PhD Studentship - Optimising in-situ leaching with electrokinetics and coupled process modelling

[£20,780 total funding, payment of tuition fees (Home), and Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 over 3.5 years.] This PhD studentship at the University of Exeter offers an exciting opportunity to address the environmental and technological challenges of conventional metal mining by exploring the potential of electrokinetic in situ leaching (EK-ISL). Traditional mining methods are energy-intensive and environmentally damaging, but EK-ISL introduces a solvent into the subsurface to leach target metals, which are then captured at a recipient electrode. This innovative approach could revolutionize sustainable metal extraction and unlock previously inaccessible ore bodies. The project aims to develop and validate novel finite difference and finite element coupled process models using laboratory data. These models will help understand the fundamental behaviour of EK-ISL under various geological conditions, such as heterogeneity, dual porosity, fracture density, and partial saturation. The research will provide critical insights into process parameters like electrode spacing, solvent chemistry, and operational voltage/current, supporting further technological development and large-scale application. Applicants should have a strong background in geoscience, civil, chemical, or mining engineering, with solid mathematical skills. Experience with finite element or finite difference modelling is advantageous, and proficiency in MATLAB or Python programming is essential (MATLAB preferred). The project is based in the Earth and Environmental Science Department at the Penryn Campus, Daphne du Maurier Building. Funding includes payment of Home tuition fees, a total stipend of £20,780, and a Research Training Support Grant of £5,000 over 3.5 years. The application deadline is 12 January 2025. For further details or project-specific enquiries, contact Dr Sam Graham ([email protected]) or Prof. Richard Crane ([email protected]). To apply, visit the University of Exeter funding award page. This studentship is ideal for candidates passionate about sustainable mining, process modelling, and environmental science, seeking to contribute to a world-first assessment of EK-ISL viability across diverse geological settings.