Overview
Background
Professor Daniel Franks is Director of the Global Centre for Mineral Security at the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute and is an Australian Research Council Future Fellow. Professor Franks is known internationally for his work on the interconnections between minerals, materials and sustainable development, with a particular focus on the role of minerals in poverty reduction. He has introduced a number of key concepts in development studies including ‘mineral poverty’, ‘mineral security,’ and ‘development minerals;’ and has worked with a wide range of public and private sector partners to implement breakthrough sustainability innovations, such as OreSand to drastically reduce mine waste, and ‘social impact management plans,’ a regulatory tool now adopted throughout the world.
He is the author of more than 160 publications, including 37 publications for the United Nations. His research has appeared in journals such as Nature Sustainability and the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and is available in 11 languages. He is an Editorial Board Member of the International Journal of Minerals Policy & Economics, as well as Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal and has field experience at more than 100 mining and energy sites and 40 countries.
Availability
- Professor Daniel Franks is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours) of Science (Advanced), The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, Griffith University
Research impacts
Professor Franks was Chief Technical Advisor at the United Nations Development Programme; is a member of the scientific board of UNESCO’s International Geosciences Programme; is an advisor to UN Secretary General’s Working Group on Transforming the Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development; supported the United Nations Environment Programme to implement the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-4) Resolution on Mineral Resource Governance; and was a working group member of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network that provided technical advice on the formulation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He was the reciepient of The University of Queensland's Research Impact Award in 2022 with Julia Keenan.
The grandson of an artisanal miner, in 2018 he Chaired the First International Conference on Artisanal and Small-scale Mining and Quarrying, which was opened by the President of Zambia, and he spearheaded the ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya Declaration on Artisanal and Small-scale Mining, Quarrying and Development,’ ensuring it reflected the voices of informal miners. He subsequently supported the establishment of the Delve Exchange knowledge network of artisanal and small-scale miners with the World Bank, which was awarded a Global Good Award for Educational Excellence in 2023. His research was publicly cited by the Chief Operating Officer of the International Council on Mining and Metals as “academic research that has changed the mineral industry.”
Works
Search Professor Daniel Franks’s works on UQ eSpace
2023
Journal Article
Decarbonisation to drive dramatic increase in mining waste–options for reduction
Valenta, Rick K., Lèbre, Éléonore, Antonio, Christian, Franks, Daniel M., Jokovic, Vladimir, Micklethwaite, Steven, Parbhakar-Fox, Anita, Runge, Kym, Savinova, Ekaterina, Segura-Salazar, Juliana, Stringer, Martin, Verster, Isabella and Yahyaei, Mohsen (2023). Decarbonisation to drive dramatic increase in mining waste–options for reduction. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 190 106859, 1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106859
2023
Journal Article
Exploring scale in social licence to operate: European perspectives
Lesser, Pamela, Poelzer, Gregory, Gugerell, Katharina, Tost, Michael and Franks, Daniel (2023). Exploring scale in social licence to operate: European perspectives. Journal of Cleaner Production, 384 135552. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135552
2023
Other Outputs
Ore-sand co-production from Newcrest’s Cadia East HydroFloat Reject: an exploratory study
Segura-Salazar, Juliana and Franks, Daniel M. (2023). Ore-sand co-production from Newcrest’s Cadia East HydroFloat Reject: an exploratory study. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/96249f6
2023
Other Outputs
Low Carbon Concrete Options for Pacific Infrastructure
Rogers, Paul, Junior, Patrick, Aska, Bora, Mishra, Akash, Sakiti, Viliame and Franks, Daniel M. (2023). Low Carbon Concrete Options for Pacific Infrastructure. Canberra: Australia Pacific Climate Partnership, Australian Aid.
2022
Journal Article
Mining and linkages for economic transformation: revealing multi-stakeholder perspectives through Q-methodology
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S., Dietsche, Evelyn, Franks, Daniel M., Cust, James and Ahmad, Shabbir (2022). Mining and linkages for economic transformation: revealing multi-stakeholder perspectives through Q-methodology. The Extractive Industries and Society, 12 101174, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.exis.2022.101174
2022
Other Outputs
Mineral resource governance and the global goals: an agenda for international collaboration - report of activities to implement United Nations environment assembly resolution on mineral resource governance (UNEP/EA.4/Res.19)
Daniel Franks, Julia Keenan, Angela Kariuki and Elisa Tonda (2022). Mineral resource governance and the global goals: an agenda for international collaboration - report of activities to implement United Nations environment assembly resolution on mineral resource governance (UNEP/EA.4/Res.19). Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Environment Programme.
