Scholars drive WA’s minerals innovation

The WA Government has announced the cohort for the Minerals Institute of WA (MRIWA) 2025 PhD scholarships and student placement schemes.

The schemes strengthen the resources sector by driving innovation in sustainable mineral production and fostering research and industry advancement, reinforcing WA’s position as a global industry leader.

The scholarships have been awarded to three students that are tackling critical challenges faced by the minerals industry.

Kenneth Akiti has been awarded the prestigious Odwyn Jones PhD Scholarship for his research into responsible management of retired mining vehicle batteries, addressing environmental and economic challenges.

Yasamin Hamidian received the MRIWA PhD Scholarship for Women for her innovative work on developing a gas-assisted ion-selective membrane for lithium-ion extraction from tailings.

Farid Ullah was awarded the MRIWA PhD Scholarship for his research into advanced integration of electromagnetic data in the tomofast X inversion code to enhance mineral exploration.

MRIWA has also welcomed four new students to is Co-operative Education for Enterprise Development (CEED) program that is delivered through the University of Western Australia (UWA). Students Thi Bao Tram (Phoebe) Tran, Sarah Scott, Nikhil Nair Sunil Kumar, and Keely Gausten will work on strategic research projects within the minerals sector, delivering direct benefits to WA.

These projects, sponsored by MRIWA, allow students to earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience.

MRIWA continues to support students through the Trailblazer Universities program, under Curtin University’s Resource Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer program.

This initiative partners with universities and businesses across Australia to strengthen the nation’s critical minerals industry and safeguard against future supply chain disruptions.

Curtin student’s Christofeel Wessels, Ahmed Ibrahim, Anvar Mammadi and Philipa Opuku, supervised by Dr George Barakos, have developed commodity overview statements for each critical mineral on Australia’s Critical Minerals List, contributing to strategic industry planning and growth.

WA Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael says these talented students are helping to drive the innovation needed to keep WA at the forefront of the global industry.

“Through MRIWA’s PhD Scholarships, Trailblazer, and CEED programs, we are investing in the next generation of researchers to deliver sustainable, cutting-edge solutions for the challenges of tomorrow,” he said.

“We are excited to welcome this exceptional group of students whose research will contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous WA minerals industry.”