QUEX January 2026 Entry - Managing OHS Risks Associated with Climate Change in Australian Mines. [Earth & Environmental Science], PhD Studentship (Funded) Ref: 5532

Join a world-leading, cross-continental research team

The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are seeking exceptional students to join a world-leading, cross-continental research team tackling major challenges facing the world’s population in global sustainability and wellbeing as part of the QUEX Institute. The joint PhD programme provides a fantastic opportunity for the most talented doctoral students to work closely with world-class research groups and benefit from the combined expertise and facilities offered at the two institutions, with a lead supervisor within each university. This prestigious programme provides full tuition fees, stipend, travel funds and research training support grants to the successful applicants.  The studentship provides funding for up to 42 months (3.5 years).

Eight generous, fully-funded studentships are available for the best applicants, four offered by the University of Exeter and four by the University of Queensland. This select group will spend at least one year at each University and will graduate with a joint degree from the University of Exeter and the University of Queensland.

Find out more about the PhD studentships www.exeter.ac.uk/quex/phds

Successful applicants will have a strong academic background and track record to undertake research projects based in one of the three themes of:  Healthy Living, Global Environmental Futures and Digital Worlds and Disruptive Technologies.

The closing date for applications is mid-day May 15th 2025 (BST), with interview to be w/c 16th June 2025 (tbc). The start date is expected to be Monday January 5th 2026.

Please note that of the eight Exeter led projects advertised, we expect that up to four studentships will be awarded to Exeter based students.

Theme: Mineral Security & Sustainability

Supervisors:

Exeter Academic Lead: Professor Patrick Foster

Queensland Academic Lead: Professor Maureen Hassall

Project Description

Mining is a sector that is particularly vulnerable to climate change (Rüttinger, et al. 2016) which affects the whole mining value chain from exploration, to extraction, transport and closure (Pearce et al., 2011). Changing climatic conditions will have both direct (operational and performance-based) and indirect (securing of supplies and rising energy costs) impacts on the mining sector (Sharma et al. 2013). These include water-related impacts (droughts, floods, extreme rainfall), heat-related/temperature impacts (heat strokes) and as well changes in atmospheric pressure, all of which either have, or have the potential to effect mining operations in Australia. Additionally the increase in climate-related hazards mentioned above affects the viability of mining operations and potentially increases operating, transportation, and decommissioning costs (Odell et al., 2018).

To date there is a growing body of research work studying the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events on mining operations and some of this has been undertaken by QUEX partners (eg the EU funded TEXMIN (The impact of EXtreme weather events on MINing operations) by CSM and work by NCCARF with researchers from SMI).

However, little has been undertaken into the specific OSH risks faced by mineworkers. A recent report by the ILO (ILO 2024) states that “OSH protections have struggled to keep up with the evolving risks from climate change, resulting in worker mortality and morbidity” and there is strong evidence that numerous health conditions in workers have been linked to climate change, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, kidney dysfunction and mental health conditions, among many others.

The aims and objectives of this proposed PhD project are:

To assess the impact of climate change on OHS risks within the Australian mining industry.
To develop actionable strategies for mitigating identified risks and enhancing worker safety and well-being.
The proposed approach is:

Literature Review: Conduct an extensive review of existing research on climate change impacts on mining OHS, focusing on heat stress, extreme weather events, water issues, and mental health.
Data Analysis: Utilise climate models and mining data to project future OHS risks under various climate scenarios.
Field Surveys: Engage with mining personnel through surveys and interviews to gather firsthand insights on perceived risks and any mitigation practices.
Risk Modelling: Develop models to predict the likelihood and severity of identified risks under different climate projections.
Strategy Workshops: Formulate evidence-based recommendations to address identified OHS risks and organise workshops with industry experts/stakeholders to co-develop practical mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Camborne School of Mines and the Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre have been delivering leading edge research, education and consulting services to the global mining industry for many  years particularly in the area of OHS risk management from small-scale to large scale mining operations. Similarly both the wider Institutions have extensive research experience in climate change and Exeter works in very close partnership with the UK Met Office and a number of academic staff there have contributed to recent IPCC Reports. This extensive experience and expertise will be leveraged to assist the PhD candidate in identifying and assessing OHS risks as well as modelling future climate scenarios within mining regions. The latter will be undertaken within the UK, whilst minesite studies and workshops will be undertaken in Australia.

References
ILO (2024) Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, Geneva:ILO

Odell S.D., 2018. Mining and climate change: A review and framework for analysis. “The Extractive Industries and Society”, vol. 5, (1)

Rüttinger, L.& Sharma, V., 2016. Climate change and mining. A Foreign Policy Perspective, Adelphi research

Sharma V., van de Graaff S., Loechel B., Franks DM., 2013. Extractive resource development in a changing climate: learning the lessons from extreme weather events in Queensland, Australia, National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility

Pearce T et al., 2011. Climate Change & Mining in Canada, Mitigations Adaptation Strategies for Global Changes”  vol. 16 (3)

Entry requirements

Applicants should be highly motivated and have, or expect to obtain, either a first or upper-second class BA or BSc (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information and a list of acceptable alternative tests.

How to apply

Apply now

You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, supporting statement, academic transcripts and details of two academic referees. Your supporting statement should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project, with particular reference to the collaborative nature of the partnership with the University of Queensland, and how this will enhance your training and research.

Please quote reference 5532 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary