Affiliate of Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining
Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of W.H. Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre
WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Centre Director of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Professorial Research Fellow and Centre Director, JKMRC
Sustainable Minerals Institute
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Available for supervision
Media expert
Mohsen Yahyaei is an expert in modelling, optimising, and controlling mineral processing circuits using novel approaches and tools. He is currently the Director of the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC) and Program Leader for Future Autonomous Systems and Technologies (FAST) at the University of Queensland’s Sustainable Minerals Institute.
Mohsen completed his undergraduate studies in Mine Exploration and earned a Master’s degree in Mineral Processing in 2002. His master’s thesis focused on applying column flotation in the Sarcheshmeh Copper Complex, the largest copper mine in the Middle East. After his Master’s, he worked at the R&D centre of the Zarand coal washing plant in Iran for two years before becoming the plant manager. In 2007, he returned to the University of Kerman to pursue a PhD, investigating the effect of liner wear on charge motion and power draw of SAG mills, which he completed in 2010.
Since joining JKMRC in 2011, Mohsen has conducted extensive applied research and successfully delivered numerous industry-funded projects. As a comminution specialist, he is dedicated to implementing fundamental understandings in his research to offer practical solutions to the minerals industry and educate engineers and researchers with problem-solving skills for future resource industry challenges. His research focuses on optimising mineral processing techniques to enhance efficiency and sustainability, with a strong emphasis on practical application. Mohsen's research extends to advanced process control, including the development of soft sensors and model-predictive control solutions. His work aims to improve the precision and reliability of industrial processes, contributing significantly to the field of mineral processing.
Affiliate of Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Principal Research Fellow
Sustainable Minerals Institute
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Available for supervision
Kathryn Sturman is a political scientist and international relations expert specialising in resource governance. Her research focuses on the geopolitical dynamics shaping the extractive industries, particularly in resource-rich regions of the Global South. Kathryn has led research identifying governance risks associated with the volatile market for critical minerals. She provided embedded evaluation over five years for BHP Foundation’s Natural Resource Governance Program and has developed guidance for the International Council on Mining and Metals. Kathryn has advised seven PhD students and teaches into short courses for CSRM on topics relating to mining standards and regulation, sustainable development leadership and community relations. She is UQ’s board member for the Australia Africa Universities Network.
Affiliate of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Research Fellow
Sustainable Minerals Institute
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Available for supervision
Daniel completed his PhD at the JKMRC in 2021, where he investigated ore pre-concentration using high voltage pulses. After the completion of his PhD, he has stayed on working as a research fellow at the JKMRC, investigating novel separation technologies. This includes work in hydro- and dense-medium-cyclones, microwave treatment of ores, and continued work in the high voltage pulse treatment ores including scale-up and commercialisation work. A mechanical engineer by training, prior to joining the JKMRC Daniel worked in the coal seam gas industry in the Bowen-Surat basin.
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Available for supervision
Joni is an applied anthropologist whose work examines the social impacts of resource extraction. Her research focuses on Aboriginal employment and enterprise development in the resources sector, cultural heritage, gender, agreements between Aboriginal communities and resource companies, governance, and post-mining land use. More recently, Joni has contributed to a socio-spatial analysis of Australia’s critical minerals resources and their policy implications for communities, as well as an innovative project co-designing Indigenous wellbeing metrics in mining regions.
Affiliate of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Research Fellow
Sustainable Minerals Institute
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Available for supervision
Dr Unzile Yenial Arslan holds a PhD in Mineral Processing Engineering from Istanbul Technical University. She spent a decade as a Research Assistant at Istanbul Technical University before moving into industry, where she served as a Senior Metallurgist at a copper concentrator in Turkey. During this time, she gained great experience in mineral processing, plant optimisation, operational excellence, and process improvement.
At the University of Queensland (UQ), Dr Yenial Arslan serves as Deputy Leader of the Flotation Chemistry Research Group, where she leads and contributes to industry-focused research that addresses complex mineral processing challenges by integrating geological characteristics, mineral surface reactivity, and flotation chemistry. She is also Deputy Director of the Coarse Particle Flotation Research Program, which develops innovative technologies and strategies to improve coarse particle recovery, enhancing both the efficiency and sustainability of mineral processing operations.
Her research focuses on advancing the understanding of the relationships between mineralogy, surface chemistry, and process engineering to develop practical, efficient, and sustainable mineral processing solutions. By combining fundamental scientific research with strong industry engagement, she bridges the gap between laboratory discoveries and operational implementation, delivering impactful innovations for the global minerals industry.
