Australian mining technology innovator Petra Data Science is forging new paths in research and development by collaborating with the University of Adelaide to provide PhD students access to its proprietary orebody learning software and analytics expertise.
This strategic academic alliance highlights Petra’s commitment to cultivating a future generation of mining professionals equipped with real-world experience and advanced technological insights. The company’s support goes beyond conventional industry placements, offering cutting-edge tools, data, and mentorship that transform student research into practical solutions for complex mining challenges.
A Partnership Built on Purpose
Petra’s involvement stems from its foundational role in the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Integrated Operations for Complex Resources, which was established in 2020. This Centre serves as a collaborative platform connecting academia, industry, and government to address critical challenges in resource extraction and operational complexity.
Petra’s software platform—built by mining engineers for mining engineers—focuses on enabling smarter mine planning through the prioritisation of geological uncertainty. This approach empowers users to make better-informed decisions based on data fusion and machine learning technologies.
Dr Penny Stewart, founder and CEO of Petra, said the mining sector must invest in the next generation to remain competitive and sustainable.
“For the mining industry to thrive in the future, we must empower the next generation of data scientists with real-world experience in analytics, AI, and mining automation,” Dr Stewart said.
Also Read: Bitcoin’s Wild Ride – Is the Crypto Market in Freefall?
Empowering PhD Students with Technology
Two standout PhD students currently benefitting from this initiative are Sultan Abulkhair and Milena Nasretdinova, both originally from Kazakhstan and now pursuing doctoral studies at the University of Adelaide.
Abulkhair, nearing the completion of his PhD in mining engineering, has undertaken three placements with Petra since 2022. His research focuses on enhancing mine planning by integrating real-time data into orebody models. With Petra’s proprietary data fusion and ore-tracking technologies, he has been able to simulate real-time block model updates—bringing theory to life in an operational context.
Meanwhile, Nasretdinova recently completed her first placement with Petra in March 2025. Her research investigates how high-resolution X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) data can be used to predict ore processing characteristics without traditional, time-intensive testing. The integration of Petra’s data analytics tools has enabled her to extract meaningful insights from mineralogical datasets, such as identifying grain size, clay and quartz content, and hardness levels.
Enhancing Value through Data Fusion
Petra’s core mission revolves around optimising the mining value chain through data-driven technologies. Its orebody learning software uses machine learning, data fusion, and ore-tracking to provide unparalleled accuracy in understanding geological variability—a major challenge in mining operations worldwide.
Dr Stewart emphasised that data fusion—an advanced technique that integrates disparate datasets into a coherent, actionable format—is central to intelligent mining.
“The value of data fusion in transforming disconnected datasets into a format suitable for the mine value chain optimisation is immense – it’s the backbone of intelligent, data-driven mining operations.”
Academic Engagement Beyond Placements
Petra’s contributions to academic development extend beyond industry placements. The company actively engages with students through lectures, seminars, and collaborative research discussions, helping them translate theoretical knowledge into applied problem-solving strategies. This ongoing interaction allows students to learn directly from experienced professionals and apply software tools that are actively used in industry settings.
Moreover, Petra’s involvement in academia reinforces its status as a global leader in mining innovation. By integrating academic research with practical tools, Petra is driving a new standard in how knowledge is shared, applied, and advanced in the resources sector.
Shaping the Future of Mining
The collaboration between Petra and the University of Adelaide exemplifies the broader industry shift towards embracing digital transformation and technological innovation. As global mining companies face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and ensure long-term resource availability, partnerships like this one offer a promising blueprint for the future.
By investing in education, technology, and data-driven solutions, Petra is helping to shape a generation of mining professionals who are not only academically proficient but also industry-ready and innovation-focused.
