12. Stocker F., Lois-Morales P., Suzuki K.,Particle-scale size effects on the mechanical behavior of iron-bearing rocks relevant to comminution processes. Powder technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2026.123013
11. Lois-Morales P., Mora D., Moraga S., Godinho José R. A. , Pereira L.. Workflow for microstructural characterisation and impact breakage analysis of complex particles using XCT and deep learning segmentation. Minerals Engineering, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2026.110399
10. 2026. Samur S., Lois-Morales P., Diaz G. Modeling of Minimum Fracture Energy Distribution Through Advanced Characterization and Machine Learning Techniques. Minerals. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/min16020134
9. 2025. Stocker F., Lois-Morales P., Suzuki K. Geological characterization methods for IOCG samples, resolution comparison and considerations for productive stages of mining . International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/17480930.2025.2518988
8. 2024. Flores S., Suzuki K., Lois-Morales P. Influence of index properties of semi-quantitative geological characteristics of brittle rocks on their post-peak behavior. Rock mechanics and rock engineering, springer. DOI: 10.1007/s00603-024-03879-6
7. 2023. Estay, H., Lois-Morales, P., Montes-Atenas, G. Ruiz del Solar, J. On the challenges of applying machine learning in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy. Minerals MDPI. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13060788
6. 2023. Lois-Morales, Weatherley D., Evans C. Quantifying the relationship between particles' strength and their mineralogical and textural characteristics. Minerals Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2023.108113
5. 2023. Yanten, Kracht, Diaz, Lois-Morales, Egana. Froth images from flotation laboratory test in Maggoteaux cell. Data MDPI. https: //doi.org/10.3390/data8040069
4. 2022. Lois-Morales, Weatherley D., Evans C. Methodology for quantitative ore characterisation using multiple imaging systems and random particles generation. MethodsX. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2022.101807
3. 2022. Lois-Morales, Weatherley D., Evans C. Analysis of the size–dependency of relevant mineralogical and textural characteristics to particles' strength. Minerals Engineering 184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107572
2. 2021. Lois-Morales, Weatherley D., Evans C. Characterising tensile strength and elastic moduli of altered igneous rocks at comminution scale using the Short Impact Load Cell. Powder Technology 388C. 10.1016/j.powtec.2021.04.091
1. 2020. Lois-Morales, Weatherley D., Bonfils, B., Evans C. The impact load cell as a tool to link comminution properties to geomechanical properties of rocks. Minerals Engineering 148. 10.1016/j.mineng.2020.106210
13. Ríos J.F., Moraga S., Lois Morales P., Avendaño . Stabilization of pulp chemistry during grinding according to mineralogy. Under review at Minerals Engineering, process mineralogy special issue. (under review)
2024. Rios J.F., Moraga S., Lois Morales P., Avendano M., Oral presentation and extended abstract en Proceedings Conferencia International Process Mineralogy (MEI). Capetown, South Africa. Stabilization of pulp chemistry during grinding according to mineralogy.
2024. Mora D., Lois-Morales P., Godinho J., Pereira L. Oral presentation and extended abstract en Proceedings Conferencia International Process Mineralogy (MEI). Capetown, South Africa. Estimation of fracture propagation during impact testing using X-ray microtomography.
2024. Lois Morales P., Samur S., Bart H., Stocker F., Poster and Short abstract en Proceedings Conferencia International Process Mineralogy (MEI). Capetown SouthAfrica. Using mineralogical characterization for predicting breakage properties of rock particles.
2023. Bart, Lois-Morales, Diaz. Using an energy-to-fracture particle approach for characterizing the comminution potential of ores.PROCEMIN-GEOMET Conference 2023
2022. Lois-Morales P., Weatherly D., Evans C. Towards unlocking the value of detailed characterization data for comminution and geometallurgical modelling. Oral presentation and Proceedings of the 16th Biennial Meeting of SGA (Society for Geology applied to mineral deposits). Rotorua, New Zealand.
Books Chapters
2019. Estay H., Lois-Morales P., Montes-Arenas, G. Capitulo: “Big data en Procesamiento de Minerales”, Libro: Big Data en Minería. ISBN: 978-956-19-1185-7. Beauchef Minería.
A complete list of publications and conferences participation can be found at ResearchGate
QGeo - Geology Quantifier (Open Source Application)
QGeo is an open-source application for quantitative geological image analysis, developed by Pia Lois-Morales and Kimie Suzuki. It provides tools for analysing and quantifying geological features from digital images, supporting reproducible characterisation workflows.
Title: "Rock/Water interaction during grinding and its physicochemical and geochemical impacts in flotation: Escondida porphyry case"
This research investigated how mineralogical variations influence pulp chemistry during grinding, using hydrogeochemical modelling and experimental measurements of pH and Eh. The results highlighted the dominant role of sulphide minerals in controlling pulp physicochemical conditions and identified key geochemical reactions potentially influencing downstream flotation performance.
Advisory Team: Dr Brian Townley, Dr Willy Kracht, Dr Julian Ortiz, Mr Duber Jofré
Title: "Development of a geometallurgical approach for comminution using primary breakage properties of ores"
This research developed a geometallurgical approach to comminution by integrating quantitative mineralogical and textural characterisation with rock breakage properties, particularly strength and stiffness. Combining experimental testing with advanced 2D and 3D imaging, the study identified mineral grain elongation, individual mineral properties and physical contrasts between adjacent grains as key factors influencing breakage behaviour. The findings contribute to the development of mineralogy-informed predictive models for comminution.
Advisory Team: Dr Catherine Evans, Dr Dion Weatherley, Dr Ben Bonfils
PhD thesis was awarded the best thesis in mineral processing of Australia of 2020 and the Ian Morley Prize 2018