Overview
Background
Dr Mansour Edraki is a geo-environmental scientist specialising in the field of inorganic geochemistry. He joined UQ in 2000 following completion of his PhD at University of New England. Prior to that, and before immigrating to Australia, he was a lecturer in earth sciences. Since joining UQ, Dr Edraki has focused on developing innovative techniques for understanding and predicting geochemical processes which underpin sustainable management of mine waste and mine water, particularly acid and metalliferous drainage. Mansour’s research has direct applications for the resources and energy industries and the impact of his work is evident in a continuous flow of industry-funded projects in the last decade. Dr Edraki has initiated research collaborations in many international locations including Indonesia (South Kalimantan and Freeport), Iran (Mehdiabad Zinc) Papua New Guinea (Ok Tedi), Philippines (USEP and Mindanao Development Authority), Korea (MIRECO and KIGAM), Peru (INGEMET), and Chile (Fundación Chile, Universidad de Concepción). Dr Edraki represents SMI-UQ at International Network for Acid Prevention (INAP), which is a global alliance for managing the issue of acid and metalliferous drainage. He leads SMI's Environmental Geochemistry Group.
Availability
- Associate Professor Mansour Edraki is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science, Shiraz University
- Masters (Coursework) of Science, Shiraz University
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of New England Australia
- Postgraduate Diploma, The University of Queensland
Research interests
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Dr Mansour Edraki’s research interest is in understanding and predicting the source, transformations and fate of contaminants, particularly acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD), in the mining environment. Through field monitoring, laboratory experiments and modelling he follows the geochemical pathways of heavy metals, metalloids (e.g. arsenic) and salts and investigates the natural processes that may degrade the quality of surface and groundwater and natural soils. Mansour uses that knowledge to quantify the extent of the current and future effects of those processes for optimum remediation and rehabilitation outcomes. Specific areas of research include: Geochemical effects of clay minerals on deposition, dewatering and rehabilitation of tailings; Formation and stability of secondary minerals and amorphous phases and their role in natural attenuation of metals (and metalloids) and remediation of mine tailings and associated seepage; Novel techniques for characterisation and prediction of AMD including development of kinetic leaching procedures; Applications of stable isotope techniques in AMD investigations; A life cycle approach to managing mine tailings – Designer Tailings; and Unlocking the value of mining wastes and eliminating residual risks through reprocessing, recycling, reuse and remediation.
Works
Search Professor Mansour Edraki’s works on UQ eSpace
2025
Journal Article
Characterization, potential valuable metals recovery and remediation of historic wolframite mining waste
Han, Zhengdong, Edraki, Mansour and Golev, Artem (2025). Characterization, potential valuable metals recovery and remediation of historic wolframite mining waste. Separation and Purification Technology, 354 129009, 129009. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2024.129009
2024
Journal Article
Water-soluble rare earth elements (REEs) recovered from uranium tailings
Levett, Alan, van der Ent, Antony, Jones, Thomas Ray, Bolouri, Kimiya, Kelly, Kieran, Vaughan, James, Edraki, Mansour, Erskine, Peter and Southam, Gordon (2024). Water-soluble rare earth elements (REEs) recovered from uranium tailings. Minerals Engineering, 210 108675, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2024.108675
2024
Journal Article
Mechanisms of uptake and translocation of thallium in Brassica vegetables: An x-ray fluorescence microspectroscopic investigation
Corzo-Remigio, Amelia, Harris, Hugh H., Kidman, Clinton J., Nkrumah, Philip Nti, Casey, Lachlan W., Paterson, David J., Edraki, Mansour and van der Ent, Antony (2024). Mechanisms of uptake and translocation of thallium in Brassica vegetables: An x-ray fluorescence microspectroscopic investigation. Environmental Science and Technology, 58 (5), 2373-2383. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08113
2024
Journal Article
Soil contamination around porphyry copper mines: an example from a semi-arid climate
Alizadeh, Arezu, Ghorbani, Jamshid, Motamedi, Javad, Vahabzadeh, Ghorban, van der Ent, Antony and Edraki, Mansour (2024). Soil contamination around porphyry copper mines: an example from a semi-arid climate. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 196 (2) 204. doi: 10.1007/s10661-024-12384-w
2023
Edited Outputs
Proceedings of the Ninth Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage
Clive Bell, Mansour Edraki and Carla Gerbo eds. (2023). Proceedings of the Ninth Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage. Ninth Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage, Burnie, TAS Australia, 20-23 November 2017. St Lucia, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
2023
Journal Article
Element distribution in electrochemically treated mine wastewater for efficient resource recovery and water treatment: a pilot study
