Overview
Background
Dr Pia Lois-Morales is Senior Research Fellow at The University of Queensland's Sustainable Minerals Institute, where she recently joined to advance research in geometallurgy, advanced ore characterisation using data analysis, physics frameworks and AI. She previously served as Assistant Professor at the University of Chile, leading research in geometallurgy, process mineralogy and mineral processing while developing innovative methodologies, industry collaborations and training. Her research focuses on integrating advanced characterisation techniques, geometallurgical modelling and AI to better understand and predict ore behaviour across the mining value chain, supporting more efficient, sustainable and data-driven mineral resource development.
She is also JKMRC alumni n 248.
Availability
- Dr Pia Lois Morales is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Masters (Research) of Engineering Geology, University of Chile
- Doctor of Philosophy of Mineral Processing/Beneficiation, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Geometallurgy
Developing integrated geometallurgical approaches that link ore characteristics with metallurgical performance across spatial scales. My research combines geological, mineralogical and processing information to improve the prediction of ore behaviour and support more informed mine planning and mineral resource development.
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Advanced Ore Characterisation
Applying advanced mineralogical, textural and three-dimensional characterisation techniques to understand ore variability and the factors controlling mineral processing performance. My work integrates automated mineralogy, X-ray computed tomography and other analytical methods to quantify ore properties and their influence on processing.
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Ore informed Mineral Processing
Investigating the relationships between ore characteristics and mineral processing performance, with a particular focus on comminution, liberation and process response. My research aims to improve process understanding and support more efficient and sustainable resource utilisation.
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Artificial Intelligence for Mineral Resources
Developing artificial intelligence and data-driven approaches to improve mineral characterisation, ore classification and predictive geometallurgical modelling. I am interested in integrating machine learning with advanced characterisation data to generate robust, scalable workflows for mining and mineral processing applications.
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Ore body knowledge
Developing predictive frameworks that integrate geological, mineralogical and metallurgical information to support data-driven decision-making across the mining value chain. My interests include digital geometallurgy, resource variability and the application of emerging technologies to improve mining performance.
Research impacts
My research develops integrated geometallurgical approaches that combine advanced ore characterisation, mineral processing and artificial intelligence to improve the prediction of ore behaviour. By linking ore properties to processing performance across spatial scales, my work supports more informed decision-making, reduces uncertainty and contributes to more efficient and sustainable mineral resource development.
Works
Search Professor Pia Lois Morales’s works on UQ eSpace
2026
Journal Article
Workflow for microstructural characterisation and impact breakage analysis of complex particles using XCT and deep learning segmentation
Lois-Morales, Pia, Mora, Diego, Moraga, Sergio, Godinho, José R.A. and Pereira, Lucas (2026). Workflow for microstructural characterisation and impact breakage analysis of complex particles using XCT and deep learning segmentation. Minerals Engineering, 246 110399, 110399-246. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110399
2026
Journal Article
Application of Machine Learning in Mining, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
Ruiz-del-Solar, Javier, Estay, Humberto and Lois-Morales, Pia (2026). Application of Machine Learning in Mining, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy. Minerals, 16 (7), 719. doi: 10.3390/min16070719
2026
Journal Article
Modeling of Minimum Fracture Energy Distribution Through Advanced Characterization and Machine Learning Techniques
Samur, Sebastián, Lois-Morales, Pia and Díaz, Gonzalo (2026). Modeling of Minimum Fracture Energy Distribution Through Advanced Characterization and Machine Learning Techniques. Minerals, 16 (2) 134, 134-2. doi: 10.3390/min16020134
2025
Journal Article
Geological characterisation methods for IOCG samples, resolution comparison and considerations for productive stages of mining
