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
2018
Book Chapter
A case study of domain-based post-closure water quality monitoring in wet-dry climates
Pham, P., Edraki, M., Noller, B. and Golding, S. (2018). A case study of domain-based post-closure water quality monitoring in wet-dry climates. From start to finish: a life-of-mine perspective. (pp. 217-222) Carlton South, VIC Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).
2018
Book Chapter
Key elements of global leading practice in abandoned mine programs and their application to Australia
Unger, C. J., Lechner, A. M., Glenn, V. C., Edraki, M. and Mulligan, D. R. (2018). Key elements of global leading practice in abandoned mine programs and their application to Australia. From start to finish: a life-of-mine perspective. (pp. 163-174) edited by Cherie McCullough, Bruce Harvey, Corinne Unger, Jan Coetzee and Stuart Winchester. Carlton South, VIC, Australia: The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
2018
Conference Publication
Wetting and drying cycles as a means to determine the effect and consequences of tailings ageing
Akesseh, Raphael, Shaygan, Mandana, Usher, Brent, Edraki, Mansour and Baumgartl, Thomas (2018). Wetting and drying cycles as a means to determine the effect and consequences of tailings ageing. Life of Mine Conference 2018, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 25 - 27 July 2018. Victoria, Australia: The Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
2017
Journal Article
Investigation of elemental enrichment and ecological risk assessment of surface soils in two industrial port cities, southwest Iran
Rastmanesh, F. , Mousavi, M., Zarasvandi, A. and Edraki, M. (2017). Investigation of elemental enrichment and ecological risk assessment of surface soils in two industrial port cities, southwest Iran. Environmental Earth Sciences, 76 (20) 717. doi: 10.1007/s12665-017-7046-2
2017
Journal Article
Selective flotation of enargite from copper sulphides in Tampakan deposit
Tayebi-Khorami, Maedeh, Manlapig, Emmy, Forbes, Elizaveta, Bradshaw, Dee and Edraki, Mansour (2017). Selective flotation of enargite from copper sulphides in Tampakan deposit. Minerals Engineering, 112, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2017.06.021
2017
Journal Article
Geochemical characteristics of rehabilitated tailings and associated seepages at Kidston gold mine, Queensland, Australia
Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas, Mulligan, David, Fegan, Warwick and Munawar, Ali (2017). Geochemical characteristics of rehabilitated tailings and associated seepages at Kidston gold mine, Queensland, Australia. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment, 33 (2), 1-15. doi: 10.1080/17480930.2017.1362542
2017
Conference Publication
The impact of salinity on the calculation of evaporation from tailings
Richards, B. G., Shaygan, M., Edraki, M. and Baumgartl, T. (2017). The impact of salinity on the calculation of evaporation from tailings. Enviromine Srmining 2017, Santiago, Chile, 8-10 November 2017. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2017
Conference Publication
Conceptual integrated strategy for mine tailings reprocessing and land rehabilitation
Golev, Artem, Manlapig, Emmanuel, Corder, Glen, Jones, Jason, Mandaran, Kristian, Edraki, Mansour, Hourn, Mike and Radulovic, Paul (2017). Conceptual integrated strategy for mine tailings reprocessing and land rehabilitation. Enviromine Srmining 2017, Santiago, Chile, 8-10 November 2017. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2016
Journal Article
Environmental geochemistry of the abandoned Mamut Copper Mine (Sabah) Malaysia
van der Ent, Antony and Edraki, Mansour (2016). Environmental geochemistry of the abandoned Mamut Copper Mine (Sabah) Malaysia. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 40 (1), 1-19. doi: 10.1007/s10653-016-9892-3
2016
Journal Article
The effect of particle size and mineral liberation on the acid generating potential of sulphidic waste rock
Opitz, J., Edraki, M. and Baumgartl, T. (2016). The effect of particle size and mineral liberation on the acid generating potential of sulphidic waste rock. Geochemistry: Exploration, Environment, Analysis, 16 (3-4), 245-252. doi: 10.1144/geochem2015-385
2016
Conference Publication
Assessment of post-closure water types and their connectivity at a copper-gold mine in Queensland, Australia
Noller, Barry , Edraki, Mansour, Pham, Phong and Golding, Sue (2016). Assessment of post-closure water types and their connectivity at a copper-gold mine in Queensland, Australia. First International Congress on Planning for Closure of Mining Operations, Santiago, Chile, 20-22 November 2016. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digitcal Publications.