Affiliate of Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Research Fellow
Sustainable Minerals Institute
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Available for supervision
Jill is a research methodologist and data analyst specialist who supports quantitative, qualitative and mixed method research at CSRM for government and non-government agencies, organisations and community bodies. For over 15 years, Jill has applied her expertise to develop ways that enable organisations to assess and improve the health, safety and well-being of their workforces and their neighbouring communities.
Affiliate of W.H. Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre
WH Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Adjunct Senior Fellow
Sustainable Minerals Institute
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Not available for supervision
My research focuses on mineral processing technologies, namely, grinding and flotation processes, with especial interest in understanding the complex interplay between ore mineralogy, mineral surface properties and process behaviour. I specialise in the application of advanced mineral surface characterisation techniques such as Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) in mineral processing studies (e.g., grinding, flotation) to identify the key chemistry drivers of process behaviour. This knowledge is vital to understand the underlying mechanisms and devise solutions to improve process efficiency. I look to further develop advanced tools by integrating critical techniques such as ToF-SIMS, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, X-ray Tomography, Mineral Liberation Analysis and X-ray Fluorescence towards more comprehensive and faster mineral characterisation.
I am also interested in developing novel, highly selective reagents for mineral flotation to enable the processing of ores more efficiently, safely and environmentally friendly compared to the traditional reagents (of particular interest the use of biochemistries) and to develop new tools for the characterisation of process water chemistry.
My research covers both the fundamental aspects underlying mineral processes (e.g., particle-bubble interactions) as well as applications in the minerals industry through close collaborations with the industry. I am Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (https://coeminerals.org.au/) aiming to achieve a step-change in mineral processing by increasing energy and water efficiency and reducing metal loss during processing.
Affiliate of Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining
Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Leading for High Reliability Centre
Leading for High Reliability Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Senior Research Fellow
Sustainable Minerals Institute
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Available for supervision
Louisa is a hydrogeologist with twenty years of experience. She has had a diverse career working in research, consulting, and government. Louisa’s main areas of expertise include hydrogeological investigations, impact assessment, groundwater resource management, and contaminated land management. She has worked across a range of sectors including mining, energy, transport, and agriculture and her experience includes developing water resources legislation and policy and leading complex groundwater and surface water investigations for project approvals, operations, and compliance.
Louisa is currently working as a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining (CERM). The role involves leading the hydrogeological research, training, and consulting services that CERM provide to the minerals industry in Australia and globally and working with a team of water resource management specialists to contribute to a range of inter-discplinary projects. She has recently completed a project for The Australian National University developing draft National Guidelines for Groundwater Monitoring in Australia.
Affiliate of Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining
Centre for Environmental Responsibility in Mining
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Senior Research Fellow
Sustainable Minerals Institute
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Available for supervision
Sandy is a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining. She is a social researcher and communication management specialist. Her research interests are centred on subnational governance of industrial development – mining, oil and gas extraction, power generation (including renewables) and ancillary infrastructure such as pipelines and transmission lines. She is interested in the interface between governance actors (Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities, proponents and governments) at local, regional and state/provincial levels and how they seek to enhance the benefits from industrial development and avoid or mitigate its adverse impacts.
Much of her research has been focused on the social risks associated with mine project development, mine closure and the transition of mining regions to post-mining alternatives.
Sandy has extensive experience working across the mineral resources sector – on site, in a corporate environment, in government, consulting, not-for-profit and research. She brings practical industry knowledge to her applied research projects and enjoys working in interdisciplinary teams.
Sandy joined CSRM in 2019 after completing her PhD at the centre. Her doctoral research examined how coal mining project teams in Australia construct and assess social risk.
Affiliate of Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Affiliate of Future Autonomous Systems and Technologies
Future Autonomous Systems and Technologies
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Associate Professor
School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering
Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology
Availability:
Available for supervision
Media expert
Associate Professor Mehmet Kizil is currently the mining engineering program leader in the School of Mechanical and Mining Engineering at The University of Queensland. Mehmet received his bachelor of mining engineering from Dokuz Eylul University in Turkey in 1986. He then went to England to complete his PhD with the University of Nottingham. In 1993, he returned to Turkey where he worked as assistant professor at the University of Dokuz Eylul. Mehmet joined UQ in 1996 and since then has contributed to the education of more than 800 mining engineering graduates.
A national award-winning lecturer, Mehmet’s teaching and learning innovations have been recognised by both students and colleagues achieving numerous School, Faculty, University and National teaching awards. In 2018, Mehmet has become a Higher Education Academy Senior Fellow. He has past experience as an Engineering Researcher and Academic in universities around the world, including the United Kingdom, Turkey and Australia.
Mehmet’s teaching and research interests are in the areas of:
• Mine planning and design
• Mining systems - production analysis and improvement
• Computer applications and virtual reality in mining
