Senior Research Fellow
Overview
My research focuses on mineral processing technologies, namely, grinding and flotation processes, with especial interest in understanding the complex interplay between ore mineralogy, mineral surface properties and process behaviour. I specialise in the application of advanced mineral surface characterisation techniques such as Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) in mineral processing studies (e.g., grinding, flotation) to identify the key chemistry drivers of process behaviour. This knowledge is vital to understand the underlying mechanisms and devise solutions to improve process efficiency. I look to further develop advanced tools by integrating critical techniques such as ToF-SIMS, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, X-ray Tomography, Mineral Liberation Analysis and X-ray Fluorescence towards more comprehensive and faster mineral characterisation.
I am also interested in developing novel, highly selective reagents for mineral flotation to enable the processing of ores more efficiently, safely and environmentally friendly compared to the traditional reagents. Of particular interest is the use of biochemistries to develop more sustainable reagent technologies.
My research covers both the fundamental aspects underlying mineral processes (e.g., particle-bubble interactions) as well as applications in the minerals industry through close collaborations with the industry. I am Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Enabling Eco-Efficient Beneficiation of Minerals (https://coeminerals.org.au/) aiming to achieve a step-change in mineral processing by increasing energy and water efficiency and reducing metal loss during processing. I am also part of the research team of the newly formed Collaborative in Coarse Particle Processing Research, a consortium of 9 industry partners, investigating the implementation of coarse particle technology in the industry.
Research Interests
- Froth flotation, grinding
- Mineral surface chemistry
- Surface analysis
- Coarse particle flotation
- Novel flotation reagents
Research Impacts
The mining industry is one of the cornerstones of the Australian economy. The metals demand will continue to grow into the future as the world transitions to renewable energy. Our research aims to advance our understanding of the fundamental aspects underpinning mineral processing and develop innovative technologies that allow the processing of minerals more efficiently, safely and with lower environmental impact. Working closely with the mining industry to address today’s challenges is a critical component of our research to ensure that the solutions we develop can be translated into industrial practice.
Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy, University of South Australia
Publications
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Journal Article: An efficient peptide screening method for mineral-binding peptides
Ku, Lam Ian, Forbes, Liza and Brito e Abreu, Susana (2024). An efficient peptide screening method for mineral-binding peptides. Minerals, 14 (2) 207. doi: 10.3390/min14020207
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Other Outputs: Fluorine management in mineral processing operations - a review
Brito e Abreu, Susana, Yenial Arslan, Unzile, Verster, Lizette and Forbes, Liza (2022). Fluorine management in mineral processing operations - a review. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
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Journal Article: Effect of residual reagents on chalcopyrite losses at Mount Isa Mines Copper Operation: part II- evaluation of flotation mechanisms
Forbes, Elizaveta, Brito e Abreu, Susana, Tungpalan, Kate, Sashigunan, Ramya, Runge, Kym and O'Donnell, Roxanne (2022). Effect of residual reagents on chalcopyrite losses at Mount Isa Mines Copper Operation: part II- evaluation of flotation mechanisms. Minerals Engineering, 185 107687, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107687
Grants
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Effect of recycled water chemistry on mineral flotation - A Review - Phase 1
(2023–2024) FLSmidth Inc
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Review of arsenic treatment technologies
(2021–2022) MMG Australia Limited
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A Complex Orebodies Review of the Izok Lake Corridor Project (304MMGIZOK)
(2021) MMG Australia Limited
Supervision
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Novel Reagent Technologies for Arsenic Minerals
Doctor Philosophy
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Effect of High Voltage Pulse Treatment on mineral interfacial properties
Doctor Philosophy
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Correlation of surface chemical heterogeneity at the micron scale with hydrophobicity and particle-bubble interaction forces
Doctor Philosophy
Publications
Journal Article
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An efficient peptide screening method for mineral-binding peptides
Ku, Lam Ian, Forbes, Liza and Brito e Abreu, Susana (2024). An efficient peptide screening method for mineral-binding peptides. Minerals, 14 (2) 207. doi: 10.3390/min14020207
