Mining technology company PETRA Data Science is proudly supporting the next generation of researchers by providing access to its proprietary technology and high-quality industry data for PhD students from the University of Adelaide.
Through its partnership with the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Integrated Operations for Complex Resources, PETRA is playing a key role in giving students valuable hands-on experience and the critical datasets needed to drive advanced mining research.
Strengthening links between academia and industry
As a founding industry partner of the ARC Training Centre, established in 2020, PETRA collaborates with industry, four of Australia’s top universities, and government to address the challenge of securing the resources of the future.
A global leader in orebody learning software, PETRA uses data fusion, ore tracking, and machine learning to solve complex mining problems.
“For the mining industry to thrive, we must empower the next generation of data scientists with real-world experience in analytics, AI, and mining automation,” said Dr Penny Stewart, PETRA’s founder and CEO.
“The value of data fusion in transforming disconnected datasets into meaningful inputs for AI applications is immense – it’s the backbone of intelligent, data-driven mining.
“Access to high-quality data is the key to unlocking innovation that will drive safer, more sustainable, and more profitable mining operations.”
Supporting PhD student: Sultan Abulkhair
Sultan Abulkhair, originally from Kazakhstan, is in the final stages of a PhD in mining engineering at the University of Adelaide. Since June 2022, he has completed three placements at PETRA, gaining hands-on experience with its cutting-edge MAXTA software and applying PETRA’s ore tracking data to simulate real-time updates of block models.
“I studied geology as an undergraduate, then a masters in mining engineering. I found geomodelling, statistics, and predictive data really interesting and decided to focus on that,” Sultan said.
“One of the most valuable aspects of my placement at PETRA was being able to speak directly with Dr Stewart and gain feedback from experienced industry professionals.”
Sultan’s research focuses on efficiently integrating new observations into orebody models to improve mine planning. His work helps planners access up-to-date information, improve forecasting, and make more informed, real-time decisions using sensed data.
He is expected to complete his PhD in mid-2025 and has already published research papers and shared his findings at international conferences.
Advancing ore processing: Milena Nasretdinova
Also from Kazakhstan, Milena Nasretdinova completed her first placement with PETRA in March 2025. Her research is in the rare field of ore processing, using high-resolution X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) data to quickly analyse core samples and predict processing characteristics – such as grain mineral size, clay and quartz content, hardness and energy consumption.
“I needed more data for my PhD and applied to have PETRA as my industry partner through the ARC,” Milena said.
“I spent a week with the team discussing my preliminary results. Dr Stewart gave me access to raw high-resolution historical core scan data – which is extremely rare and valuable.”
Because physical testing is expensive and many mining companies are reluctant to share core data, access to PETRA’s high-resolution scans has allowed Milena to build more accurate machine-learning models.
Milena holds a master’s degree in mining engineering and expects to complete her PhD in 2027.
Ongoing commitment to education and innovation
PETRA’s support of Sultan and Milena reflects a broader commitment to fostering education and innovation in mining. In addition to hosting placements, PETRA regularly delivers guest lectures and informal sessions with students at the University of Adelaide.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to support students like Sultan and Milena and help them access our programs and the data and insights they need for their research,” said Dr Stewart. “Their work is fascinating, and we’re proud to be part of their journey.”
