We are seeking a partner with expertise in Discrete Element Method (DEM) and numerical simulation of bulk material flow to join a data-driven mine-to-mill framework connecting Measurement While Drilling (MWD) data to downstream process performance.

Our project reconstructs the time-resolved flow of characterized material through stockpiles, silos, and blending beds, using drilling-derived rock properties combined with mineralogical and process data from industrial partners. A key open question is how material of varying hardness, size distribution, and composition segregates, mixes, and discharges within stockpile and silo geometries, including multiple-exit, single-conveyor configurations and chevron-stacked blending beds. We are looking for a partner able to develop and validate DEM or comparable numerical models of this behaviour, working alongside our material-characterization and process-integration teams.

Potential research topics include:

-Discrete Element Method modelling of stockpile and silo discharge behaviour
-Particle-scale simulation of segregation and mixing during stacking and reclaiming
-Validation of DEM models against industrial stockpile and blending-bed operations
-Coupling of DEM outputs with data-driven material-flow reconstruction
-Numerical modelling of bulk material handling for grade and quality homogenisation
-Application of simulation results to improve mill-feed consistency and reduce process variability

We welcome collaboration with research groups and institutes specializing in bulk material handling, particle technology, conveying and storage engineering, and process/mining engineering, with a track record in DEM or equivalent numerical simulation methods applied to industrial-scale material flow.

Luleå University of Technology is a governmental institution in Sweden.