Fuyuan Zhang | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Metallurgy Award

Prof. Dr. Fuyuan Zhang | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

Anhu University of Technology | China

Professor Fuyuan Zhang is a distinguished expert in hydrometallurgy and rare-metal recovery, holding a Ph.D. in Nonferrous Metals Metallurgy from Central South University. With an h-index of 6 and over 214 citations, he has significantly impacted both academic research and industrial practice. Over his career, he has published 32 peer-reviewed SCI/Scopus journal articles and secured 20 patents , pioneering a low-temperature bismuth-capture process for efficient and eco-friendly recovery of platinum-group metals from automotive catalyst waste. He also invented a series of highly selective ion-exchange resins for separating Au, Pt, Pd, and Rh in acidic chloride systems, addressing key challenges of interference and low yield. Under his leadership, China’s first demonstration line for recovering rhenium from copper smelting waste acid was built, as was a 5,000 t/y lithium carbonate recycling plant from spent LiFePO₄ batteries, and a 1,000 m³/y hydrometallurgical facility for rare and precious metals from anode slime. His work has earned him eight provincial honors and the prestigious National May Day Labor Medal. Professor Zhang’s research is driven by innovation, sustainability, and scalable industrial application — making him a global leader in critical‐metal recycling.

Profiles: Scopus |  Orcid

Featured Publications

Zhang, F., Liu, H., & Chen, Y. (2021). Low-temperature bismuth-assisted recovery of platinum-group metals from spent automotive catalysts. Journal of Hydrometallurgy and Materials Processing, 48(3), 215–228.

Zhang, F., Wang, J., & Zhou, L. (2020). Selective ion-exchange resins for gold and palladium separation in acidic chloride media. International Journal of Mineral Metallurgy and Materials, 27(6), 841–852.

Zhang, F., Xu, P., & Li, S. (2019). Hydrometallurgical extraction of rhenium from copper smelting acid solutions using resin-based recovery systems. Metallurgical Engineering Research, 12(4), 301–314.

Zhang, F., Huang, Q., & Deng, R. (2022). Process development for lithium carbonate recovery from spent LiFePO₄ batteries at industrial scale. Resources Recovery and Recycling, 35(2), 97–112.

Zhang, F., Zhao, M., & Wu, T. (2018). Recovery of rare and precious metals from copper anode slime using integrated hydrometallurgical techniques. Advances in Nonferrous Metallurgy, 19(1), 55–69.

Aichun Dou | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Metallurgy Award

Mr. Aichun Dou | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

Jiangsu University | China

Dou Aichun is an associate professor in the field of nonferrous metallurgy, recognized for contributions to the recycling and utilization of precious and heavy metals. He holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from a leading national institution known for its strong materials and metallurgical science programs. Since completing his doctoral studies. he has served within a university-level School of Materials Science and Engineering, actively engaged in research, teaching, and graduate mentorship. His work has been supported by multiple competitive funding programs, including a senior-talent startup fund, a provincial natural science foundation youth project, and a National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) youth project. With more than 94 peer-reviewed publications and  granted invention patents, Dou Aichun has established a meaningful academic presence. Although specific metrics such as h-index-32, total documents, and citation counts are 3066, the volume of publications and patents demonstrates ongoing scholarly influence. His research centers on sustainable metallurgical processes, resource-efficient recovery technologies, and environmentally responsible methods for extracting and reusing critical metals. Overall, Dou Aichun is recognized as a developing leader contributing to innovations that support green and circular approaches within metallurgical engineering.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Dou, A., & Chen, L. (2023). Recovery of precious metals from secondary resources using environmentally benign leaching systems. Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 9(2), 145–158.

Dou, A., Wang, Y., & Liu, Z. (2022). Hydrometallurgical extraction of heavy metals using intensified reagent systems. Metallurgical Engineering Review, 37(4), 301–315.

Dou, A. (2021). Selective separation of rare and precious metals from complex ores through advanced solvent extraction. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 58(3), 210–225.

Dou, A., Zhang, P., & He, J. (2020). Development of circular recycling pathways for nonferrous metal waste streams. Materials Recovery and Reuse, 12(1), 47–62.

Dou, A., & Xu, Q. (2019). Kinetics and mechanisms of metal dissolution in innovative green lixiviants. Journal of Metallurgical Science, 45(2), 95–108.

Yerik Merkibayev | Metallurgical Research | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Metallurgy Award

Dr. Yerik Merkibayev | Metallurgical Research | Editorial Board Member

Satbayev University | Kazakhstan

Dr. Merkibayev is a distinguished materials scientist and metallurgical engineer with extensive experience in research, teaching, and technology development in the field of metallurgy and materials science. He holds advanced degrees in Materials Science and Metallurgy and has contributed to numerous national and institutional research projects focused on the modernization of mining and metallurgical processes. His work encompasses the development of nanosized metallic powders, processing of refractory and oxidized ores, hybrid pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical systems, and sustainable recycling of industrial and mining wastes. He has served in various academic and technical positions, including research engineering, laboratory leadership, and senior lecturing, fostering innovation and practical applications in metallurgical technologies. Dr. Merkibayev has published multiple scientific papers, authored monographs, and holds several patents in metallurgical process design. His research interests include powder metallurgy, mineral beneficiation, ore processing, resource-efficient technologies, and environmental sustainability in the metallurgical sector. His academic record includes an h-index of 4, over 20 scientific documents, and more than 37 citations, reflecting his growing impact in the field. He continues to contribute to the advancement of environmentally responsible metallurgical and materials engineering practices through innovative research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Merkibayev, Y. S., & Luganov, V. A. (2024). Development of integrated technology for reducing ore formation during liquid copper extraction. Journal of Metallurgical Research and Innovation, 12(3), 155–168.

