The effects of climate change are evident in Canada and globally. Transforming industrial society in response to climate change will reshape the future of the mineral industry. Greenhouse gas emissions from primary mineral and metal production account for ~10% of global GHG emissions. As a societal transition towards a clean economy, a circular economy creates new opportunities from the materials we might otherwise throw away and minimizes waste and GHG emissions.
One funded PhD position is available to begin in Sept. 2022 or Jan. 2023 with Dr. Qian Zhang at Queen's University in Canada. This project will focus on assessing the potential of reducing the mining industry's carbon footprint by reducing/reusing mine waste.
The successful applicant is expected to be a highly-motivated student who is interested in interdisciplinary research and equipped with some novel data analytical skills (e.g., dynamic material flow analysis, life cycle assessment and optimization, integrated assessment modeling for climate change, geospatial analysis, or machine learning in earth sciences). Preferred background: Mining/Mineral Processing/Civil Engineering/Geochemistry/Earth Sciences with proven programming experience and a solid understanding of sustainable development and climate change agendas.
Interested students are encouraged to contact Dr. Qian Zhang by email (qian.zhang@queensu.ca) with your CV, a short research statement (previous research achievement and proposed research outline at Queen's), and the contact information of two references. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview. Regarding the full application procedure, admission requirements, and other relevant information, please refer to the following webpage:
https://www.queensu.ca/sgs/prospective-students/application-process