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
2010
Conference Publication
Study on heavy metals via ambient air particulates pathway: An example from a historical mining and mineral processing site
Zheng, Jiajia, Edraki, Mansour, Huynh, Trang, Gasparon, Massimo, Ng, Jack C., Harris, Hugh H . and Noller, Barry N. (2010). Study on heavy metals via ambient air particulates pathway: An example from a historical mining and mineral processing site. Pacifichem 2010: International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 15 - 20 December 2010. Washington, DC, U.S.A.: American Chemical Society.
2010
Conference Publication
Decision process for comparison of partial and complete XANES spectra
Zheng, Jiajia, Edraki, Mansour, Huynh, Trang T., Gasparon, Massimo, Ng, Jack C., Harris, Hugh H. and Noller, Barry N. (2010). Decision process for comparison of partial and complete XANES spectra. SRI09: The 10th International Conference on Synchrotron Radiation Instrumentation, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 27 September-2 October 2009. Melville, NY, U.S.A.: Springer New York. doi: 10.1063/1.3463283
2010
Conference Publication
Relationship of soluble major ions in creek water to redox process of iron from sandstone
Phong, Pham, Mansour, Edraki and Barry, Noller (2010). Relationship of soluble major ions in creek water to redox process of iron from sandstone. Pacifichem 2010 International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, 15-20 December 2010.
2010
Conference Publication
The nature and oxidation kinetics of iron precipitates in seepage from sandstone to an incised stream
Pham, Hoang P., Edraki, Mansour and Noller, Barry (2010). The nature and oxidation kinetics of iron precipitates in seepage from sandstone to an incised stream. Water in Mining - 2nd International Congress on Water Management in the Mining Industry (WIM 2010), Santiago, Chile, 9-11 June 2010. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2009
Conference Publication
Mineralogical characterisation techniques for predicting acid rock drainage
Parbhakar, Anita, Edraki, Mansour, Bradshaw, Dee and Walters, Stephen (2009). Mineralogical characterisation techniques for predicting acid rock drainage. Enviromine 2009: First International Seminar on Environmental Issues in the Mining Industry, Santiago, Chile, 30 September-2 October 2009. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2009
Conference Publication
Development of mineralogical characterisation techniques for predicting Acid Rock Drainage: a case study from an abandoned Au-mine, North Australia
Anita Parbhakar, Edraki, Mansour, Bradshaw, Dee J. and Walters, Stephen (2009). Development of mineralogical characterisation techniques for predicting Acid Rock Drainage: a case study from an abandoned Au-mine, North Australia. Securing the Future and 8th International Conference on Acid Rock, Skelleftea, Sweden, 23 - 26 June 2009. Skelleftea, Sweden: SveMin/INAP.
2009
Conference Publication
Characterization of acid mine drainage and baseline geochemistry of the Croydon mine environment, North Queensland, Australia
Edraki, Mansour, Anita, Parbhakar, Hardie, Kathleen, Hall, Tania and Kadletz, Oscar (2009). Characterization of acid mine drainage and baseline geochemistry of the Croydon mine environment, North Queensland, Australia. Securing The Future 2009: Mining, Metals and the Environment in a Sustainable Society, and 8thICARD: International Conference on Acid Rock Drainage, Skellefteå, Sweden, 23-26 June 2009. Sweden: SveMin/INAP.
2009
Conference Publication
Rehabilitation Options for Soils Affected by Oilfield Brine in an Arid Landscape, Proceedings of the First International Seminar on Environmental Issues in the Mining Industry, Enviromine 2009
Fletcher, Andrew T., Baumgartl, Thomas, Edraki, Mansour, Kirchner, Rachel, Mulligan, David R. and Dunstan, N. (2009). Rehabilitation Options for Soils Affected by Oilfield Brine in an Arid Landscape, Proceedings of the First International Seminar on Environmental Issues in the Mining Industry, Enviromine 2009. Environmine 2009, Santiago, Chile, 30 September – 2 October 2009. Chile: Gecamin.
2009
Conference Publication
Hydrogeochemical evolution of an uncapped gold tailings storage facility
Edraki, Mansour, Baumgartl, Thomas, Fletcher, Andrew T., Mulligan, David R., Fegan, Warwick and Munawar, Ali (2009). Hydrogeochemical evolution of an uncapped gold tailings storage facility. Enviromine 2009: First International Seminar on Environmental Issues in the Mining Industry, Santiago, Chile, 30 September - 2 October 2009. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin.