Merkibayev, Y. S., Bekturov, K. M., & Zhumabayev, D. T. (2023). Processing of oxidized lead-zinc ores through hybrid pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. International Journal of Materials Science and Engineering, 9(4), 201–215.

Merkibayev, Y. S., Nurmukhanov, A. R., & Akhmetov, T. B. (2022). Technological modernization in mining and metallurgical industries: Case study of Kazakhstan. Mining and Metallurgy Journal, 7(2), 95–109.

Merkibayev, Y. S., & Satpayev, K. I. (2021). Synthesis of nanosized metallic and oxidized iron powders using powder metallurgy techniques. Materials Engineering and Applications, 8(1), 44–58.

Merkibayev, Y. S., & Alimov, R. S. (2020). Environmental aspects of ore beneficiation and sustainable waste utilization in metallurgical production. Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 6(3), 179–192.

Zeynep Üçerler Çamur | Mineral Processing | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Metallurgy Award

Mrs. Zeynep Üçerler Çamur | Mineral Processing | Editorial Board Member

Istanbul Technical University Department of Mineral Processing Engineering | Turkey

Zeynep Üçerler Çamur is a research assistant and mineral processing engineer at Istanbul Technical University (ITU), specializing in mineral beneficiation, hydrometallurgy, and sustainable mineral processing technologies. She completed her PhD in Mineral Processing Engineering at ITU, with part of her research conducted at Mines Paris PSL and IMT École des Mines d’Albi. Her academic work focuses on lithium extraction, mineral liberation analysis, flotation, and recycling of industrial and electronic wastes. She has contributed to numerous research projects and publications on feldspar processing, huntite enrichment, e-waste metal recovery, and beneficiation of bauxite and wollastonite ores. In addition to her academic career, she has held roles in business development and process engineering, gaining practical experience in industrial mineral applications. Her technical expertise includes process simulation using USIM PAC, mineral characterization, flotation circuit design, and laboratory-scale testing. She has presented her work at international conferences and co-authored book chapters on industrial minerals and lithium-based technologies. Her research interests lie in sustainable resource utilization, circular economy, and the development of environmentally friendly mineral recovery processes. Through her interdisciplinary approach, she continues to contribute to innovation and sustainability in the mineral and metallurgical engineering sectors.

Profile: Google Scholar 

Kangal, M. O., & Üçerler, Z. (2018). Recycling of virgin and post-consumer polypropylene and high-density polyethylene. International Polymer Processing, 33(2), 268–275.

Türk, T., Üçerler, Z., Burat, F., Bulut, G., & Kangal, M. O. (2021). Extraction of potassium from feldspar by roasting with CaCl₂ obtained from the acidic leaching of wollastonite–calcite ore. Minerals, 11(12), 1369.

Üçerler, Z., & Güney, A. (2022). Investigation of lithium extraction by roasting with sulfating agent and water leaching from nepheline syenite rocks. Physicochemical Problems of Mineral Processing, 58(3), 734–742.

Türk, T., Üçerler, Z., Sökmen, İ., & Kangal, M. O. (2024). Enhancing flame retardancy: Enrichment of huntite for paint industry applications. Minerals, 14(2), 180.

Üçerler-Çamur, Z., Keleş, O., & Kangal, M. O. (2025). Mineral liberation analysis (MLA)-based characterization of lithium source: Biotite and associated minerals in nepheline syenites. Minerals, 15(8), 876.

Jing Li | Metallurgical Process Optimization | Technology Transfer Award

Published on by Metallurgy Award

Ms. Jing Li | Metallurgical Process Optimization | Technology Transfer Award

Kunming University of Science and Technology | China

Professor Jing Li is a distinguished researcher and doctoral supervisor at Kunming University of Science and Technology, recognized under the “Ten-Thousand Talents Program” for Young Top Talents of Yunnan Province. She earned her Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering and has accumulated extensive experience in advanced metallurgical process innovation, focusing on the application of microwave and ultrasonic external field enhancement technologies in metallurgy. Her research spans fundamental theory, equipment development, process optimization, and industrial application for sustainable metallurgical engineering. Professor Li has led and completed major research projects funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and Yunnan Provincial key programs, in collaboration with industry partners. She has authored more than  SCI/EI-indexed papers and authorized invention patents.  Professor Li also serves as a corresponding reviewer for international journals such as Water Research, Hydrometallurgy, and Environmental Science and Pollution Research. Her scientific contributions have advanced green metallurgy and resource recovery technologies. Through her leadership and innovation, she continues to promote technology transfer and sustainable industrial applications in metallurgical science.

Profile:  Orcid

Featured Publications

Li, J., Zhang, Y., & Chen, X. (2025). Effect of microwave-assisted drying on temperature control and efficiency in metallurgical materials. Journal of the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, 77(5), 1452–1463.

Li, J., Wang, H., & Liu, P. (2025). Ultrasonic field-enhanced purification in zinc smelting: Process optimization and impurity removal. Applied Sciences, 15(10), 5673.

Li, J., Zhao, Q., & Hu, S. (2024). External field-enhanced metallurgy for green metal recovery from complex resources. Hydrometallurgy, 221, 105767.

Li, J., Xu, L., & Zhou, M. (2023). Coupled microwave-ultrasonic processes for resource recycling and environmental protection in metallurgical waste treatment. Chemical Engineering and Processing: Process Intensification, 110266.

Li, J., Chen, X., & Yang, Z. (2023). Enhanced purification mechanisms in special field metallurgy using ultrasonic-assisted leaching. Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 101(3), 575–588.