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Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle
Emeritus Professor

Joan Esterle

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Overview

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

Qualifications

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

Works

Search Professor Joan Esterle’s works on UQ eSpace

253 works between 1986 and 2025

181 - 200 of 253 works

2009

Conference Publication

Natural analogues for storage of CO2 in coal systems, Gunnedah and Bowen Basins, Australia

Baublys, Kim A., Esterle, Joan S., Feng, Y.X., Golding, Suzanne D. and Uysal, Ibrahim T. (2009). Natural analogues for storage of CO2 in coal systems, Gunnedah and Bowen Basins, Australia. 19th Annual VM Goldschmidt Conference, Davos, Switzerland, 21-26 June 2009. Switzerland: Acta.

Natural analogues for storage of CO2 in coal systems, Gunnedah and Bowen Basins, Australia

2009

Conference Publication

Implications of natural analogue studies for CO2 storage in coal measures with enhanced coal bed methane

Golding, Suzanne D., Uysal, Ibrahim T., Boreham, C.J., Baublys, Kim A. and Esterle, Joan S. (2009). Implications of natural analogue studies for CO2 storage in coal measures with enhanced coal bed methane. 2009 Asia Pacific Coalbed Methane Symposium and 2009 China Coalbed Symposium, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China, 24-26 September 2009. China: China University of Mining and Technology Press.

Implications of natural analogue studies for CO2 storage in coal measures with enhanced coal bed methane

2009

Conference Publication

Adsorption and mineral trapping of CO2 in coal systems

Golding, Suzanne D., Uysal, Ibrahim T., Boreham, C. and Esterle, Joan S. (2009). Adsorption and mineral trapping of CO2 in coal systems. CO2CRC Research Symposium 2009, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Australia, 1-3 December 2009. Canberra, ACT, Australia: Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC).

Adsorption and mineral trapping of CO2 in coal systems

2008

Book Chapter

Mining and Beneficiation

Esterle, Joan S. (2008). Mining and Beneficiation. Applied Coal Petrology. (pp. 61-83) Elsevier Ltd. doi: 10.1016/B978-0-08-045051-3.00003-8

Mining and Beneficiation

2008

Conference Publication

Ancient analogues for CO2 sequestration in coal measures, Gunnedah and Bowen Basins

Golding, S. D., Uysal, I. T., Boreham, C. J. and Esterle, J. S. (2008). Ancient analogues for CO2 sequestration in coal measures, Gunnedah and Bowen Basins. CO2CRC Research Symposium 2008: Accelerating CCS Deployment, Queenstown, N.Z., 1-4 December 2008. Canberra, ACT, Australia: Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC).

Ancient analogues for CO2 sequestration in coal measures, Gunnedah and Bowen Basins

2008

Conference Publication

A comparative review of carbon geosequestration options

Golding, S. D., Uysal, I. T., Esterle, J. E., Massarotto, P. and Rudolph, V. (2008). A comparative review of carbon geosequestration options. Asia Pacific Coalbed Methane Symposium APCBM 2008, Brisbane, Australia, 22-24 September, 2008. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland.

A comparative review of carbon geosequestration options

2008

Conference Publication

Geological controls on gas flow pathways in coal seams

Kinnon, E., Esterle, J. and Golding, S. (2008). Geological controls on gas flow pathways in coal seams. CO2CRC Research Symposium 2008: Accelerating CCS Deployment, Queenstown, N.Z., 1-4 December 2008. Canberra, ACT, Australia: Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC).

Geological controls on gas flow pathways in coal seams

2008

Conference Publication

Experimental studies of CO2 and water reactions with Permian coals: Implications for ECBM and CO2 geosequestration

Golding, S., Massarotto, P., Iyer, R., Baublys, K., Esterle, J. and Rudolph, V. (2008). Experimental studies of CO2 and water reactions with Permian coals: Implications for ECBM and CO2 geosequestration. APCBM 2008 Asia Pacific Coalbed Methane Symposium, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 22-24 September 2008. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.

Experimental studies of CO2 and water reactions with Permian coals: Implications for ECBM and CO2 geosequestration

2008

Book Chapter

Mining and Benefication

Esterle, Joan S. (2008). Mining and Benefication. Applied Coal Petrology: The Role of Petrology in Coal Utilization. (pp. 61-84) edited by I. Suarez-Ruiz and J. C. Crelling. Netherlands: Elsevier.

Mining and Benefication

2008

Conference Publication

Stable isotope and water quality analysis of production waters associated with coal bed methane

Kinnon, E. C. P., Golding, S. D., Baublys, K. A. and Esterle, J. S. (2008). Stable isotope and water quality analysis of production waters associated with coal bed methane. APCBM 2008 Symposium, Brisbane, Australia, 22-24 September, 2008. Brisbane, Australia: University of Queensland.