Gomez, Denys Villa, Hong, Paul, Berry, Luke, Liu, Di and Edraki, Mansour (2023). Element distribution in electrochemically treated mine wastewater for efficient resource recovery and water treatment: a pilot study. Chemosphere, 339 139536, 139536. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139536
2023
Conference Publication
Polymer-amended tailings dewatering technology for desired closure outcomes
Boshrouyeh, Bob, Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas and Costine, Allan (2023). Polymer-amended tailings dewatering technology for desired closure outcomes. Life of Mine, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 2-4 August 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Alternative mineral processing strategies for copper-gold tailings management
Narayan, Roneel, Edraki, Mansour, Scheuermann, Alexander, Ziemski, Marcin, Antonio, Christian and Quintero, Sebastian (2023). Alternative mineral processing strategies for copper-gold tailings management. Life of Mine, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 2-4 August 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
The role of scale in prediction of mine drainage chemistry
Edraki, Mansour, McIntyre, Neil and Jain, Karan (2023). The role of scale in prediction of mine drainage chemistry. Life of Mine, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 2-4 August 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Developing a regional data catalogue to support the technical assessment of post-mining land use
Côte, Claire Madeleine, Bolz, Pascal, Pagliero, Liliana, Shaygan, Mandana, Edraki, Mansour and Erskine, Peter (2023). Developing a regional data catalogue to support the technical assessment of post-mining land use. AusIMM Life of Mine Conference 2023, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 2-4 August 2023. Carlton, VIC, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
2023
Journal Article
Chemical transformations of arsenic in the rhizosphere-root interface of Pityrogramma calomelanos and Pteris vittata
Corzo Remigio, Amelia, Harris, Hugh H, Paterson, David J, Edraki, Mansour and van der Ent, Antony (2023). Chemical transformations of arsenic in the rhizosphere-root interface of Pityrogramma calomelanos and Pteris vittata. Metallomics, 15 (8) mfad047. doi: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfad047
2023
Journal Article
Accelerating bioleaching of tungsten mining wastes using indigenous acidophilic bacteria
Han, Zhengdong, Levett, Alan, Edraki, Mansour, Jones, Michael W.M., Howard, Daryl and Southam, Gordon (2023). Accelerating bioleaching of tungsten mining wastes using indigenous acidophilic bacteria. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 454 131490, 131490. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131490
2023
Other Outputs
CleanCo: Swanbank Power Station: Hydrological and water quality assessment
Chrystal, Robynne, Bolz, Pascal, Edraki, Mansour and McIntyre, Neil (2023). CleanCo: Swanbank Power Station: Hydrological and water quality assessment. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland, Sustainable Minerals Institute.
2023
Journal Article
Microbially influenced tungsten mobilisation and formation of secondary minerals in wolframite tailings
Han, Zhengdong, Levett, Alan, Edraki, Mansour, Jones, Michael W. M., Howard, Daryl and Southam, Gordon (2023). Microbially influenced tungsten mobilisation and formation of secondary minerals in wolframite tailings. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 445 130508, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130508
2023
Other Outputs
Design of Activities for the Investigation of Ngadju Salt Lake Systems
Chrystal, Robynne, McIntyre, Neil, Bolz, Pascal, Edraki, Mansour, Worden, Sandy, Holcombe, Sarah, Barnes, Rodger and Hernandez Santin, Lorna (2023). Design of Activities for the Investigation of Ngadju Salt Lake Systems. Brisbane, Australia: Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland.
2023
Conference Publication
Bioaccumulation of metal(loid)s by plants growing on soils irrigated with copper tailings water in view of their potential use for land remediation through phytomanagement
Rubinos, D., Valenzuela, D., Gamboa, D.A., Campos, J.H., Márquez, J.I., Quevedo, B.N., Noller, B., Edraki, M. and Saavedra-Mella, F. (2023). Bioaccumulation of metal(loid)s by plants growing on soils irrigated with copper tailings water in view of their potential use for land remediation through phytomanagement. 26th World Mining Congress (WMC 2023): Resourcing tomorrow – Creating value for Society, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 26-29 June 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
Use of tailings water for irrigation of crops: lessons learned from a long-term field-plot trial
Campos, Dilan, Rubinos, David, Valenzuela, María Paz, Gamboa, Daniela, Wiertz, Jacques, Márquez, Homero, Saavedra, Felipe, Noller, Barry and Edraki, Mansour (2023). Use of tailings water for irrigation of crops: lessons learned from a long-term field-plot trial. Water Congress, Santiago, Chile, 6-8 September 2023.
2023
Conference Publication
A practical methodology for identifying sources and distribution of metal(loid)s pollution at a copper smelting site
Rubinos, D., Bustos, M., Valenzuela, J., Quevedo, D., Gamboa, D., Campos, J., Márquez, F., Saavedra, F., Edraki, M., Noller, B., Jerez, Ó., Sanhueza, V., Novoselov, A. and Gerding, J. (2023). A practical methodology for identifying sources and distribution of metal(loid)s pollution at a copper smelting site. Sustainable Mining 2023, Santiago, Chile, 10-12 May 2023.