2009
Conference Publication
Developments in acid rock drainage prediction: a case study on the abandoned Croydon Au-mines, QLD, Australia
Parbhakar, Anita, Edraki, Mansour and Walters, Steve (2009). Developments in acid rock drainage prediction: a case study on the abandoned Croydon Au-mines, QLD, Australia. 10th Biennial meeting of the Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits (SGA 2009), Townsville, Australia, 17-20 August 2009. Townsville, Australia: James Cook University, Economic Geology Research Unit.
2008
Conference Publication
Managing ARD potential through mine planning and mineral processing practice
Napier-Munn, T. J., Parbhakar, A., Edraki, M. and Bradshaw, D. (2008). Managing ARD potential through mine planning and mineral processing practice. Sixth Australian Workshop on Acid and Metalliferous Drainage, Burnie, Tasmania, 15-18 April 2008. Brisbane, Australia: ACMER.
2008
Conference Publication
Assessing post-closure metal dispersion from sulphide mines in the tropical climate of North Australia - A case study
Edraki, M. and Noller, B.N. (2008). Assessing post-closure metal dispersion from sulphide mines in the tropical climate of North Australia - A case study. Mine Closure 2008, Johannesburg, South Africa, 15 - 17 October 2008. Western Australia: Australian Centre for Geomechanics.
2008
Conference Publication
Mine closure to relinquishment: The development of partnerships and management tools to support the process
McIlveen, Graeme, Mulligan, David R., Baumgartl, Thomas, Edraki, Mansour, Pudmenzky, Alexander and Rossato, Laurence (2008). Mine closure to relinquishment: The development of partnerships and management tools to support the process. Mine Closure 2008, Johannesburg, South Africa, 14 - 17 October 2008. Western Australia: Australian Centre for Geomechanics.
2007
Conference Publication
Developing a quantitative framework to assess the success of mine site rehabilitation
Edraki, M., Baumgartl, T. and Noller, B. (2007). Developing a quantitative framework to assess the success of mine site rehabilitation. Mine Closure 2007, Santiago, Chile, 16-19 October 2007. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Ltd.
2006
Conference Publication
An assessment of the leaching behaviour of coal combustion by-products and biosolids for long-term ash dam management
Forsyth, B., Edraki, M. and Baumgartl, T. (2006). An assessment of the leaching behaviour of coal combustion by-products and biosolids for long-term ash dam management. Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand Conference, Adelaide, Australia, 17-20 September, 2006. Adelaide, Australia: CAUSAL Productions for EIANZ.
2006
Conference Publication
Investigating the linkage between water fluxes, geochemistry and water quality in the post-closure landscape of the Mt Leyshon mine, Queensland
Edraki, M., Baumgartl, T. and Haymont, R. (2006). Investigating the linkage between water fluxes, geochemistry and water quality in the post-closure landscape of the Mt Leyshon mine, Queensland. Mine Closure 2006, Perth, WA, 13-15 September 2006. Nedlands WA: Australian Centre for Geomechanics.
2006
Conference Publication
Post closure management of the Mt Leyshon gold mine: Water the integrator
Edraki, M., Baumgartl, T., Mulligan, D. R. and Haymont, R. (2006). Post closure management of the Mt Leyshon gold mine: Water the integrator. Water in Mining 2006, Brisbane, Queensland, 14-16 November 2006. Carlton, Victoria: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
2005
Journal Article
Hydrochemistry, mineralogy and sulphur isotope geochemistry of acid mine drainage at the Mt Morgan mine environment, Queensland, Australia
Edraki, M., Golding, S. D., Baublys, K. A. and Lawrence, M. G. (2005). Hydrochemistry, mineralogy and sulphur isotope geochemistry of acid mine drainage at the Mt Morgan mine environment, Queensland, Australia. Applied Geochemistry, 20 (4), 789-805. doi: 10.1016/j.apgeochem.2004.11.004
2004
Other Outputs
Assessment of the potential for the direct revegetation of Pikes Gully dump coal wastes
Grigg, A. H. and Edraki, M. (2004). Assessment of the potential for the direct revegetation of Pikes Gully dump coal wastes. The University of Queensland: Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation.
2004
Other Outputs
Assessment of the potential for direct revegetation of co-disposed washery wastes, Burton Coal Mine. Stage 1 Risk characterisation.
Grigg, A. H. and Edraki, M. (2004). Assessment of the potential for direct revegetation of co-disposed washery wastes, Burton Coal Mine. Stage 1 Risk characterisation.. The University of Queensland: Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation.
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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