Overview
Background
Dr Mansour Edraki is a geo-environmental scientist specialising in the field of inorganic geochemistry. He joined UQ following completion of his PhD at the 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 that 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 the 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
- 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
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
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
2014
Other Outputs
Mt Isa tailings seepage project: Understanding tailings hydro-geochemistry for optimum closure outcomes
Mansour Edraki and Thomas Baumgartl (2014). Mt Isa tailings seepage project: Understanding tailings hydro-geochemistry for optimum closure outcomes. Brisbane : The University of Queensland.
2014
Other Outputs
Assessing environmental safety of in-pit disposal of tailings in coal mines
Baumgartl, Thomas, Edraki, Mansour and Park, Jinhee (2014). Assessing environmental safety of in-pit disposal of tailings in coal mines. Brisbane, Australia:
2014
Journal Article
Designing mine tailings for better environmental, social and economic outcomes: a review of alternative approaches
Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas, Manlapig, Emmanuel, Bradshaw, Dee, Franks, Daniel M. and Moran, Chris J. (2014). Designing mine tailings for better environmental, social and economic outcomes: a review of alternative approaches. Journal of Cleaner Production, 84 (1), 411-420. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.04.079
2014
Journal Article
Identification of acid rock drainage sources through mesotextural classification at abandoned mines of Croydon, Australia: implications for the rehabilitation of waste rock repositories
Parbhakar-Fox, Anita K., Edraki, Mansour, Hardie, Kathleen, Kadletz, Oskar and Hall, Tania (2014). Identification of acid rock drainage sources through mesotextural classification at abandoned mines of Croydon, Australia: implications for the rehabilitation of waste rock repositories. Journal of Geochemical Exploration, 137, 11-28. doi: 10.1016/j.gexplo.2013.10.017
2014
Journal Article
The application of coal combustion by-products in mine site rehabilitation
Park, Jin Hee, Edraki, Mansour, Mulligan, David and Jang, Hang Seok (2014). The application of coal combustion by-products in mine site rehabilitation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 84 (1), 761-772. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.01.049
2014
Conference Publication
Application of RISKGATE to coal mine tailings dams
Williams, D. J., Kirsch, P. A., Gasparon, M., Baumgartl, T., Edraki, M., Rowe, D. and Harris, J. (2014). Application of RISKGATE to coal mine tailings dams. Life-of-Mine 2014, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 16-18 July 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AUSIMM.
2014
Conference Publication
Integration of water chemistry and acidity components: a new AMD assessment model
Phong, Pham Hoang, Noller, Barry, Golding, Sue and Edraki, Mansour (2014). Integration of water chemistry and acidity components: a new AMD assessment model. AMD14: The Triennial 8th Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 29 April – 2 May, 2014. Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia: JKTech.
2014
Conference Publication
Mine wastes as cover materials in a water-shedding soil cover in North-west Queensland
Gonzales, C., Baumgartl, T., Edraki, M. and Soliman, A. (2014). Mine wastes as cover materials in a water-shedding soil cover in North-west Queensland. Life-of-Mine 2014, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 16-18 July 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AUSIMM.
2014
Conference Publication
Designer tailings: improving the management of tailings through collaborative research
Edraki, Mansour, Huynh, Trang, Baumgartl, Thomas, Huang, Longbin, Andrusiewicz, Michal, Tungpalan, Kate, Tayebi-Khorami, Maedeh, Wightman, Elaine, Palaniandy, Sam, Manlapig, Emmanuel, Evans, Cathy, Farrokhpay, Saeed, Bradshaw, Dee and Vink, Sue (2014). Designer tailings: improving the management of tailings through collaborative research. AMD14: The Triennial 8th Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage, Adelaide, SA, Australia, 29 April–2 May, 2014. Indooroopilly, QLD, Australia: JKTech.