Stocker, Fernando, Lois-Morales, Pia and Suzuki Morales, Kimie (2025). Geological characterisation methods for IOCG samples, resolution comparison and considerations for productive stages of mining. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, 39 (10), 839-868. doi: 10.1080/17480930.2025.2518988
2024
Journal Article
Influence of index properties and semi-quantitative geological characteristics of brittle rocks on their post-peak behavior
Flores, Sergio, Suzuki Morales, Kimie and Lois-Morales, Pía (2024). Influence of index properties and semi-quantitative geological characteristics of brittle rocks on their post-peak behavior. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, 57 (9), 6663-6682. doi: 10.1007/s00603-024-03879-6
2023
Journal Article
Quantifying the relationship between particles' strength and their mineralogical and textural characteristics
Lois-Morales, Pia, Evans, Catherine and Weatherley, Dion (2023). Quantifying the relationship between particles' strength and their mineralogical and textural characteristics. Minerals Engineering, 199 108113, 1-17. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108113
2023
Journal Article
On the challenges of applying machine learning in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy
Estay, Humberto, Lois-Morales, Pía, Montes-Atenas, Gonzalo and Ruiz del Solar, Javier Ruiz del (2023). On the challenges of applying machine learning in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy. Minerals, 13 (6) 788, 788. doi: 10.3390/min13060788
2023
Journal Article
Froth images from flotation laboratory test in Magotteaux cell
Yantén, Carlos, Kracht, Willy, Díaz, Gonzalo, Lois-Morales, Pía and Egaña, Alvaro (2023). Froth images from flotation laboratory test in Magotteaux cell. Data, 8 (4) 69, 1-13. doi: 10.3390/data8040069
2022
Journal Article
Methodology for quantitative rock characterisation using multiple imaging systems and random particles generation
Morales, Pia Lois, Evans, Catherine and Weatherley, Dion (2022). Methodology for quantitative rock characterisation using multiple imaging systems and random particles generation. MethodsX, 9 101807, 1-15. doi: 10.1016/j.mex.2022.101807
2022
Journal Article
Analysis of the size–dependency of relevant mineralogical and textural characteristics to particles strength
Lois-Morales, Pia, Evans, Catherine and Weatherley, Dion (2022). Analysis of the size–dependency of relevant mineralogical and textural characteristics to particles strength. Minerals Engineering, 184 107572, 107572. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107572
2021
Journal Article
Characterising tensile strength and elastic moduli of altered igneous rocks at comminution scale using the Short Impact Load Cell
Lois-Morales, Pia, Evans, Catherine and Weatherley, Dion (2021). Characterising tensile strength and elastic moduli of altered igneous rocks at comminution scale using the Short Impact Load Cell. Powder Technology, 388, 343-356. doi: 10.1016/j.powtec.2021.04.091
2020
Conference Publication
A geometallurgical approach to comminution using primary breakage properties of ores
Lois-Morales, Pia, Barbosa, Karina, Evans, Catherine and Yahyaei, Mohsen (2020). A geometallurgical approach to comminution using primary breakage properties of ores. Procemin - GEOMET 2020, Santiago, Chile, 23-27 November 2020. Santiago, Chile: GECAMIN.
2020
Other Outputs
Development of a geometallurgical approach for comminution using primary breakage properties of ores
Lois Morales, Pia Constanza (2020). Development of a geometallurgical approach for comminution using primary breakage properties of ores. PhD Thesis, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/uql.2020.933
2020
Journal Article
The impact load cell as a tool to link comminution properties to geomechanical properties of rocks
Lois-Morales, Pia, Evans, Catherine, Bonfils, Benjamin and Weatherley, Dion (2020). The impact load cell as a tool to link comminution properties to geomechanical properties of rocks. Minerals Engineering, 148 106210, 106210. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106210
2016
Edited Outputs
Applying advanced knowledge to enhance Chile’s development. Conference Handbook of the 4th Chilean Graduate Conference in Australia
Bustamante Diaz, Carlos, Lois Morales, Pia Constanza, Garcia, Jenniffer, Flores Guerrero, Orlando Esteban and Cancino, Edith Elgueta eds. (2016). Applying advanced knowledge to enhance Chile’s development. Conference Handbook of the 4th Chilean Graduate Conference in Australia. 4th Chilean Graduate Conference in Australia, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 13-14 October 2016. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Pia Lois Morales is:
- Available for supervision
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