Mitigating the biodiversity impacts of extracting Australia’s energy transition minerals

Project opportunity

This Earmarked Scholarship project is aligned with a recently awarded Category 1 research grant. It offers you the opportunity to work with leading researchers and contribute to large projects of national significance.

Australia is rich in the energy transition minerals needed support renewable energy (ETM) production and well positioned to become a world-leading supplier. However, new mining activities may create additional threats to biodiversity. This PhD project aims to provide a clear understanding of the future risks to Australia’s species and ecosystems of ETM mining and determine whether impacts will be (or can be) mitigated through conservation activities. The proposed analysis will draw on high resolution geological and biological data and models and evaluate policy-relevant scenarios of development and conservation.

Scholarship value

As a scholarship recipient, you'll receive: 

  • living stipend of $32,192 per annum tax free (2023 rate), indexed annually
  • tuition fees covered
  • single Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)

Supervisor

Dr Laura Sonter

School of Earth and Environmental Sciences

Email: l.sonter@uq.edu.au

Preferred educational background

Your application will be assessed on a competitive basis.

We take into account your

  • previous academic record
  • publication record
  • honours and awards
  • employment history.

A working knowledge of Australia's mining industry and conservation policy would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field(s) of environmental management and the potential for scholastic success.

A background or knowledge of conservation biology and geographical information systems is highly desirable.

Latest commencement date

If you are the successful candidate, you must commence by Research Quarter 4, 2024. You should apply at least 3 months prior to the research quarter commencement date.

If you are an international applicant, you may need to apply much earlier for visa requirements.

How to apply

You apply for this project as part of your PhD program application.

View application process