Manoj Khandelwal

Fully Funded PhD Opportunity in Underground Mining at Federation University Australia This industry-funded PhD project focuses on Oxidation Behaviour of Broken Ore in Sub-Level Open Stopes (SLOS) at CSA Mine , in collaboration with Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited and its CSA Mine operations. The research is based at Federation University Australia and is designed for candidates interested in Mining Engineering , Rock Mechanics , Geochemistry , Mineral Processing , Geomechanics , and related fields. The project addresses a practical underground mining challenge: how oxidation and cementation of broken ore affect ore flow, production scheduling, productivity, and resource recovery. The successful PhD candidate will work on a real-world industry problem with direct operational impact, including underground sample collection, laboratory oxidation testing, mineralogical and geochemical characterisation, environmental monitoring, and predictive modelling. Funding: This is a fully funded PhD scholarship for three years, with a possible 6-month extension. The stipend is $50,000 per year (tax free, paid fortnightly), made up of a $40,000 base stipend plus a $10,000 top-up from Federation University. The project also includes $3,000 per year in research support and tuition fee coverage through RTP fee-offset or a tuition scholarship, depending on student status. Eligibility: Applicants must be eligible for a PhD and willing to study full-time. Preferred backgrounds include Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geology, Metallurgical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Environmental Engineering. Experience in laboratory testing, geochemistry, mineralogy, data analysis, or mine operations is an advantage. Application: Applications are open. Interested candidates should contact Associate Professor Manoj Khandelwal before submitting an application and then follow the instructions on the scholarship page. Supervisory team: A/Prof Manoj Khandelwal, A/Prof Moshood Onifade, and Martinus Larsen (Harmony Gold – CSA Mine).

Federation University Australia is advertising a PhD Scholarship in Mining Engineering / Geology focused on the oxidation behaviour of broken ore in sub-level open stopes (SLOS) at the CSA Mine. The project is linked to industry partner Harmony Gold (Australia) Pty Ltd and is based in Ballarat . The scholarship runs for 3 years with a possible 6-month extension . Funding includes a $50,000 per year tax-free stipend ($40,000 base + $10,000 top-up), tuition coverage up to $32,000 , and $3,000 per year project support . Eligible applicants should be PhD-eligible and have a background in Mining, Geological, Metallurgical, Civil, or Environmental Engineering , or Geology . The call is open to domestic and international candidates. The closing date is 31 August 2026 . Interested applicants should contact A/Prof Manoj Khandelwal at m.khandelwal@federation.edu.au and apply via federation.edu.au .