PhD Studentship: Managing OHS Risks Associated with Climate Change in Australian Mines

Join a world-leading, cross-continental research team

The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, cross-continental research team tackling major challenges facing the world’s population in global sustainability and wellbeing as part of the QUEX Institute. The joint PhD programme provides a fantastic opportunity for the most talented doctoral students to work closely with world-class research groups and benefit from the combined expertise and facilities offered at the two institutions, with a lead supervisor within each university. This prestigious programme provides full tuition fees, stipend, travel funds and research training support grants to the successful applicants. The studentship provides funding for up to 42 months (3.5 years).

Project Description

Mining is a sector that is particularly vulnerable to climate change (Rüttinger, et al. 2016) which affects the whole mining value chain from exploration, to extraction, transport and closure (Pearce et al., 2011). Changing climatic conditions will have both direct (operational and performance-based) and indirect (securing of supplies and rising energy costs) impacts on the mining sector (Sharma et al. 2013). These include water-related impacts (droughts, floods, extreme rainfall), heat-related/temperature impacts (heat strokes) and as well changes in atmospheric pressure, all of which either have, or have the potential to effect mining operations in Australia. Additionally the increase in climate-related hazards mentioned above affects the viability of mining operations and potentially increases operating, transportation, and decommissioning costs (Odell et al., 2018).

To date there is a growing body of research work studying the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on mining operations and some of this has been undertaken by QUEX partners (eg the EU funded TEXMIN (The impact of EXtreme weather events on MINing operations) by CSM and work by NCCARF with researchers from SMI

Funding 

The QUEX Institute studentships are available for January 2025 entry.

This prestigious programme provides full tuition fees, stipend of £20780 p.a, travel funds of up to £15,000, and RTSG of £10,715 over the life of the studentship. 

The studentship funding is provided for up to 42 months (3.5 years)

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