PhD Student in Mineral Processing-Zero-Waste Valorization

Luleå University of Technology experiences rapid growth with world-leading expertise within several research domains. We shape the future through innovative education and groundbreaking research results and drawing on our location in the Arctic region, we create global societal benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are carried out in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has an annual turnover of SEK 1.8 billion. Today, we have 1,770 staff and 17,200 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.

Aligned with the transition to the green economy and having a secure and sustainable supply of raw materials from primary and/or secondary resources, our research in mineral processing is based on three pillars: material characterization (mineralogical and particle analyses), unit operations (comminution, separation, solids handling) and systems engineering (modeling and simulation, geometallurgy).

Experimental work is done in our well-equipped mineral processing laboratory with access to cutting-edge instruments. In undergraduate education, we contribute to engineering programmes like Sustainable Process and Chemical Engineering, Georesources Engineering, 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
Aligned with a circular design for increased raw material efficiency, in this study Zero-waste valorization of K-bearing feldspathic ore will be investigated to produce high-value-added products. The project aims at the sustainable use of raw materials through a strategic approach, and production of KCl for the fertilizer industry, Al2 O3 and Silicon carbide (SiC) for abrasive industry, and synthetic silicates for the ceramics industry from feldspathic ores. The work focus will be on providing new resources for potassium oxide (K2 O) and alumina (Al2 O3 ), and producing Si-containing products from the same ore. Determination of the CO2 sequestration capability of feldspathic ores is the additional objective. The innovative proposed approach includes several process steps consisting of mineral processing methods like intensive milling, hydrometallurgical methods including leaching and solution purification, and pyrometallurgical methods such as roasting and sintering. As part of the consortium in the EU Project, the PhD student at Luleå University of Technology will mainly work on developing methods and approaches to remove the iron and other impurities, which could negatively affect the purity of the Al2 O3 aimed to be produced in the project. In addition, the PhD student will actively collaborate with other partners in the whole project including a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) along with Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) of the proposed process.

DUTIES
A position as a PhD student involves both theoretical studies and experimental work. As a PhD student, you are trained in scientific work in terms of publishing scientific journal articles and presenting papers at national and international conferences. A PhD student even takes mandatory and elective courses. Besides that, you can get the opportunity to try out teaching. As a researcher, you work as a neutral part in many contexts, which gives a great opportunity to learn how to run and manage challenges and problems in a dynamic environment.

Main work tasks:

- Comprehensive literature review on pre-treatment and selective methods and techniques for mineral /metal extraction.
- To design and conduct mineral /metal extraction tests using different methods and combination techniques.
- Determine the best process and combination of different extractants as well as the optimum processing conditions.
- Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) along with Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) of the proposed processing approach
- Periodic reporting, participation in project dissemination activities and exploitation

QUALIFICATIONS
In order to be eligible for employment, you must have a master's degree (of at least 120 ECTS) in minerals engineering, chemical engineering, applied chemistry or other relevant programs. You are expected to have knowledge and experience in mineral resource extraction, extractive metallurgy, and systems analysis. You must have good English language proficiency (oral and written).

For additional information on the specific PhD program, please visit General syllabus - The Board of the Faculty of Science and Technology

Additional assessment criteria:

- Familiarity with design and working with the mineral processing and metals extraction.
- A good understanding of the chemistry and mechanisms of methods for selective metal value extraction
- Ability to work and integrate with a small- to medium-sized, multidisciplinary research group

INFORMATION
Fulltime fixed-term employment for four years (up to maximum five years). Departmental duties (such as teaching or other departmental work) up to maximum 20 % of fulltime may be added.

Regulations can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance 5 Ch. §§ 1-7. Salary according to local guidelines. Entrance to the position according to an agreement with Luleå University of Technology. Location; Luleå, Sweden.

For more information please contact:Associate Professor Yousef Ghorbani, +46-(0)920-49 3422, [email protected],  Professor Jan Rosenkranz, +46-(0)920-49 2183, [email protected]

Union representatives:SACO-S Kjell Johansson, +46 920-49 1529 [email protected],  OFR-S Lars Frisk, +46 920-49 1792 [email protected]

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

APPLICATION
You apply for this position by clicking on the link below. Your application must include a motivation letter, CV, written proof of your English proficiency and copies of diplomas and transcripts from university education. Mark your application with the reference number below. Your application and diplomas must be written in Swedish or English.

Deadline for application: January 25th , 2022
Ref no: 4744-2021

URL to this pagehttps://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=5352&rmlang=UK