Gertrude's research aims at developing new knowledge in understanding the fundamentals of critical battery metal extraction from complex ores. Specifically, her study will focus on processing and extracting nickel and cobalt from laterite mineral ores and wastes

Theophilus' research aims at improving the understanding of comminution strategy on downstream process performance. A key focus is on dry comminution with links to downstream flotation and hydrometallurgical processes, unravelling opportunities for low-grades ores and wastes processing.

Udari is a PhD candidate at RMIT University working, in collaboration with Queensland Pacific Metals Ltd., on establishing the fundamental chemistry and engineering principals of the TECH Project. Her research focuses on the precipitation of key metals (Al, Ni and Co) during partial neutralisation of nickel laterite ore leach liquors.

Juan Jose Jaime Altamirano is a PhD student Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Queensland. Holding a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico. His research focuses on the characterization of granular materials using image analysis and machine learning techniques. He is experinced in image capturing and data science techniques and aims to develop a carrer that combines both industry experience and academic research. Since 2023, he has been a member of the Pacific Alumina Value Chain collaboration group, a partnership between Rio Tinto Australia, the University of Sydney and Queensland University of Technology.

Daniel is currently a PhD candidate at the University of South Australia. His research is focused on optimising coarse composite flotation in Hydrofloat. This project addresses key questions across mineral liberation limitations, surface chemistry, dry comminution, and selectivity.

Morgan Pettit-Granger is currently a PhD candidate at Queensland University of Technology (QUT), where she studies sodium oxalate crystallisation in Bayer processing. She graduated with first-class honours in a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from QUT in 2023 and began her PhD studies in 2024. During the final year of her undergraduate degree, Morgan conducted research for Rio Tinto Aluminium, focusing on hydrate particle morphology. After graduating, she worked for three months at Rio Tinto's Queensland Research and Development Centre at the Yarwun Alumina Refinery. During this time, she deepened her understanding of refinery processes and operations, as well as laboratory procedures and safety protocols.