2014
Conference Publication
Designer tailings – an integrated model for tailings management
Edraki, M., Huynh, T., Baumgartl, T., Huang, L., Andrusiewicz, M., Tungpalan, K., Tayebi-Khorami, M., Wightman, E., Palaniandy, S., Manlapig, E., Evans, C., Farrokhpay, S., Bradshaw, D. and Vink, S. (2014). Designer tailings – an integrated model for tailings management. Life-of-Mine 2014, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 16-18 July 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AUSIMM.
2014
Journal Article
An integrated approach of predicting metallurgical performance relating to variability in deposit characteristics
Tungpalan, Kate, Manlapig, Emmy, Andrusiewicz, Michal, Keeney, Luke, Wightman, Elaine and Edraki, Mansour (2014). An integrated approach of predicting metallurgical performance relating to variability in deposit characteristics. Minerals Engineering, 71, 49-54. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2014.10.004
2014
Conference Publication
Maturity of jurisdictional abandoned mine programs in Australia based on web-accessible information
Unger, C. J., Lechner, A. M., Walton, A., Glenn, V., Edraki, M. and Mulligan, D. R. (2014). Maturity of jurisdictional abandoned mine programs in Australia based on web-accessible information. Life-of-Mine 2014, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 16-18 July 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AUSIMM.
2013
Journal Article
Dynamics in leachate chemistry of Cu-Au tailings in response to biochar and woodchip amendments: a column leaching study
Li, Xiaofang, You, Fang, Huang, Longbin, Strounina, Ekaterina and Edraki, Mansour (2013). Dynamics in leachate chemistry of Cu-Au tailings in response to biochar and woodchip amendments: a column leaching study. Environmental Sciences Europe, 25 (Provisional) (32) 32, 1-23. doi: 10.1186/2190-4715-25-32
2013
Journal Article
Understanding the salinity issue of coal mine spoils in the context of salt cycle
Li, Xiaofang, Park, Jin Hee, Edraki, Mansour and Baumgartl, Thomas (2013). Understanding the salinity issue of coal mine spoils in the context of salt cycle. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 36 (3), 453-465. doi: 10.1007/s10653-013-9573-4
2013
Journal Article
Geochemical assessments and classification of coal mine spoils for better understanding of potential salinity issues at closure
Park, Jin Hee, Li, Xiaofang, Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas and Kirsch, Bernie (2013). Geochemical assessments and classification of coal mine spoils for better understanding of potential salinity issues at closure. Environmental Science Processes and Impacts, 15 (6), 1235-1244. doi: 10.1039/C3EM30672K
2013
Journal Article
Long term performance of hydrogeochemical riverine mine tailings deposition at Freeport Indonesia
Rusdinar, Yuni, Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas, Mulligan, David and Miller, Stuart (2013). Long term performance of hydrogeochemical riverine mine tailings deposition at Freeport Indonesia. Mine Water and the Environment, 32 (1), 56-70. doi: 10.1007/s10230-012-0212-6
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Mansour Edraki is:
- Available for supervision
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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
Applications of stable isotopes geochemistry to understand environmental geochemical impacts associated with mine waste in Australia
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mandana Shaygan
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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
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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
Prediction of the geochemical cycles of critical elements in acid and metalliferous drainage
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mandana Shaygan
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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
Alternative Mineral Processing Strategies for Copper- Gold Tailings Management
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alexander Scheuermann, Dr Christian Antonio
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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
Improved Predictions of Acid and Metalliferous Drainage for Greenfield Projects Inform Better Design of Waste Rock Dumps
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Mandana Shaygan
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Doctor Philosophy
Alternative Mineral Processing Strategies for Copper- Gold Tailings Management
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alexander Scheuermann, Dr Christian Antonio
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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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2025
Doctor Philosophy
Alternative Mineral Processing Strategies for Copper- Gold Tailings Management
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Alexander Scheuermann, Dr Christian Antonio
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Physical and Chemical Properties of Polymer Amended Tailings
Principal Advisor
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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
The Response of Tropical Wetlands to the Geochemical Conditions of Discharged Water from Nickel Laterite Mines
Principal Advisor
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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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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 D 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 D 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 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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