Stable isotope and water quality analysis of production waters associated with coal bed methane

2008

Conference Publication

Geochemistry and age dating of ancient and modern CO2-rich hydrothermal systems as natural analogues for CO2 storage: Examples from Australia and Eastern Mediterranean

Uysal, I., Golding, S., Esterle, J., Feng, Y. and Zhao, J. (2008). Geochemistry and age dating of ancient and modern CO2-rich hydrothermal systems as natural analogues for CO2 storage: Examples from Australia and Eastern Mediterranean. 2008 AGU Fall Meeting, San Francisco, CA United States, 15-19 December 2008. Washington, DC United States: American Geophysical Union.

Geochemistry and age dating of ancient and modern CO2-rich hydrothermal systems as natural analogues for CO2 storage: Examples from Australia and Eastern Mediterranean

2008

Conference Publication

Ancient analogues for CO2 sequestration in coal measures, Gunnedah and Bowen Basins, Australia

Golding, S. D., Uysal, I. T. and Esterle, J. S. (2008). Ancient analogues for CO2 sequestration in coal measures, Gunnedah and Bowen Basins, Australia. Australian Earth Sciences Convention 2008 (AESC), Perth, WA, Australia, 20-24 July 2008. Sydney, NSW, Australia: Geological Society of Australia.

Ancient analogues for CO2 sequestration in coal measures, Gunnedah and Bowen Basins, Australia

2008

Conference Publication

Geological controls on gas flow pathways in coal seams

Kinnon, Emma and Esterle, Joan (2008). Geological controls on gas flow pathways in coal seams. International Coalbed and Shale Gas Symposium 2008, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 19-23 May 2008. New York, N.Y., U.S.A.: Curran Associates.

Geological controls on gas flow pathways in coal seams

2007

Journal Article

Introduction and overview

Sherwood, Neil, Ward, Colin, Moore, Tim and Esterle, Joan (2007). Introduction and overview. International Journal of Coal Geology, 70 (1-3), 1-2. doi: 10.1016/j.coal.2006.06.001

Introduction and overview

2007

Edited Outputs

International Journal of Coal Geology: TSOP 2004: Papers from the 21st Annual Meeting of TSOP

Neil Sherwood, Tim Moore and Joan Esterle eds. (2007). International Journal of Coal Geology: TSOP 2004: Papers from the 21st Annual Meeting of TSOP. 21st Annual Meeting of The Society of Organic Petrology (TSOP), Sydney, Australia, 26 September - 1 October 2004. Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Elsevier Science.

International Journal of Coal Geology: TSOP 2004: Papers from the 21st Annual Meeting of TSOP

2007

Conference Publication

Toward improved coal density estimation from geophysical logs

Zhou, Binzhong and Esterle, Joan (2007). Toward improved coal density estimation from geophysical logs. 19th ASEG Geophysical Conference & Exhibition, Perth, Western Australia, 18-22 November 2007. Sydney, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. doi: 10.1071/EG08011

Toward improved coal density estimation from geophysical logs

2006

Conference Publication

Determining the geological controls on the spatial distribution of phosphorus within coal seams mined at South Walker Creek Mine, Bowen Basin, Central Queensland, Australia

Davis, B., Esterle, J. S. and Keilar (2006). Determining the geological controls on the spatial distribution of phosphorus within coal seams mined at South Walker Creek Mine, Bowen Basin, Central Queensland, Australia. 36th Symposium on Advances in the Study of the Sydney Basin 2006, Wollongong, Australia, 27-29 November 2006. Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Wollongong.

Determining the geological controls on the spatial distribution of phosphorus within coal seams mined at South Walker Creek Mine, Bowen Basin, Central Queensland, Australia

2006

Conference Publication

Variability in Coal Seam Gas Parameters that Impact on Fugitive Gas Emissions Estimations for Australian Black Coals

Esterle, J. S., Williams, R., Sliwa, R. and Malone, M. (2006). Variability in Coal Seam Gas Parameters that Impact on Fugitive Gas Emissions Estimations for Australian Black Coals. The 36th Sydney Basin Symposium 2006: Advances in the Study of the Sydney Basin, University of Woolongong, NSW, 27th-29th November, 2006.

Variability in Coal Seam Gas Parameters that Impact on Fugitive Gas Emissions Estimations for Australian Black Coals

2003

Journal Article

GRID computing: enabling the next generation of solid earth and environmental research in Australia

Wyborn, Lesley A. I. and Esterle, Joan S. (2003). GRID computing: enabling the next generation of solid earth and environmental research in Australia. Preview, 106, 21-24.

GRID computing: enabling the next generation of solid earth and environmental research in Australia

2003

Journal Article

Coal characterisation by automated coal petrography

O'Brien, G., Jenkins, B., Esterle, J. and Beath, H. (2003). Coal characterisation by automated coal petrography. Fuel, 82 (9), 1067-1073. doi: 10.1016/S0016-2361(02)00428-3

Coal characterisation by automated coal petrography

Funding

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

Supervision

Availability

Emeritus Professor Joan Esterle is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Geological characterisation of the southern Denison Trough for CO2 sequestration

    Principal Advisor

    Other advisors: Dr Julie Pearce

  • Doctor Philosophy

    Reservoir characterisation in the southern Denison Trough for carbon dioxide storage

    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

Media

Enquiries

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communications@uq.edu.au