PhD Student in Mineral Processing: Optimization of Comminution Circuits Based on Ore Mineralogy

Luleå University of Technology, a leading institution in the Arctic region, is seeking a PhD student in Mineral Processing to join an international research group focused on the optimization of comminution circuits based on ore mineralogy and texture. The university is renowned for its innovative education and ground-breaking research, collaborating closely with industry leaders, public actors, and top universities worldwide. This position is part of a collaborative project with the mining company Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara Aktiebolag (LKAB), aiming to develop and optimize comminution circuits for iron oxide ores of varying quality and mineral associations. The research group’s work is structured around three pillars: material characterization (mineralogical and particle analyses), unit operations (comminution and separation processes), and system engineering approaches (modeling, simulation, and geometallurgy). The project will involve both theoretical and experimental work, utilizing state-of-the-art laboratory facilities equipped with advanced analytical instruments and a wide range of process equipment. The PhD student will focus on characterizing feed ores in terms of grindability, mineralogical, and textural properties, correlating these with comminution behavior, energy consumption, and fines generation. Additional tasks include assessing limitations in existing circuits, benchmarking modern grinding technologies, and developing predictive models linking ore texture to grinding efficiency and mineral liberation. The research will support the design of future flowsheets and contribute to increased productivity and resource efficiency in mineral processing. Applicants must hold a master’s degree (120 ECTS) in mineral processing, natural resource engineering, or a closely related field, with strong theoretical and experimental background in beneficiation methods and mineralogical characterization. Excellent numerical skills and proficiency in English are required, while Swedish language skills are considered a strong merit. The position is salaried for four years, with the possibility of extension for departmental duties up to 20%. The successful candidate will also participate in doctoral courses and the department’s researcher school, and will have opportunities to present research at national and international conferences. To apply, submit your CV, personal letter, and verified diplomas (in English or Swedish) via the university’s online application portal, referencing number 375-2026. The application deadline is February 8, 2026. For further information, contact Associate Professor Mehdi Parian, Senior Lecturer Cecilia Lund, or Professor Jan Rosenkranz. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in mineral processing and to be part of the transformation towards a fossil-free society in Northern Sweden.