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PhD Studentship: A study on the technical and economic feasibility of mining Manganese crusts - SMM

Employer
Global Academy Jobs
Location
United Kingdom
Closing date
Feb 13, 2017

Job Details

PhD Studentship: A study on the technical and economic feasibility of mining Manganese crusts - SMMI-LTDS Understanding Maritime Futures.

Fluid Structure Interactions Group

Location: Highfield Campus

Closing Date:  Monday 13 February 2017

Reference: 829017AT

Project Reference: CMEES-FSI-142

Recent developments in sensor technology allow underwater robots to map seafloor minerals at resolutions that were not possible a decade ago. This project will develop methods to combine high-resolution measurements made in the field with laboratory-based experimental techniques and advanced computational analyses to answer questions regarding the economic feasibility and potential environmental impact of recovering deep-sea minerals on scales that are relevant to mining.

The project will consider Ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) crusts, which are known to contain a significant proportion of the global inventory of Cobalt and Tellurium, which are used in batteries and solar panels. Unlike most resources on land however, crusts are spread thinly (as a ~10 cm thick layer) over vast areas (~1000 km2). While the bulk characteristics of crusts are known, previous studies have not considered their detailed distribution and as a consequence, their potential as a mineral resource remains poorly understood.

This project, will consider both the operational environment (fine-scale topography) and mechanical properties of the crusts in order to realistically assess the costs associated with their recovery while minimising the potential environmental impacts of deep-sea mining. The project will achieve this by considering the following 3 aspects:

? Economic potential: Map the 3D spatial distribution of Cobalt and Tellurium using visual, acoustic and chemical information.

? Extraction: Experimentally assess the mechanical properties of Fe-Mn crusts and design methods to efficiently recover the crusts.

? Environment: Simulate the spatial extent of potential environmental disturbance.

The project is suitable for a student with a 1st Class Masters-level or equivalent qualification in engineering or geology, who is willing to engage in cross-disciplinary research. The student should be familiar with programming and will be trained in computer vision and pattern recognition (using python or matlab) to analyse high-resolution 3D visual maps of the seafloor, determine economic potential and simulate the potential footprint of environmental impact. The student will study the geochemistry of Fe-Mn crusts and methods for economic appraisal of mineral deposits. Laboratory experiments will be performed to characterise the physical properties of the crusts and the student will receive training in structural analysis and mechanical engineering design of systems for efficient extraction of the crusts.

This is a fully funded PhD at standard UK/EU fees rates with stipend. Candidates must apply via the University application procedure using: http://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/how-to-apply/postgraduate-applications.page.

Shortlisting of candidates will take place in February 2017. Interviews will be held in March 2017.

If you wish to discuss any details of the project informally, please contact Dr Blair Thornton, Email: B.Thornton@soton.ac.uk, Tel: +44 (0) 23 8059 7322.

Further details:

  • Job Description and Person Specification

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