2016
Conference Publication
Assessment of post-closure water types and their connectivity at a copper-gold mine in Queensland, Australia
Pham, Phong, Noller, Barry, Golding, Sue and Edraki, Mansour (2016). Assessment of post-closure water types and their connectivity at a copper-gold mine in Queensland, Australia. First International Congress on Planning for Closure of Mining Operations, Santiago, Chile, 20 -22 November 2016. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digitcal Publications.
2015
Other Outputs
Guia Metodologica para la Estabilidad Química de Faenas e Instalaciones Mineras
Gascon, Rachel, Soto, Maria, Oblasser, Angela, Calderón Rosa, Carla, Hoppe, Jutta, Salazar, Natalia, Lavin, Cristobal, Cruz, Cecilia, Jorquera, Juan, Guala, Campos, Bastidas, Maria, Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas and Rojas, Luis (2015). Guia Metodologica para la Estabilidad Química de Faenas e Instalaciones Mineras. Santiago, Chile: Sernageomin, Chile.
2015
Other Outputs
Assessing recommercialisation potential at the Mary Kathleen mine, Queensland
Forsyth, Bronwen, Baumgartl, Thomas, Zhao, Lu and Edraki, Mansour (2015). Assessing recommercialisation potential at the Mary Kathleen mine, Queensland. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Sustainable Materials Institute.
2015
Other Outputs
Environmental geochemistry of abandoned mines in the Puno Region of Peru – to guide strategic planning for regional development and legacy site management researchers
Edraki, Mansour and Unger, Corinne (2015). Environmental geochemistry of abandoned mines in the Puno Region of Peru – to guide strategic planning for regional development and legacy site management researchers. International Mining for Development Centre Action Research Report Canberra, ACT, Australia: International Mining for Development Centre.
2015
Journal Article
Evaluating risks from abandoned mines in the Puno Region of Peru
Palomino, Sheyla, Unger, Corinne and Edraki, Mansour (2015). Evaluating risks from abandoned mines in the Puno Region of Peru. The AusIMM Bulletin (1), 56-57.
2015
Journal Article
Chromium and nickel accumulation in the macrophytes of the Kawasi wetland on Obi Island, North Maluku Province, Indonesia
Amin, R., Edraki, M., Mulligan, D. R. and Gultom, T. H. (2015). Chromium and nickel accumulation in the macrophytes of the Kawasi wetland on Obi Island, North Maluku Province, Indonesia. Australian Journal of Botany, 63 (7), 549-553. doi: 10.1071/BT15066
2015
Conference Publication
Geochemical and mineralogical characterisation of Aladino VI abandoned mine, Puno Region
Palomino, Sheyla, Edraki, Mansour, Unger, Corinne, Condorhuaman, A., Garcia, F., Ochoa, Magdie, Vasquez, Shianny and Orihuela, S. (2015). Geochemical and mineralogical characterisation of Aladino VI abandoned mine, Puno Region. International Seminar on Environmental Issues in Mining, Lima, Peru, 2-4 December 2015. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2015
Conference Publication
The evolution of tailings seepage chemistry at one of Australia’s largest and longest operating mines
Forsyth, Bronwen, Edraki, Mansour and Baumgartl, Thomas (2015). The evolution of tailings seepage chemistry at one of Australia’s largest and longest operating mines. 10th International Conference on AcidRock Drainage and Annual IMWA Conference, Santiago, Chile, 21-24 April 2015. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digital Publications.
2015
Journal Article
A practical testing approach to predict the geochemical hazards of in-pit coal mine tailings and rejects
Park, Jin Hee, Edraki, Mansour and Baumgartl, Thomas (2015). A practical testing approach to predict the geochemical hazards of in-pit coal mine tailings and rejects. Catena, 148, 3-10. doi: 10.1016/j.catena.2015.10.027
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
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, Professor Gordon Southam
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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
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) treatment utilising synthetic membrane technology
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Denys Villa Gomez
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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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