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
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
2019
Conference Publication
Fracture Force variation in altered rocks associated with quantitative geological characterisation
Lois-Morales, Pia, Evans, Cathy, Weatherley, Dion and Bonfils, Ben (2019). Fracture Force variation in altered rocks associated with quantitative geological characterisation. 16th European Symposium on Comminution & Classification, Leeds, United States, 2-4 September 2019. Leeds, United Kingdom: University of Leeds. doi: 10.5518/100/17
2018
Conference Publication
Quantifying the effect of Texture and Mineralogy over the physical properties of rocks using the Short Impact Load Cell
Lois-Morales, Pia, Bonfils, Benjamin, Evans, Cathy and Weatherley, Dion (2018). Quantifying the effect of Texture and Mineralogy over the physical properties of rocks using the Short Impact Load Cell. Procemin Geomet 2018, Santiago, Chile, 28-30 November 2018. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2018
Conference Publication
Multisource rock characterisation at microscale for a better understanding of processing characteristics
Lois morales, Pia, Evans, Cathy and Bonfils, Benjamin (2018). Multisource rock characterisation at microscale for a better understanding of processing characteristics. Complex Orebodies, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 19-21 november 2018.
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.
2015
Other Outputs
Interacción agua/roca durante molienda e impactos fisicoquímicos y geoquímicos en la flotación: caso pórfido Escondida
Lois Morales, Pia (2015). Interacción agua/roca durante molienda e impactos fisicoquímicos y geoquímicos en la flotación: caso pórfido Escondida. M.Sc Thesis, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Universidad de Chile.
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Pia Lois Morales is:
- Available for supervision
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Media
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