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Forbes, Elizaveta, Brito e Abreu, Susana, Tungpalan, Kate, Sashigunan, Ramya, Runge, Kym and O'Donnell, Roxanne (2022). Effect of residual reagents on chalcopyrite losses at Mount Isa Mines Copper Operation: part II- evaluation of flotation mechanisms. Minerals Engineering, 185 107687, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107687
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Forbes, Elizaveta, Britoe Abreu, Susana, Tungpalan, Kate, Sashigunan, Ramya, Runge, Kym and O'Donnell, Roxanne (2022). Effect of residual reagents on chalcopyrite losses at Mount Isa Mines copper operation: Part I – evaluation of mineral recoveries. Minerals Engineering, 185 107706, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107706
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Influence of grinding conditions on the pulp chemistry and flotation of oxidised pyrite
Xu, Shihong, Zanin, Massimiliano, Skinner, William and Brito e Abreu, Susana (2022). Influence of grinding conditions on the pulp chemistry and flotation of oxidised pyrite. Minerals Engineering, 177 107385, 1-12. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2021.107385
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Surface chemistry of oxidised pyrite during grinding: ToF-SIMS and XPS surface analysis
Xu, Shihong, Zanin, Massimiliano, Skinner, William and Brito e Abreu, Susana (2021). Surface chemistry of oxidised pyrite during grinding: ToF-SIMS and XPS surface analysis. Minerals Engineering, 170 106992, 106992. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2021.106992
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Surface chemistry of oxidised pyrite during grinding: EDTA extraction analysis
Xu, Shihong, Zanin, Massimiliano, Skinner, William and Brito e Abreu, Susana (2021). Surface chemistry of oxidised pyrite during grinding: EDTA extraction analysis. Minerals Engineering, 160 106683. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106683
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Application of ToF-SIMS to predict contact angles of pyrite particles
Xu, Shihong, Cheng, Debo, Skinner, William and Brito e Abreu, Susana (2020). Application of ToF-SIMS to predict contact angles of pyrite particles. Minerals Engineering, 147 106168, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2019.106168
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Interaction of platelets with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co- hexafluoropropylene) electrospun surfaces
Ahmed, Furqan, Choudhury, Namita Roy, Dutta, Naba K., Brito e Abreu, Susana, Zannettino, Andrew and Duncan, Elizabeth (2014). Interaction of platelets with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co- hexafluoropropylene) electrospun surfaces. Biomacromolecules, 15 (3), 744-755. doi: 10.1021/bm4015396
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The influence of pyrite content on the flotation of chalcopyrite/pyrite mixtures
Owusu, Clement, Brito e Abreu, Susana, Skinner, William, Addai-Mensah, Jonas and Zanin, Massimiliano (2014). The influence of pyrite content on the flotation of chalcopyrite/pyrite mixtures. Minerals Engineering, 55, 87-95. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2013.09.018
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Brito e Abreu, Susana and Skinner, William (2012). Determination of contact angles, silane coverage, and hydrophobicity heterogeneity of methylated quartz surfaces using ToF-SIMS. Langmuir, 28 (19), 7360-7367. doi: 10.1021/la300352f
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Brito e Abreu, Susana and Skinner, William (2011). ToF-SIMS-derived hydrophobicity in DTP flotation of chalcopyrite: contact angle distributions in flotation streams. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 98 (1-2), 35-41. doi: 10.1016/j.minpro.2010.10.003
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Predicting the surface chemistry contribution to the flotation recovery of chalcopyrite by ToF-SIMS
Brito e Abreu, Susana and Skinner, William (2011). Predicting the surface chemistry contribution to the flotation recovery of chalcopyrite by ToF-SIMS. Minerals Engineering, 24 (2), 160-168. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2010.11.004
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Brito e Abreu, Susana, Avelino, Helena M. N. T., Caetano, Fernando J. P. and Fareleira, Joao M. N. A. (2010). Density of diisodecyl phthalate at temperatures from (283.15 to 363.15) K and pressures from (0.1 to 65) MPa. Journal of Chemical and Engineering Data, 55 (9), 3525-3531. doi: 10.1021/je1001413
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ToF-SIMS as a new method to determine the contact angle of mineral surfaces
Abreu, Susana Brito E., Brien, Chris and Skinner, William (2010). ToF-SIMS as a new method to determine the contact angle of mineral surfaces. Langmuir, 26 (11), 8122-8130. doi: 10.1021/la904443s
Conference Publication
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Runge, K.C., Brito e Abreu, S., Evans, C. and O’Donnell, R. (2021). Analysis of the Mount Isa Copper concentrate preflotation circuit using advanced diagnostic techniques. Mill Operators Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 23-25 June 2021. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AusIMM.
