Taste of Research Summer Scholarships

2026 Projects - School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering

Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering Research Areas

Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering Projects

No School Research Area

Project Title:	Bubble Size Measurement in a Novel Flotation Technology
Name of Supervisor:	Prof Seher Ata
Email of Supervisor:	s.ata@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Energy Systems, Renewable and Non-Renewable
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Term 2
Abstract:	This project seeks two undergraduate students to work on measuring microbubble sizes in a novel flotation technology currently being developed under the Australian Economic Accelerator (AEA) project. The work will involve developing specialised bubble sampling and imaging techniques to capture air bubbles generated in the flotation system. A machine learning approach will be applied to analyse bubble images and accurately determine bubble size distributions. The project will place particular emphasis on the development and refinement of bubble sampling and assessment methodologies.
Research Environment:	The students will work within a dynamic research group engaged in advanced flotation technologies, they will have access to laboratory-scale flotation cells, high-speed imaging systems, and computing facilities for machine learning analysis. The project will be supervised by experienced academics and researchers with expertise in mineral processing, flotation chemistry, and image analysis.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	Development of a reliable methodology for sampling and imaging ultra-microbubbles. Application of machine learning techniques to determine bubble size distributions. Improved understanding of bubble behaviour in novel acoustic flotation systems. Contribution to the broader AEA project on upscaling acoustic flotation technology.
Reference Material Links:	1. Jung, M. U., Kim, Y. C., Bournival, G., and Ata, S. 2023. Industrial application of microbubble generation methods for recovering fine particles through froth flotation: A review of the state-of-the-art and perspectives. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 322,103047. 2. Jung, M., Kim, J. Y. C., Bournival, G., and Ata, S. 2023. Preliminary study to scale up microbubble generation with acoustic wave. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 154. A194 3. Jung, M. U., Kim, Y. C., Bournival, G., and Ata, S. 2025. An acoustic agglomeration method for segregation of micro? to nano?bubbles for flotation of ultrafine particles Separation and Purification Journal, 361, 131290
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Development of Solid Waste-Based Geopolymer Foam for Coal Spontaneous Combustion Control
Name of Supervisor:	A/Prof Guangyao Si
Email of Supervisor:	g.si@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Dr William Wu, Mr Dongfeng Zhu
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Geomechanics, Geotechnical Engineering
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Term 2
Abstract:	Coal spontaneous combustion remains a critical safety and environmental challenge in coal mining and storage operations. Conventional prevention measures, such as inert gas injection and chemical inhibitors, often suffer from limited durability, high operational cost, and environmental concerns. Meanwhile, large quantities of industrial solid wastes, including fly ash and slag, require sustainable and high-value utilisation pathways. Developing functional materials derived from solid wastes offers a promising approach to simultaneously address coal fire hazards and waste management issues. This project focuses on developing a solid-waste-based geopolymer foam for suppressing coal spontaneous combustion and evaluating its performance and feasibility for mining applications. More specifically, the project aims to: • To develop and optimise geopolymer foam formulations using industrial solid wastes as primary raw materials. • To investigate the stability and water-retention capacity of the geopolymer foam. • To evaluate the effectiveness of geopolymer foam in inhibiting coal oxidation and spontaneous combustion. • To assess the environmental and economic feasibility of applying solid-waste-based geopolymer foam as a sustainable fire prevention material in coal mining operations.
Research Environment:	This project will be conducted in a specialised laboratory dedicated to coal fire prevention and materials research. The laboratory is equipped with facilities for material synthesis and performance testing. The candidate will have access to advanced experimental equipment and technical support. Under the supervision of experienced academic staff, the student will engage with other postgraduate researchers within a collaborative and multidisciplinary research environment.
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	This project is expected to demonstrate the feasibility of developing a solid-waste-based geopolymer foam for coal spontaneous combustion control. Experimental results will provide preliminary data on material stability, water-retention capacity, and inhibition performance under laboratory conditions. The findings will offer a technical basis for further optimisation and potential future scale-up studies.
Reference Material Links:	Bhatt, A., Priyadarshini, S., Mohanakrishnan, A., Abri, A., Sattler, M., Techapaphawit, S., 2019. Physical, chemical, and geotechnical properties of coal fly ash: A global review. Case Studies in Construction Materials 11, e00263. Shi, Q., Long, L., Sun, Y., Zhao, S., Pang, Y., Xia, C., 2024. Formation mechanism and the extinguishment performance of gel-stabilized foam for inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion. Energy 303, 131995. Zhao, W., Ma, L., Wang, Z., Wang, F., Zhang, L., 2024. Preparation and characterization of highly stable double-crosslinked gel foam for inhibiting coal spontaneous combustion. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects 685, 133179.
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No

Project Title:	Green Critical Minerals Supply Chain Design
Name of Supervisor:	A/Prof. Rahman Daiyan
Email of Supervisor:	r.daiyan@unsw.edu.au
Name of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	Rasmeet Singh
Email of Joint/Co-Supervisor:	.
School:	School of Minerals and Energy Resources Engineering
Faculty Research Area (Theme):	Management
Applicable to other Engineering schools/disciplines:
Terms:	Term 2
Abstract:	The project will explore policy levers in Australia and Asia-Pacific to provide recommendations on best supply chain design while promoting Future Made in Australia initiative and exploring trade-dynamics between our geopolitically aligned countries
Research Environment:	Desktop based research, stakeholder consultations
Novelty and Contribution:	.
Expected Outcomes:	Whitepaper on Green Critical Mineral Supply Chain Design
Reference Material Links:	https://www.globh2e.org.au/susteelag
Will the student visit the premises of an industry partner, or undertake any activity on premises external to UNSW?	No