Recovery of Copper from Acid Mine Drainage

Overview

Acid mine drainage contains elevated levels of heavy metals which are important for Australia’s energy transition. Ion exchange is a potential technology that can selectively recover heavy metals and ease downstream treatment requirements for these matrices. This project looks to better understand the performance of selective copper loading on ion exchange resins in real-world matrices. This topic will explore the selective copper recovery from acid mine drainage to produce copper sulfate electrolyte.

Research engagement

Successful candidates will engage with a literature review and lab-based work within a chemical laboratory.

Research activities

1. Undertake systematic experimental testing, routine analytical preparations, and data analysis under the supervision of the primary supervisor.

2. Attend regular research team meetings to discuss progress and research direction

3. Assist in the development of bespoke analytical preparations for heavy metal loaded ion exchange resins

4. Undertake literature review on relevant metal-organic complexes

Research skills

1. Practical laboratory skills relevant to selective hydrometallurgical separations using ion exchange resins

2. Analytical chemistry skills related to sophisticated instrumental techniques

Outcomes

The outcome of this project is to build a quantitative understanding of copper loading on ion exchange resin in a competitive real-world system.

Skills and experience

Experience in a chemical laboratory is required (undergraduate practical classes sufficient)

Start date

2 November, 2026

End date

19 February, 2027

Location

Gardens Point Campus

Additional information

QUT Library resources and databases are available for the project.

Keywords

• chemistry
• sustainable
• hydrometallurgy

Contact

John Outram

07 3138 0332

j2.outram@qut.edu.au