Hi there!
Hi there!
I'm Pia Lois-Morales
I'm Pia Lois-Morales
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About me
I am a Chilean-Australian Geologist (Hons I, MSc) with a PhD in Mineral Processing, currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Mining Department at the University of Chile. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I specialize in Geometallurgy and Process Mineralogy, focusing on how geological features influence mineral processing to optimize ore performance and determine the most effective processing routes—integrating both traditional and emerging technologies.
My primary research interest lies in size reduction processes—from blasting to fine grinding—due to their high energy demands and crucial role in selective mineral liberation. However, I am also open to exploring other areas of the processing plant to enhance overall efficiency. By improving these processes, I aim to reduce costs and enhance beneficiation plant performance. My approach combines mathematical modeling, experimental design, and advanced ore characterization, with a strong emphasis on stochastic particle modeling to assess process efficiency across different geological units.
Beyond research, I am actively engaged in teaching and consulting, contributing to advancements in mineral processing through applied science and innovative methodologies.
Get in touch @ plois@uchile.cl
Resumé
Resumé
Qualifications
2020: Doctor of Philosophy (Minerals Processing) - JKMRC, SMI - The University of Queensland, Australia. JKMRC alumni 278.
2015: Master of Science (Earth Sciences) - University of Chile, Chile
2015: Professional Geology degree - University of Chile, Chile
2012: Bachelor in Earth Sciences (Hons. I) - University of Chile, Chile
Prizes and awards
2021: Awarded Global Talented Australian Residency and Citizenship.
2021: Oz Minerals Prize - awarded to my PhD thesis: Best research project in minerals processing, UQ-Australia
2018: Ian Morley Prize - Best (all around) research student at the JKMRC - Sustainable Minerals Institute, UQ-Australia
2013: IAMG Natural Resource Award - awarded to my Master thesis: Best research project from the International Association for Mathematical Geosciences
Positions
2022 - Ongoing: Assistant Professor - Mining Engineering Department, University of Chile. Academic coordinator Geo-mining-metallurgy program
2023 - Ongoing: Research fellow - Advanced Mining Technology Centre, University of Chile. Head of Mineral Processing and Mineralogical Characterization Lab
2022 - Ongoing: Honorary Research Fellow - JKRMC, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland
2020 - 2021: Postdoctoral Research Fellow - JKMRC, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland
2016 - 2020: Ph.D. Research Scholar - JKRMC, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland
2014 - 2015: Industry consultant (Geomet specialist) - Empirica Ltda., Chile
2012 - 2014: M.Sc. Research scholar - Advanced Mining Technology Centre, University of Chile
Summer 2010 and 2011: Intern - AngloAmerican ltda. Chile, Los Bronces mine
Ian Morley Prize - awarding ceremony - 2018
Grants and Scholarships
2024: Transdiscipline Grant D10/24: Guide for sustainable processing of minerals
2023: EXCITE Project C4-20: 3D particle tracking for liberation modelling. EU HORIZON 2020. Transnational access to analytics.
2023: Seed Funding for small-scale mining. AMTC-SONAMI
2023: Grant for innovation in teaching. "Methodological implementation for the acquisition of mineralogical data" A2IC - FCFM, UChile
2022: Fondecyt de iniciación (Early career researcher grant) - ANID 11220631 "Linking geotechnical and geological properties at the microscale to characterise the comminution potential of ores"
2021: U-inicia - grant UI-013/21 "Advance characterisation information for a microscale fracture model"
2015: Becas Chile CONICYT (Chilean governmental science and research agency) - PhD scholarship
2012: Becas CONICYT (Chilean governmental science and research agency) - Master scholarship
2011: Anglo American Mining of Excellence - scholarship for highly skilled mining-related undergraduate students
Other skills
Software:
Advance. Data analysis in Microsoft excel and IoGas. Image analysis in eCognition Trimble, ImageJ, DragonFly.
Intermediate. Plant modelling with JKSimMet and Molycop tools. Python and matlab programming skills
Basic. Physicochemical modelling using Geochemist's Workbench and PHREEQC.
Project management.
Full proficiency in English and Spanish. Basic Portuguese.
Driver licence.
Teaching certificate.
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