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Wednesday, 15 June 2011

The Minerals and Energy Research Institute of Western Australia (MERIWA) has highlighted the importance of three PhD research projects at The University of Western Australia.

PhD students Zoja Vukmanovic (Geology), Talitha Santini (Soil Science and Plant Nutrition) and Kerryn Chia (Plant Biology) have been presented with scholarships by Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore to support their research.

Zoja Vukmanovic was offered one of four full MERIWA scholarships of $10,000, comprising $5,000 stipend and $5,000 for project maintenance.

Two half scholarships of $5,000 each were awarded to Talitha Santini and Kerryn Chia.

Ms Vukmanovic's research into the remobilisation of nickel sulphides is expected to increase knowledge of the shape and location of nickel sulphide ore bodies.

Ms Santini will explore soil formation in bauxite residue with the aim to improve rehabilitation in mine sites and reducing risk of tailings and waste rock deposits.

Ms Chia is looking to improve the future germination in Jarrah forests after bauxite mining by studying the germination of Snottygobble seeds, a species that is difficult to germinate in bauxite mine rehabilitation sites.

More details on the MERIWA scholarships are available on the Minister's web page .

Media references

Aleta Johnston (UWA Public Affairs)                                 (+61 8)  6488 7797  /  (+61 4) 31 514 677

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