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
2027
Journal Article
Particle-scale size effects on the mechanical behavior of iron-bearing rocks relevant to comminution processes
Stocker, Fernando, Lois-Morales, Pia and Suzuki Morales, Kimie (2027). Particle-scale size effects on the mechanical behavior of iron-bearing rocks relevant to comminution processes. Powder Technology, 485 123013, 1-22. doi: 10.1016/j.powtec.2026.123013
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, 719-7. doi: 10.3390/min16070719
2026
Conference Publication
From site specific models to probabilistic state estimation: advancing toward a generalizable framework for grinding media wear
Astudillo, Maria Jose, Shelley, Paul, Mu, Yufan, Ehrenfeld, Alejandro, Diaz, Gonzalo and Lois-Morales, Pia (2026). From site specific models to probabilistic state estimation: advancing toward a generalizable framework for grinding media wear. 22nd International Conference on Mineral Processing and Geometallurgy, Santiago, Chile, 7-9 July 2026. Santiago, Chile: GECAMIN.
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
2025
Conference Publication
Using advanced characterization for prediction of primary properties in comminution
Lois-Morales, Pia, Moraga, Sergio, Samur, Sebastian, Stocker, Fernando and Rojas, Nicolas (2025). Using advanced characterization for prediction of primary properties in comminution. 3rd Foundation of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy, San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, 4-6 May 2025. San Pedro de Atacama, Chile:
2024
Conference Publication
Stabilisation of pulp chemistry during grinding according to mineralogy
Rios, Juan Francisco, Moraga, Sergio, Lois-Morales, Pia and Avendano, Matias (2024). Stabilisation of pulp chemistry during grinding according to mineralogy. Process Mineralogy 2024, Capetown, South Africa, 11-13 November 2024. Capetowrn, South Africa: MEI.
2024
Conference Publication
Estimation of fracture propagation during impact testing using X-ray microtomography
Mora, Diego, Lois-Morales, Pia, Moraga, Sergio, Godinho, Jose R.A. and Pereira, Lucas (2024). Estimation of fracture propagation during impact testing using X-ray microtomography. Process Mineralogy 2024, Capetown, South Africa, 11-13 November 2024. Cape Town, South Africa: MEI.
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
Conference Publication
Estudio comparativo entre rocas y concretos de alto rendimiento a nivel microtextural y mecánico
Rojas Saez, Nicolas, Moraga, Sergio and Lois-Morales, Pia (2023). Estudio comparativo entre rocas y concretos de alto rendimiento a nivel microtextural y mecánico. XV Congreso Iberoamericano de Metalurgia y Materiales, Vina del mar, Chile, 5-10 November 2023. Vina del mar, Chile:
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
2023
Conference Publication
Using an energy-to-fracture particle approach for characterizing the comminution potential of ores
Bart, Hugo, Diaz, Gonzalo and Lois-Morales, Pia (2023). Using an energy-to-fracture particle approach for characterizing the comminution potential of ores. Procemin-GEOMET 2023, Santiago, Chile, 4-6 October 2023. Santiago, Chile: GECAMIN.
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
2022
Conference Publication
Towards unlocking the value of detailed characterization data for comminution and geometallurgical modelling
Lois-Morales, Pia, Evans, Cathy and Weatherley, Dion (2022). Towards unlocking the value of detailed characterization data for comminution and geometallurgical modelling. 16th Biennial Meeting of SGA, Rotorua, New Zealand, 28-31 March 2022. Rotorua, New Zealand: Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits.
2021
Conference Publication
Characteristics of single-particle breakage from Short Impact Load Cell guiding Precision Rolls Crusher tester
Barbosa, Karina, Miceli, Hayla and Lois-Morales, Pia (2021). Characteristics of single-particle breakage from Short Impact Load Cell guiding Precision Rolls Crusher tester. Procemin - GEOMET 2021, Santiago, Chile, 20-22 October 2021. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
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
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Pia Lois Morales is:
- Available for supervision
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