Funded PhD: Supergene enrichment processes in carbonatite-hosted REE deposits

Project in brief

The rare earth elements are critical metals, underpinning the production of high strength magnets used in renewable energy generation and low carbon transport, alongside a range of applications in high technology. The majority of current global supply is from bedrock resources in carbonatites, or from clay adsorbed resources in deeply weathered granitoids. However, weathered material in carbonatites has some of the highest grade REE resources, or has the REE in weakly adsorbed or partly degraded mineral forms. This project will investigate the processes taking place during weathering and supergene enrichment of carbonatite-hosted REE deposits. 

Key Facts

Location: Brighton, Moulsecoomb

Project themes: Critical metal resources; Geochemistry; Weathering and supergene processes

Research centre: Centre for Earth Observation Science

Application deadline: Monday 05 June 2023, 16.00

Expected interview dates: W/c 19 June 2023

Mode of study: Full-time preferred (but see Funding for details)

Start date: 01 September 2023


Find out how to apply

University of Brighton project supervisors

 

Profile photo for Prof Martin Smith

Prof Martin Smith

PhD projects in geochemistry and mineralogy specifically applied to: ore deposit genesis and mineral exploration, critical metals and the environmental impacts of mining; Hydrogeology and the behaviour of nutrient and heavy metals (rural and urban environments); environmental controls on material corrosion.

I contribute to the Centre for Earth Observation Science (in terms of mineral resources, petrology and environmental geochemistry) and the Centre for Aquatic Environments (in terms of hydrogeology and hydrochemistry) and am happy to supervise projects in both these areas as part of the MRes Geosciences and Mres Aquatic Environments. Specific projects at present could include:

Synthesis and characterisation of REE-bearing clays.

Breakdown of sulphide minerals in the environment.

Geology and genesis of REE and other mineral deposits.

Weathering processes in REE mineralised carbonatites.

Microbial corrosion of steel in marine environments.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of halogen-bearing silicates.

Unsaturated zone flow processes and groundwater chemistry.

Infiltration water quality from sustainable drainage systems.

Profile photo for Dr Laura Evenstar

Dr Laura Evenstar

I am interested in supervising projects in the following topics:

  • Landscape processes in arid zones,
  • Fluvial sedimentology
  • Salt tectonics.
  • In-situ Cosmogenic isotope dating
  • Supergene enrichment of ore deposits.
  • Tectonics geomorphology
  • Fluvial landscape development in tectonically active regions
  • Large scale uplift of mountain ranges. 

 

Other supervisors

Dr Sam Broom-Fendley (Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter)

Project in detail: Supergene enrichment processes in carbonatite-hosted REE deposits

Rare earth elements are critical resources to support the development of renewable energy generation and low carbon transport, via the production of high strength magnets. The majority of current production is either from bedrock carbonatites or from weathered granitoids. However, although not the largest resources, weathered carbonatites have some of the highest grades, which combined with weakened host rocks, elemental enrichments and fractionations, and a mineralogy amenable to current mineral processing techniques could make them attractive targets for production. This project is funded by the University of Brighton and will run alongside the NERC funded SCREED (Supergene Enrichment of Carbonatite-hosted REE deposits), and will investigate weathered profile formation processes at single site selected from the main project’s study sites in Finland, Malawi/Namibia or China. The project will involve international field work to the selected site, and training in analytical techniques including XRD, XRF, electron microscopy, solution and LA- ICPMS, and aspects of geochronology. The candidate will also have opportunity to be involved in aspects of the main project. The aim will be to produce an integrated model of weathering and REE behavior, to be compared with other study sites, and to guide further resource exploration and extraction.

Entry requirements

Academic entry requirements

Applicants should have a minimum of a 2:1 undergraduate degree and desirably hold or expect to achieve excellent grades in a Master's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or comparable qualifications from another recognised university.

Applicants are also required to submit a 1000 word research proposal.  

Eligibility criteria 

Due to the post’s funding it is only open to home applicants as defined by the  Fees Regulations.   

English language entry requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English must have successfully completed a Secure English language Test (SELT) in the last two years. Applicants who have obtained or are studying for a UK degree may apply without a SELT. However, the university may request a SELT is taken as part of any award made.

English language IELTS requirements are a minimum of 6.5 in all components.

We accept a number of English language qualification including IELTS. Please contact us if you have any queries arising from this. Further details can be found here:  

Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) 

Funding

The project will be linked to the NERC funded project ‘Supergene enrichment of carbonatite-hosted rare earth element deposits’.

For students meeting the Home fee requirements, the studentship consists of full UK tuition fees as well as a Doctoral Stipend at the UKRI rate for 3 years. The preference would be to appoint a candidate interested in full-time study but part-time study could be considered and would be discussed at interview.

Contact us to find out more

If you have any questions about the project, please contact:

Prof Martin smith (01273 642265; martin.smith@brighton.ac.uk)

Dr Laura Evenstar (01273 643318; l.evenstar@brighton.ac.uk)

If you have any questions about the funding or application process, please contact DoctoralCollege@brighton.ac.uk

Guide to making your application

We will only consider complete applications - the application is complete once you have uploaded all of the following:  

  • Your 1000 word research statement and response to the project.  
  • Copies of your bachelors and master certificates, including transcripts.  
  • Copy of your IELTS (or equivalent) certificate (if applicable).  
  • Copy of your passport.  
  • Two references uploaded or requested - one must be an academic reference from your most recent period of study. Both must have been written within the last year. 

Read our research proposal guide

To submit your application please follow these steps:  

  1. Click the 'apply online now' button, on the right.  
  2. Select 'register and start a new application', to create your user account.  
  3. Once you are logged in, select 'apply to a new course'.  
  4. Select the type of course 'research degree'.  
  5. Select mode of study 'full-time'.  
  6. Select 'Doctoral College'.  
  7. Select ‘Supergene REE deposits’ 
  8. Click 'apply'.  

You will now be able to complete the online application form. 

Apply online now