Brunno Abilio Ciriaco is a PhD candidate at The Australian National University, supervised by Professor John Mavrogenes. His research examines the genesis of carbonatite-related niobium and rare earth element (REE) mineralisation, with a focus on understanding the mineralogical and petrological processes that lead to economic metal concentrations.
His project investigates newly identified carbonatite systems in the West Arunta region of Western Australia and compares them with world-class niobium deposits in Brazil, including Araxá and Catalão. Brunno integrates field observations, petrography, mineral chemistry, and geochemical analysis to evaluate the roles of magmatic differentiation and hydrothermal processes in forming primary Nb–REE deposits.
Brunno brings significant industry experience to his PhD. He has worked as a geologist with CMOC Brasil in near-mine and brownfield exploration for niobium and phosphate deposits, where he was involved in drilling supervision, geological and geotechnical core logging, QA/QC data management, geological modelling, and grade control. He has extensive experience with geological database management systems and modelling software including Leapfrog Geo, Datamine Studio RM, and geostatistical tools.
He holds a Master’s degree from the University of Brasília, where his research focused on magmatic differentiation processes in Nb–P–LREE deposits associated with alkaline–carbonatite complexes in the Alto Paranaíba Igneous Province, Brazil.
Brunno’s research will advance understanding of carbonatite-related metallogenesis and improve exploration targeting for niobium and REE deposits, supporting Australia’s role in the global supply of critical minerals.