2022
Journal Article
Sulfur and oxygen isotope constraints on sulfate sources and neutral rock drainage-related processes at a South African colliery
Ódri, Ágnes, Amaral-Filho, Juarez, Smart, Mariette, Broadhurst, Jennifer, Harrison, Susan T. L., Petersen, Jochen, Harris, Chris, Edraki, Mansour and Becker, Megan (2022). Sulfur and oxygen isotope constraints on sulfate sources and neutral rock drainage-related processes at a South African colliery. Science of the Total Environment, 846 157178, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157178
2022
Edited Outputs
Proactive measures and lasting outcomes-Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage
Mansour Edraki, David Jones and Karan Jain eds. (2022). Proactive measures and lasting outcomes-Proceedings of the 12th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage. 12th International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage, Virtual, 18 – 24 September 2022. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Mansour Edraki is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Honours, Masters, and PhD projects
Geochemical Characterisation and Microbial Community of Coal Tailings from Bowen Basin, Queensland
The Bowen Basin in Queensland, known for its substantial coal reserves, plays a significant role in the state's economy, with coal exports reaching $71.8 billion in 2021-22. As some mines approach the end of their productive life, there is a crucial need for Progressive Rehabilitation and Closure Plans (PRCP). This study assesses the physical, geochemical, and microbial aspects of selected coal tailings in the Bowen Basin. It aims to understand how the interaction of microbial activities, mineralogy, and moisture influences the chemical stability of coal tailings storage facilities.
Improved Predictions of Acid and Metalliferous Drainage for Greenfield Projects Inform Better Design of Waste Rock Dumps
The greenfield sites pose additional challenges beyond the common shortcomings of industry-standard kinetic leaching procedures used for Acid and Metalliferous Drainage predictions. The design of waste rock dumps is often not finalized, and the hydrological properties concerning water percolation and gas advection in the dumps are not well understood. This study investigates how closely the hydrological conditions of waste rock dumps, such as intrinsic permeability, liquid-to-solid ratio, and residence time, can be simulated in the laboratory to derive design parameters.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) treatment utilising synthetic membrane technology
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Denys Villa Gomez
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Physical and Chemical Properties of Polymer Amended Tailings
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Improved Prediction, Remediation and Closure of Acid and Neutral Metalliferous Drainage (AMD/NMD) Sites by Examination of Mine Waste Behaviour at the Meso-scale
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Harald Hofmann
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Doctor Philosophy
Alternative uses of mine influenced water
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mandana Shaygan
-
Doctor Philosophy
Alternative mineral processing strategies for copper-gold tailings management
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Christian Antonio, Professor Alexander Scheuermann
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Doctor Philosophy
Remediation of metal-rich mine-affected water with passive systems, testing the role of hyper-accumulator plants for improved efficiency
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Claire Cote, Dr Robynne Chrystal
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Geochemical investigation of abandoned tungsten mining wastes for metal recovery and rehabilitation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Gordon Southam
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the salt generation and release dynamics from coal mine spoils
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neil McIntyre
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Predicting salt generation from coal mine spoil heaps in a semi-arid climate, Central Queensland, Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neil McIntyre
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Geochemical Pathways of Contaminants through Weathering of Uranium Tailings
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Barry Noller
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Natural attenuation of arsenic in sulphide tailings with alkaline gangue under extreme wet and dry conditions
Principal Advisor
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
The Response of Tropical Wetlands to the Geochemical Conditions of Discharged Water from Nickel Laterite Mines
Principal Advisor
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2016
Master Philosophy
Understanding the Potential Effects of Mining on Water Quality in the Altayan and Taplan Catchments, Philippines
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neil McIntyre
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Geochemical Processes Controlling the Distribution and Long Term Stability of Heavy Metals in Mine Tailings Deposited in Rivers; the case study of ModADA, Papua, Indonesia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor David Lockington
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Long-Term Seepage Geochemistry of Base Metal Mine Tailings in a Semiarid Subtropical Climate, Mount Isa, Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor David Lockington, Associate Professor Barry Noller
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Chemical and stable isotope investigation of sources, transport and release of contaminants in acid mine drainage, Mount Leyshon, Queensland, Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Emeritus Professor Sue Golding, Associate Professor Barry Noller
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Geochemical and hydrological changes in ageing sulfidic mine tailings in two contrasting climates
Joint Principal Advisor
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Evaluating the potential for surface water contamination due to flood-tailings interactions
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Neil McIntyre
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Selective flotation of enargite from copper sulphides in complex ore systems
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Liza Forbes
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
The potential use of mine wastes as cover materials in a water-shedding cover configuration as applied in a seasonally wet but arid environment setting
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alexander Scheuermann
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Lead from Mining and Mineral Processing Activities to the Community via the Air-dust Pathway: An Example from Mount Isa City Using Human Health Risk Assessment Approach
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Barry Noller
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Mansour Edraki directly for media enquiries about:
- Environmental geochemistry
- Geochemistry - environmental
- Hydrogeochemistry of mine-related pollution
- Mine waste - hydrogeochemistry
- Mine waste management
- Mine-related pollution
- Mined land rehabilitation
- Mining - contamination
- Mining - environment
- Pollution - from mining
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