This project is embedded within an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA)–funded research program and focuses on the sustainable recovery of critical and precious metals from electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), with particular emphasis on waste printed circuit boards (PCBs). Australia is among the world’s highest per-capita generators of e-waste; however, most waste PCBs are currently exported after low-value pre-processing, resulting in significant loss of material value. This project addresses this challenge by developing sustainable and economically viable metallurgical technologies for e-waste recycling. The methodologies developed are also expected to have broader applicability to the recovery of transition metals from other solid resources.
Aim
The project aims to develop novel sustainable leaching and recovery methods and processes for the selective recovery of critical and precious metals from waste PCBs.
Objectives
- Develop sustainable leaching methods for metal extraction from waste PCBs.
- Innovate effective methods for metal recovery from leaching solutions.
- Evaluate reagent recyclability and closed-loop operation of the process.
- Assess the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed process.
Significance
This project addresses the challenges associated with Australia’s high per-capita e-waste generation, large geographic area and dispersed population, and its limited domestic capacity for value-added recycling. The research will contribute to environmentally sustainable metal recovery, strengthen Australia’s domestic e-waste processing capability, support circular economy objectives, and reinforce Australia’s obligations under the Basel Convention.
Ideal Candidate
Minimum requirements: A Bachelor’s degree with first-class honours or upper second-class honours in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
Applicants holding a Master’s degree with peer-reviewed journal publications and research experience in hydrometallurgy, extractive metallurgy, metal extraction, or the development of novel leaching and separation reagents will be highly regarded.
Applicants must meet the minimum academic entry requirements for admission to the Doctor of Philosophy program at Curtin University (https://research.curtin.edu.au/postgraduate), including the English language proficiency requirements (e.g. IELTS overall score of 6.5, with no band below 6.0). Detailed information is available at: https://www.curtin.edu.au/study/offering/course-research-doctor-of-philosophy—mining-and-metallurgical-engineering–dr-mmengr/
This project is open to domestic and international applicants.
Scholarship
This PhD scholarship is funded through an Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) project, with additional support from Curtin University. The successful applicant will be enrolled through the Western Australian School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering (WASM–MECE).
One Scholarship is available to support a successful candidate with a living stipend of up to the value of AUD $38,440 p.a. pro rata indexed, based on full-time enrolment. The duration of the award shall be three years with a possible extension of up to six months (maximum), assessed on a case-by-case basis. Tuition fees offset support is also available for a successful international candidate.
Applications close July 2nd 2026
Enquiries
Before submitting a formal Expression of Interest using the form of Expression of Interest, please submit your CV , English score, qualifications, publications and transcripts to Dr Huan Li via huan.li@curtin.edu.au