2022
Book Chapter
Construction materials and sustainable development
Junior, Patrick and Franks, Daniel M. (2022). Construction materials and sustainable development. Routledge handbook of the extractive industries and sustainable development. (pp. 228-246) edited by Natalia Yakovleva and Edmund Nickless. Abingdon, Oxon, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003001317-14
2022
Book Chapter
An evolving agenda for environmental, health and safety management in mining
Sánchez, Luis E. and Franks, Daniel M. (2022). An evolving agenda for environmental, health and safety management in mining. Routledge handbook of the extractive industries and sustainable development. (pp. 329-348) edited by Natalia Yakovleva and Edmund Nickless. London, United Kingdom: Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781003001317-21
2022
Journal Article
Minerals as a refuge from conflict: Evidence from the quarry sector in Africa
Junior, Patrick, Franks, Daniel M. and Arbeláez-Ruiz, Diana (2022). Minerals as a refuge from conflict: Evidence from the quarry sector in Africa. Journal of Rural Studies, 92, 206-213. doi: 10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.03.028
2022
Other Outputs
Strengthening ASEAN Cooperation in Minerals: Development Prospects of ASEAN Minerals Cooperation (DPAMC)
Satchwell, I, Rogers, P, Franks, D, Flomenhoft, G, Bria, E, Valenta, R, Gunter, J, McGeough, M, Gow, P and McGovern, J (2022). Strengthening ASEAN Cooperation in Minerals: Development Prospects of ASEAN Minerals Cooperation (DPAMC). Jakarta: Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Australian Aid.
2022
Other Outputs
Sand and sustainability: 10 strategic recommendations to avert a crisis.
Vander Velpen, Arnaud , Smeets, Astrid , Torres, Aurora , Matheson, Alexander Bruce, Friot, Damien, Franks, Daniel M. , Cuperus, Geert , Yusuf, Halinishi , van der Vegt, Helena, Selby, Ian , Reimer Lynggaard, Josefine , Dawson, Kate , Pereira, Kiran , Gallagher, Louise , Goichot, Marc , Russell, Mark , Hemon, Nataša , Chuah, Stephanie, Wagenaar, Sybren , Peduzzi, Pascal , Van Lancker, Vera and Guigoz, Yaniss (2022). Sand and sustainability: 10 strategic recommendations to avert a crisis. . Geneva, Switzerland: GRID-Geneva, United Nations Environment Programme.
2022
Other Outputs
Ore-sand: A potential new solution to the mine tailings and global sand sustainability crises: Final report
Golev, Artem, Gallagher, Louise, Vander Velpen, Arnaud, Lynggaard, Josefine R., Friot, Damien, Stringer, Martin, Chuah, Stephanie, Arbelaez-Ruiz, Diana, Mazzinghy, Douglas, Moura, Luanna, Peduzzi, Pascal and Franks, Daniel, M. (2022). Ore-sand: A potential new solution to the mine tailings and global sand sustainability crises: Final report. Brisbane, Australia; Geneva, Switzerland: The University of Queensland; The University of Geneva. doi: 10.14264/503a3fd
2022
Other Outputs
2021 Annual monitoring report: BHP Foundation natural resource governance program: Embedded program evaluation
Franks, Daniel, Sturman, Kathryn and Arbeláez-Ruiz, Diana (2022). 2021 Annual monitoring report: BHP Foundation natural resource governance program: Embedded program evaluation. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland.
2022
Other Outputs
Mineral resource governance and the global goals: an agenda for international collaboration. Summary of the UNEA 4/19 Consultations.
Franks, Daniel M., Keenan, Julia, Tonda, Elisa and Kariuki, Angela (2022). Mineral resource governance and the global goals: an agenda for international collaboration. Summary of the UNEA 4/19 Consultations.. Nairobi, Kenya: United Nations Environment Programme and The University of Queensland.
2021
Other Outputs
Country context note - Peru: Embedded program evaluation: BHP Foundation Natural Resource Governance Program
Arbeláez-Ruiz, Diana and Franks, Daniel M. (2021). Country context note - Peru: Embedded program evaluation: BHP Foundation Natural Resource Governance Program. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland; BHP Foundation Natural Resource Governance Global Signature Program.
