
Overview
Background
My research focuses on mineral processing technologies, namely, grinding and flotation processes, with especial interest in understanding the complex interplay between ore mineralogy, mineral surface properties and process behaviour. I specialise in the application of advanced mineral surface characterisation techniques such as Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) in mineral processing studies (e.g., grinding, flotation) to identify the key chemistry drivers of process behaviour. This knowledge is vital to understand the underlying mechanisms and devise solutions to improve process efficiency. I look to further develop advanced tools by integrating critical techniques such as ToF-SIMS, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, X-ray Tomography, Mineral Liberation Analysis and X-ray Fluorescence towards more comprehensive and faster mineral characterisation.
I am also interested in developing novel, highly selective reagents for mineral flotation to enable the processing of ores more efficiently, safely and environmentally friendly compared to the traditional reagents. Of particular interest is the use of biochemistries to develop more sustainable reagent technologies.
My research covers both the fundamental aspects underlying mineral processes (e.g., particle-bubble interactions) as well as applications in the minerals industry through close collaborations with the industry. I am Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (https://coeminerals.org.au/) aiming to achieve a step-change in mineral processing by increasing energy and water efficiency and reducing metal loss during processing. I am also part of the research team of the newly formed Collaborative in Coarse Particle Processing Research, a consortium of 9 industry partners, investigating the implementation of coarse particle technology in the industry.
Availability
- Dr Susana Lima Goncalves Brito e Abreu is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of South Australia
Research interests
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Froth flotation, grinding
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Mineral surface chemistry
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Surface analysis
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Coarse particle flotation
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Novel flotation reagents
Research impacts
The mining industry is one of the cornerstones of the Australian economy. The metals demand will continue to grow into the future as the world transitions to renewable energy. Our research aims to advance our understanding of the fundamental aspects underpinning mineral processing and develop innovative technologies that allow the processing of minerals more efficiently, safely and with lower environmental impact. Working closely with the mining industry to address today’s challenges is a critical component of our research to ensure that the solutions we develop can be translated into industrial practice.
Works
Search Professor Susana Lima Goncalves Brito e Abreu’s works on UQ eSpace
2012
Journal Article
Determination of contact angles, silane coverage, and hydrophobicity heterogeneity of methylated quartz surfaces using ToF-SIMS
Brito e Abreu, Susana and Skinner, William (2012). Determination of contact angles, silane coverage, and hydrophobicity heterogeneity of methylated quartz surfaces using ToF-SIMS. Langmuir, 28 (19), 7360-7367. doi: 10.1021/la300352f
2011
Journal Article
ToF-SIMS-derived hydrophobicity in DTP flotation of chalcopyrite: contact angle distributions in flotation streams
Brito e Abreu, Susana and Skinner, William (2011). ToF-SIMS-derived hydrophobicity in DTP flotation of chalcopyrite: contact angle distributions in flotation streams. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 98 (1-2), 35-41. doi: 10.1016/j.minpro.2010.10.003
2011
Journal Article
Predicting the surface chemistry contribution to the flotation recovery of chalcopyrite by ToF-SIMS
Brito e Abreu, Susana and Skinner, William (2011). Predicting the surface chemistry contribution to the flotation recovery of chalcopyrite by ToF-SIMS. Minerals Engineering, 24 (2), 160-168. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2010.11.004
2010
Journal Article
Density of diisodecyl phthalate at temperatures from (283.15 to 363.15) K and pressures from (0.1 to 65) MPa
Brito e Abreu, Susana, Avelino, Helena M. N. T., Caetano, Fernando J. P. and Fareleira, Joao M. N. A. (2010). Density of diisodecyl phthalate at temperatures from (283.15 to 363.15) K and pressures from (0.1 to 65) MPa. Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data, 55 (9), 3525-3531. doi: 10.1021/je1001413
2010
Journal Article
ToF-SIMS as a new method to determine the contact angle of mineral surfaces
Abreu, Susana Brito E., Brien, Chris and Skinner, William (2010). ToF-SIMS as a new method to determine the contact angle of mineral surfaces. Langmuir, 26 (11), 8122-8130. doi: 10.1021/la904443s
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Susana Lima Goncalves Brito e Abreu is:
- Available for supervision
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Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Effect of High Voltage Pulse Treatment on mineral interfacial properties
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christian Antonio
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Doctor Philosophy
Novel Reagent Technologies for Arsenic Minerals
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Liza Forbes
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Doctor Philosophy
Investigating the effect of chemical heterogeneity of mineral surfaces on the hydrophobicity and bubble interactions at the micro and macro scales
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Liza Forbes
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Doctor Philosophy
Correlation of surface chemical heterogeneity at the micron scale with hydrophobicity and particle-bubble interaction forces
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Liza Forbes
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of Stimuli-Responsive Biomolecule-Based Surfactants
Associate Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of Stimuli-Responsive Biomolecule-Based Surfactants
Associate Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Stimuli-responsive soft materials based on biomolecules
Associate Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Development of Stimuli-Responsive Biomolecule-Based Surfactants
Associate Advisor
Completed supervision
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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Stimuli-Responsive Biomolecule-Based Surfactants
Associate Advisor
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Investigation of the Effects of Turbulence in Flotation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Kym Runge
Media
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