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PhD Top-up scholarship: Integration of Indigenous knowledge into post-mine land use planning

PhD Top-up scholarship: Integration of Indigenous knowledge into post-mine land use planning

Australia 15 Jan 2021
The university of Queensland Australia

The university of Queensland Australia

State University, Browse similar opportunities

OPPORTUNITY DETAILS

Total reward
0 $
State University
Area
Host Country
Deadline
15 Jan 2021
Study level
Opportunity type
Specialities
Opportunity funding
Full funding
Eligible Countries
This opportunity is destined for all countries
Eligible Region
All Regions

Description

Supervisor – Dr Carlos Miraldo Ordens

Indigenous interests and knowledge have historically been, and continue to be, marginalised in the consideration of post-mining land uses. Post-mining land use decisions have been restricted to a very narrow framework, i.e. re-establish a land use that can generate an economic return (e.g. grazing). Not only do we need to think more broadly about what can be achieved (e.g. regenerative agriculture, carbon mitigation) but, the interests and perspectives of customary land owners must be engaged and included in these considerations.

Indigenous interests and knowledge are not sufficiently incorporated into environmental assessments and management plans. More specifically, mined land rehabilitation assessments and activities typically lack integration of Indigenous knowledge, culture and needs. As such, these management strategies cannot effectively prevent environmental degradation impacting cultural values and the needs of Indigenous customary land owners. Furthermore, this valuable knowledge system is not being used to inform the science of rehabilitation analyses and models, which restricts their effectiveness.

This project recognises that Indigenous knowledge is local knowledge and, as such, knowledge sharing will respect local protocols. The project will ensure that it is not contributing to ‘mining’ traditional knowledge.

The Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander PhD student will work with a team in relation to pre- and post-mine land and water use. The team will comprise university academics, and Indigenous knowledge holders and will explore cultural interests, such as traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) on the workings of the natural systems (e.g. springs and associated ecosystems), and potential for Indigenous job creation. A potential case study is Queensland’s Bowen Basin, although other options and scales (i.e. from the mine to the basin scale) will be considered at the beginning of the project. The project will investigate effective ways for knowledge sharing between customary land owners and SMI social and environmental researchers. This will potentially lead to the co-creation of a methodology that can be used across Australia to better combine traditional knowledge and socio-environmental science, ultimately providing better cultural, environmental and social outcomes for customary land owners. On a long-term systemic level, this will lead to socio-environmental investigations and management plans integrating TEK as the standard approach in Australia, and will set an example internationally.  

A working knowledge of Anthropology; Environmental Science or Engineering; Earth Sciences; Hydrology; Civil Engineering; or, Agricultural Science would be of benefit to someone working on this project.

Sustainable Minerals Institute

The University of Queensland's Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI) is a world-leading research institute integrating the expertise of technical, environmental and social specialists to deliver responsible resource development across the life of mine. We are dedicated to finding knowledge-based solutions to the sustainability challenges of the global minerals industry, and training the next generation of industry leaders.

SMI is home to six research centres and a Centre of Excellence based in Chile. We have a strong track record in developing world leading solutions in exploration, mining, mineral processing, workplace health and safety, mine rehabilitation, social responsibility, water and energy.

At SMI, we are truly independent, objective and rigorous and our researchers have experience working across the research, government and industry sectors. We offer professional development training to many of our partners and can tailor courses to suit industry trends or company needs. We offer supervision to PhD students and are proud that our alumni are now in senior roles in resource companies and government organisations around the world.

SMI comprises seven major research Centres:

  • WH Bryan Mining and Geology Research Centre
  • Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre
  • Centre for Social Responsibility in Mining
  • Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
  • Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation
  • Centre for Water in the Minerals Industry
  • International Centre of Excellence in Chile

Information about the Institute may be accessed on the Institute's website.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must also meet the entry requirements for Higher Degrees by Research at UQ.

Applicants must be in receipt of or apply for and be awarded a living allowance scholarship of at least the Research Training Program rate to be eligible for this scholarship. This includes the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Research Scholarship.

To be eligible you must be:

  • an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
  • studying full-time and onshore in Australia
  • nominated by an enrolling school or institute at UQ
  • assessed by the Graduate School as meeting all conditions for admission to the higher degree by research program.

Applicants are required to provide compelling evidence of their Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status. This would usually take the form of confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status under the common seal of a community organisation. Where exceptional circumstances apply, statutory declarations and other forms of documentation may be considered. Original or certified copies of supporting documentation must be provided.

How to apply

To apply for admission and scholarship, follow this link. There is no separate application for scholarship because you will have the opportunity to request scholarship consideration on the application for admission.

Before submitting an application you should:

When you apply, please ensure that under the scholarships and collaborative study section you:

  1. Select ‘My higher degree is not collaborative’
  2. Select 'I am applying for, or have been awarded a scholarship or sponsorship'.
  3. Select ‘Other’, then ‘Research Project Scholarship’ and type in ‘POST-MINE-ATSIRS’ in the 'Name of scholarship' field.

Remember to upload a certified copy of your confirmation of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status with your documents.

See an example of what you have to do

Learn more about applying for a higher degree by research at UQ

Selection criteria

Applications will be judged on a competitive basis taking into account the applicant’s previous academic record, publication record, honours and awards, and employment history.

The applicant will demonstrate academic achievement in the field/s of Anthropology; Environmental Science or Engineering; Earth Sciences; Hydrology; Civil Engineering; or, Agricultural Science and the potential for scholastic success.

Scholarship value : $10,000 per annum, for three years with two possible extensions of up to 6 months each in approved circumstances

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