2021
Journal Article
Building mining's economic linkages: a critical review of local content policy theory
Weldegiorgis, Fitsum S., Dietsche, Evelyn and Franks, Daniel M. (2021). Building mining's economic linkages: a critical review of local content policy theory. Resources Policy, 74 102312, 102312. doi: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2021.102312
2021
Journal Article
Author Correction: Tailings facility disclosures reveal stability risks (Scientific Reports, (2021), 11, 1, (5353), 10.1038/s41598-021-84897-0)
Franks, Daniel M., Stringer, Martin, Torres-Cruz, Luis A., Baker, Elaine, Valenta, Rick, Thygesen, Kristina, Matthews, Adam, Howchin, John and Barrie, Stephen (2021). Author Correction: Tailings facility disclosures reveal stability risks (Scientific Reports, (2021), 11, 1, (5353), 10.1038/s41598-021-84897-0). Scientific Reports, 11 (1) 12142, 12142. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-91384-z
2021
Other Outputs
Durable change – sustaining impact in natural resource governance
Arbelaez-Ruiz, Diana, Franks, Daniel M., Sturman, Kathryn and Ezeigbo, Chinwe (2021). Durable change – sustaining impact in natural resource governance. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland; BHP Foundation Natural Resource Governance Global Signature Program.
2021
Journal Article
Sand, gravel, and UN Sustainable Development Goals: Conflicts, synergies, and pathways forward
Bendixen, Mette, Iversen, Lars L., Best, Jim, Franks, Daniel M., Hackney, Christopher R., Latrubesse, Edgardo M. and Tusting, Lucy S. (2021). Sand, gravel, and UN Sustainable Development Goals: Conflicts, synergies, and pathways forward. One Earth, 4 (8), 1095-1111. doi: 10.1016/j.oneear.2021.07.008
2021
Other Outputs
Alternative sand from mineral ores: a potential new solution to the global sand sustainability crisis. Interim Report
Gallagher, Louise , Golev, Artem, Vander Velpen, Arnaud, Stringer, Martin, Friot, Damien, Reimer Lynggaard, Josefine, Peduzzi, Pascal and Franks, Daniel (2021). Alternative sand from mineral ores: a potential new solution to the global sand sustainability crisis. Interim Report. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: The University of Queensland and The University of Geneva.
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Daniel Franks is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Supervision history
Current supervision
-
Doctor Philosophy
Low-carbon cement adoption in the Pacific
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Pratheep Kumar Annamalai
-
Doctor Philosophy
Waste reduction by co-producing ore-sand from energy-critical metals
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christian Antonio, Dr Juliana Segura-Salazar
-
Doctor Philosophy
Lessons from company-community conflicts in mining.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Deanna Kemp
-
Doctor Philosophy
Mitigating the biodiversity impacts of extracting Australia's energy transition minerals
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Laura Sonter
-
Doctor Philosophy
The making of responsible cobalt
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Nicole Gillespie
Completed supervision
-
2024
Doctor Philosophy
Utilising Inter-Sectoral Linkages with the Extractive Sector for Economic Transformation in Africa and Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Shabbir Ahmad
-
2022
Doctor Philosophy
Engaging Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners of Development Minerals in Public Infrastructure Projects: The Case of Uganda
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Adjunct Professor Adil Khan, Dr Vlado Vivoda
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Uranium Companies and Traditional Owners: Negotiating the Intersection of Risk and Rights
Principal Advisor
-
2017
Doctor Philosophy
Steering Social Impact Outcomes in Extractive Resource Regions: A Comparative Case Study of Private Meta-governance in Australia and the United States
Associate Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Coal Seam Gas Development and Community Conflict: A Comparative Study of Community Responses to Coal Seam Gas Development in Chinchilla and Tara, Queensland
Associate Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Transforming Andean Space: Local Experiences of Mining Development in Peru
Associate Advisor
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Daniel Franks directly for media enquiries about:
- Community engagement - mining
- Community relations - mining
- Mine waste policy
- Mine-community conflict
- Mines and tailings
- Mining
- Mining policy
- Resource conflict - mining
- Resource governance - mining
- Social impact assessment - mining
- Sovereignty and consent - mine resources
- Sustainable development
- Tailings - mines
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