PhD Student in Mineral Processing

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 2 billion per year. We currently have 1,500 employees and 17,900 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.In line with the green transition and the striving for a sustainable supply of critical raw materials, our research in mineral technology consists of three pillars: material characterization (mineralogical and particle analyses), unit operations (such as comminution and separation processes) as well as system engineering approaches (modeling and simulation, geometallurgy). Experimental work (with processing of ore and mineral) is carried out in our well-equipped mineral processing laboratory with access to the very latest instruments and a large range of process equipment. Within undergraduate education, we contribute to engineering programmes such as Sustainable Process and Chemical Engineering, Georesource Engineering and Arctic Mineral Resources.

Subject description
Mineral Processing deals with the unit operations and processes for treating particulate solids, primarily metal ores, industrial minerals and solid fuels, but also residues and recyclable waste material as well as products from the processing industry.

Project description
We are looking for a PhD student in mineral processing. As a PhD student, you will be part of an established research group that operates in a dynamic, international research environment to work on a new research project, the development of small-scale deposits in Västerbotten that contain nickel, copper and platinum group elements (Ni-Cu-PGE).

The project aims to be able to meet the challenges linked to improved ore characterization and its integration in process design and optimization. By using geometallurgical methods, we strive to create efficient and sustainable exploration and extraction methods to make optimal use of mineral resources, especially in connection with the fact that deposits consisting of critical metals and minerals can be small-scale and complex in nature.

The research in the project includes mineralogical and metallurgical characterization to assess the ore composition, texture and the beneficiation characteristics of Ni-Cu-PGE ore. A geometallurgical framework will be developed where the geological, mineralogical and process-related parameters are integrated into so-called predictive models. In addition to characterization, flexible process flowsheets must be designed that adapt to smaller amounts of material with varying properties.

The project will also investigate possible hydrometallurgical methods for the extraction of PGE metals, focusing on environmentally responsible methods that maximize metal recovery while minimizing waste and emissions.

The project involves the following tasks:

• Characterization of small-scale Ni-Cu-PGE deposits by mineralogical and particle properties as well as beneficiation properties relevant to mineral processing (grindability, flotability) as well as leachability of PGE and other metals.
• Establish a geometallurgical database and model to optimize process design and process performance through a framework for systematic integration of data from different sources.
• Design of flexible process flowsheets for geometallurgical investigations considering multiple objectives and under material sample and laboratory capacity constraints.
• Reporting within the project.

Duties
A PhD position involves both theoretical and practical work. As a researcher, you work as a neutral party in many contexts, which provides a fantastic opportunity to learn how to run challenging development projects. You will learn to write scientific articles and present your work at national and international conferences. Furthermore, you will study both compulsory and optional doctoral courses and be part of the department's researcher school.

Qualifications
To be eligible, the applicant must have a master's degree (120 ECTS) in mineral processing, natural resource engineering or equivalent. The applicant is expected to have a solid education in mineral processing (theoretical knowledge and experimental experience of various beneficiation methods) and mineralogical characterization. The applicant must have good knowledge of English, both spoken and written. Knowledge in modeling and simulation is seen as a merit. https://www.ltu.se/Mineral Processing.pdf

Further information
Employment as a PhD student is limited to 4 years, teaching and other department duties may be added with max 20%. Placement: Luleå. Starting date: As soon as possible or upon agreement.

For further information about the position, please contact:
Jan Rosenkranz, Professor, (+46) 920-49 2183, jan.rosenkranz@ltu.se
Mehdi Parian, Associate Professor, (+46) 920-49 2556, mehdi.parian@ltu.se

Union representatives:
SACO-S Diana Chroneer, (+46) 920-49 2037 diana.chroneer@ltu.se
OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46) 920-49 1792 lars.frisk@ltu.se

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The ap-plication should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified diplomas from high school and universities. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application, including diplomas, must be written in English or Swedish.

Closing date for applications: 12 February 2025
Reference number: 158–2025