Fuyuan Zhang | Non-Ferrous Metals | Best Researcher Award

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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.

Yerik Merkibayev | Metallurgical Research | Editorial Board Member

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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.

Jing Li | Metallurgical Process Optimization | Technology Transfer Award

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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.

Anatoliy | Steel Metallurgy | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Anatoliy | Steel Metallurgy | Best Researcher Award

VNIIMETMASH | Russia

Anatoly Vsevolodovich Protasov is a renowned specialist in metallurgical engineering and mechanical design. He holds qualifications in metalworking and mechanical equipment of metallurgical plants and has developed a long and impactful career at the All-Russian Scientific and Project Designing Institute of Metallurgical Machine-Building (VNIIMETMASH). Over several decades, he has advanced through technical and leadership roles, directing complex projects related to steelmaking equipment and plant modernization. His work has significantly contributed to the design and implementation of steel converters, movable mixers, and secondary steelmaking aggregates installed at major metallurgical enterprises. His research interests include innovations in secondary steelmaking, vacuum degassing, DC arc metal treatment, and the development of mini-mill technologies for long-rolled steel production. He has authored more than 24 scientific and technical publications, including patented inventions, monographs, and textbooks, which have collectively received 17 citations and an h-index of 2. Recognized for his major contributions to metallurgical machine-building, he has received national awards and professional honors. His continuing efforts in research, engineering leadership, and technology development have strengthened the advancement of modern metallurgical equipment and processes.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Protasov, A. V., Sivak, B. A., & Bershitzky, I. M. (2018). Development and studies of secondary steelmaking units with electric heating of the metal by direct current arc. Evolutions in Mechanical Engineering.

Protasov, A. V. (2019). Technical-economic aspects of the units creation and exploitation for ladle treatment of cast iron and steels. Evolutions in Mechanical Engineering.

Protasov, A. V. (2018). Modern development tendencies of ladle vacuum treatment. Advanced Materials & Metallurgical Science.

Protasov, A. V. (2021). Vacuum treatment of metal in the process of continuous casting. Evolutions in Mechanical Engineering.

Protasov, A. V. (2025). Development of steel ladle vacuum degassing processes. Metallurgist.