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.

Zeynep Üçerler Çamur | Mineral Processing | Editorial Board Member

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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.

Sharath Kumar | Extractive Metallurgy | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Sharath Kumar | Extractive Metallurgy | Editorial Board Member

Vijayanagara Sri Krishandevaraya University Ballari, Karnataka India

Dr. P. Sharath Kumar is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Mineral Processing, currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Vijayanagara Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Karnataka, with over nine years of teaching and research experience. He holds a Ph.D. in Mineral Processing, an M.Tech in Metallurgical Engineering from NIT Karnataka, Surathkal, and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from VTU Belagavi. His research interests include iron ore beneficiation, magnetic separation, reduction roasting, pelletization of iron ore concentrates, and modeling and simulation of beneficiation plants. . He has successfully guided several postgraduate students and led multiple government-funded and industrial consultancy projects in mineral beneficiation and metallurgical applications. He is a life member of the Indian Institute of Mineral Engineers, Mining Engineering Association of India, and the Institution of Engineers (India). Recognized for his professional excellence, Dr. Kumar has received the Prof. C. Mahadevan Award (Young Mineral Engineer) and the Young Engineer Award from the Institution of Engineers, Kolkata. His work continues to promote innovation and sustainability in mineral and metallurgical engineering.

Profile: Google Scholar 

Featured Publications

Swamy, A. K., Nikkam, S., & Palthur, S. K. (2022). Recovery of hematite from banded hematite quartzite of southern India by magnetic separation and reverse flotation. Minerals, 12(9), 1095.

Kumara Swamy, A., Suresh, N., & Sharath Kumar, P. (2022). Resource management and utilization of lean grade iron ore resources of Karnataka, India. Journal of Mines, Metals and Fuels, 70(5), 171–181.

Kumar, P. S., Ravi, B. P., Sivrikaya, O., & Nanda, R. K. (2019). The study of pelletizing of mixed hematite and magnetite ores. Science of Sintering, 51(1–3), 1–12.

Kumar, P. S., Ravi, B. P., Sreedhar, G. E., & Naganoor, P. C. (2016). Modeling and optimization of vertical pulsating high gradient magnetic separator for iron ore slime processing using response surface methodology. International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy, 1(2), 19–27.

Ayyakkannu, A., Kumar, P. S., Naganoor, P. C., & Hatti, B. (2020). Eco-efficiency of metallurgical value-added process facilities for sustainable production. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 8(6), 505–508.