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

The University of Exeter and the University of Queensland are offering a funded PhD studentship for January 2026, focusing on managing occupational health and safety (OHS) risks related to climate change in Australian mines. This program provides full tuition, stipend, and research support for up to 3.5 years. Students will assess climate change impacts on mining OHS and develop strategies to enhance worker safety.
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).

Theme: Mineral Security & Sustainability

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)