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Effect of Residual Reagents on Chalcopyrite Losses at Mount Isa Mines Copper Concentrator
Forbes, Elizaveta, Brito e Abreu, Susana, Tungpalan, Kate, Sashingunan, Ramya, Runge, Kym and O'Donnell, Roxanne (2021). Effect of Residual Reagents on Chalcopyrite Losses at Mount Isa Mines Copper Concentrator. Flotation' 21, Online, 8 - 13 November 2021.
Other Outputs
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Fluorine management in mineral processing operations - a review
Brito e Abreu, Susana, Yenial Arslan, Unzile, Verster, Lizette and Forbes, Liza (2022). Fluorine management in mineral processing operations - a review. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
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e Abreu, Susana Brito, Southam, Gordon, Villa Gomez, Denys, Ma, Xiaodong, Vaughan, James, Micklethwaite, Steven, Forbes, Liza and Parbhakar-Fox, Anita (2022). Review of mineral processing technologies suitable for arsenic recovery from sulphidic ores and wastes. Brisbane, QLD Australia: The University of Queensland.
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GLENCON10 - Circuit Survey of Mt Isa Copper Concentrator Pre-Float Circuit
Lizette Verster, Kym Runge and Susana Brito e Abreu (2021). GLENCON10 - Circuit Survey of Mt Isa Copper Concentrator Pre-Float Circuit. Brisbane: Sustainable Minerals Institute - JKMRC.
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GLENCON10 - circuit survey of Mt Isa copper concentrator pre-float circuit - ToF-SIMS analysis
Brito e Abreu, Susana, Verster, Lizette, Forbes, Liza and Runge, Kym (2021). GLENCON10 - circuit survey of Mt Isa copper concentrator pre-float circuit - ToF-SIMS analysis. Brisbane, QLD Australia: Sustainable Minerals Institute - Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre.
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GLENCON 6 (Part II) – Addendum B, ToF-SIMS Analysis
Brito e Abreu, Susana, Liza Forbes and Runge, Kym (2020). GLENCON 6 (Part II) – Addendum B, ToF-SIMS Analysis. Brisbane, Australia: Sustainable Minerals Institute.
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Forbes, Liza, Tungapalan, Kate, Brito e Abreu, Susana and Runge, Kym (2020). Glencon 6 (Part II) Report. Brisbane, Australia: Sustainable Minerals Institute.
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Glencon 6 – strategies for improved MgO depression in the copper concentrator
Kym Runge, Susana Brito e Abreu and Cathy Evans (2018). Glencon 6 – strategies for improved MgO depression in the copper concentrator. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Sustainable Minerals Institute.
Grants (Administered at UQ)
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Effect of recycled water chemistry on mineral flotation - A Review - Phase 1
(2023–2024) FLSmidth Inc
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Review of arsenic treatment technologies
(2021–2022) MMG Australia Limited
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A Complex Orebodies Review of the Izok Lake Corridor Project (304MMGIZOK)
(2021) MMG Australia Limited
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(2020–2027) University of Newcastle
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Collaborative Consortium for Coarse Particle Processing Research
(2020–2025) Newmont USA Limited
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(2020–2021) Mount Isa Mines Limited
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Developing novel, highly selective reagents for mineral flotation
(2019–2020) UQ Early Career Researcher
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(2018–2021) Glencore Technology Pty Limited
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(2017–2018) Glencore Technology Pty Limited
PhD and MPhil Supervision
Current Supervision
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Novel Reagent Technologies for Arsenic Minerals
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
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Effect of High Voltage Pulse Treatment on mineral interfacial properties
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
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Correlation of surface chemical heterogeneity at the micron scale with hydrophobicity and particle-bubble interaction forces
Doctor Philosophy — Principal Advisor
Other advisors:
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Stimuli-responsive soft materials based on biomolecules
Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Completed Supervision
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Investigation of the Effects of Turbulence in Flotation
(2020) Doctor Philosophy — Associate Advisor
Other advisors:
