Permian to Jurassic coal measures
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    Water chemistry atlas for CSG fields- Phase 2
    QGC Pty Limited
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2015
    Lithofacies analysis of permian and triassic strata - Galilee Basin
    Adani Mining Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2017
    Precipice sandstone outcrop study
    Australian National Low Emissions Coal Research and Development
    Open grant
  • 2014 - 2019
    Surat Geological Framework Model
    Arrow Energy Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2014
    True triaxial cell for advanced testing of porous media
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    A water chemistry atlas for CSG fields: Discovering value beyond baseline monitoring
    Santos Limited
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2015
    Construction and updating of Surat Cumulative Management Area geological model
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Preparation of Geological Models for Upscaling
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Regional Stratigraphic Framework for Rangal-Baralaba-Bandanna Coal Measures in Bowen and Galilee Basins
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2014
    Regional Stratigraphic Framework for Rangal-Baralaba-Bandanna Coal Measures in Bowen and Galilee Basins
    Australian Coal Association Research Program
    Open grant
  • 2013
    Enhancement of the Coal Seam Gas Water Production Tool: Data collation and preparation
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2013 - 2018
    Understanding, characterising, and managing solids production in CSG producing wells (Centre for Coal Seam Gas Research Project)
    Santos Limited
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2014
    Characterisation and differentiation of th eRangal and Moranbah coal members in the central Bowen Basin
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Ecological & hydrogeological survey of Great Artesian Basins
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2015
    Future gas through bioconversion of stranded and waste coal
    Queensland Government Smart Futures Research Partnerships Program
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Scales of geological heterogeneity within the Walloon Coal Measures
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2012 - 2013
    Characterisation of Coal from ATP814 to Support CBM Production
    UniQuest Pty Ltd
    Open grant
  • 2011 - 2014
    Coals as methane bioreactors: significance of microbial methane generation in coal seams for coal seam gas (CSG) production and CO2 geosequestration
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2011
    GC-IRMS for stable isotope ratio analysis of complex gas and liquid mixtures
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2011
    Instrumentation for elemental analysis of geological and environmental samples
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010 - 2012
    Understanding origin, recharge and flow regimes of coal seam waters to better constrain aquifer interactions
    UQ Collaboration and Industry Engagement Fund
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Coal microstructure characterisation for advanced coal technologies
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2010
    Fully automated and OH&S compliant geological, biological, and environmental preparation facility
    UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure
    Open grant
  • 2007 - 2008
    Controls on flow pathways in coal seam reservoirs
    CRC for Greenhouse Gas Technologies
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Dynamic Gas Permeability Investigations of Highly Stressed Coals
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2006 - 2009
    Understanding salt dynamics to facilitate water reuse on coal mine sites
    ARC Linkage Projects
    Open grant
  • 2005
    Constraints on Timing and Evolution of Gas Distribution in the Surat Basin
    UQ FirstLink Scheme
    Open grant

Availability

Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Reservoir characterisation in the southern Denison Trough for carbon dioxide storage

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Julie Pearce

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Geological characterisation of the southern Denison Trough for CO2 sequestration

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Julie Pearce

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Production of high strength metallurgical coke from coal-biomass blends for low emission steel production

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Karen Steel

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Reservoir properties of the Toolebuc Formation, Eromanga Basin, Australia

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Zhongwei Chen, Emeritus Professor Sue Golding

  • Doctor Philosophy

    High value bio-coke for low emission steel production

    Associate Advisor

    Other advisors: Associate Professor Karen Steel

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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