PhD in Mineral Security for Food Security: ASM-Based Agricultural Mineral Supply Chains The University of Queensland in Australia

PhD opportunity at The University of Queensland for domestic Australian candidates only.

Project title: Mineral security for food security: Mapping ASM-based agricultural mineral supply chains.

This PhD explores how crushed rock minerals sourced from artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) can improve soil fertility and support food security in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Pacific. The project sits within the Global Centre for Mineral Security at UQ’s Sustainable Minerals Institute, an interdisciplinary research environment working across minerals, development, sustainability, and policy.

Research focus and methods: QGIS and geospatial analysis, mixed-methods research, field-based qualitative work (interviews, focus groups, surveys), supply chain analysis, and potentially econometric/statistical analysis. The work will map mineral resources and farming activities in poverty hotspots and examine barriers and opportunities for access, affordability, scaling, and sustainable utilisation.

Academic areas: agricultural sciences, earth sciences, economics, environmental science, geography, development economics, development studies, food systems, mineral economics, and mineral-development linkages.

Funding: full PhD scholarship with a tax-free stipend of $37,500 per year (2026 rate, indexed annually), tuition fees covered, generous travel allowance, international fieldwork, and conference presentation opportunities.

Eligibility highlights: applicants should show strong academic achievement and relevant experience or interest in mining/minerals, human development, poverty alleviation, and work with communities, companies, NGOs, or policymakers in Africa and/or the Pacific. Strong English academic writing and communication skills are essential.

Supervisor: Dr Fitsum Semere Weldegiorgis, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland.

Application: submit an expression of interest (EOI) for the PhD program. You do not need to apply separately for the project or scholarship. The project requires commencement no later than Research Quarter 2, 2027, and EOIs must be submitted by the relevant research-quarter closing date.