Head: Technology Demonstration at Mintek, South Africa.
Mr. Sello Tsebe, Pr.Eng, is a seasoned metallurgical engineer with over 17 years of experience in pyrometallurgical research and technology development. Currently serving as the Head of Technology Demonstration at Mintek, he specializes in high-pressure leach pilot projects, process optimization, and technology transfer. A registered Professional Engineer (ECSA), he has led multiple large-scale CAPEX projects and secured significant research funding. His expertise spans extractive metallurgy, process simulation, and sustainable metal recovery. He holds patents for eWasteSmelt™ and ImpMan™ and has authored numerous technical papers and reports. His leadership and innovation continue to drive advancements in metallurgy.
Professional Profile:
Scopus
Google Scholar
Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Sello Tsebe
Mr. Sello Tsebe is a highly accomplished metallurgical engineer and researcher with over 17 years of expertise in pyrometallurgy, extractive metallurgy, and process optimization. His leadership at Mintek, combined with his technological innovations, research contributions, and industry impact, makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. As a registered Professional Engineer (ECSA), he has led high-value CAPEX projects, developed patented technologies (eWasteSmelt™ and ImpMan™), and secured substantial research funding. His work has contributed significantly to metallurgical advancements, particularly in sustainable metal extraction and high-temperature metallurgy.
Education & Experience 🎓💼
Education 📚
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🎓 Senior Matric Certificate – Gojela High School (2002)
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🎓 Academic Enrichment Programme Certificate – EduMap College (2003)
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🎓 B.Sc.Eng in Materials & Metallurgy – Wits University (2009)
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🎓 PPM in Project Management – University of Pretoria (2017)
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🎓 M.Sc.Eng in Extractive Metallurgy – Wits University (2023)
Experience 🏭
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Head: Technology Demonstration, Pyrometallurgy – Mintek (2022 – Present)
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Chief Engineer, Pyrometallurgy – Mintek (2021 – 2022)
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Principal Engineer, Pyrometallurgy – Mintek (2018 – 2021)
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Senior Engineer, Pyrometallurgy – Mintek (2015 – 2017)
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Engineer, Hydrometallurgy – Mintek (2013 – 2014)
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Process Engineer, Rand Refinery – (2011 – 2012)
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Engineer, Pyrometallurgy – Mintek (2008 – 2010)
Professional Development🚀📈
Sello Tsebe is a dedicated professional with expertise in pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, and technology demonstration. His career is defined by continuous learning, innovation, and leadership in metallurgical research. As a registered Professional Engineer (ECSA), he has successfully managed large-scale pilot plants, secured research funding, and developed proprietary technologies like eWasteSmelt™ and ImpMan™. He is proficient in FactSage, Pyrosim, HSC Sim, and project management software. His professional development includes training in incident investigation, technical report writing, public speaking, and SHEQ compliance. With a strong strategic vision, he leads Mintek’s RDI strategy, focusing on industry-driven metallurgical innovations.
Research Focus🔍⚙️
Sello Tsebe’s research is centered on pyrometallurgical process optimization, high-temperature metallurgy, and sustainable metal extraction. His work focuses on developing innovative processes for the recycling of e-waste, manganese ore reduction, and smelter energy efficiency. He actively collaborates on EU Horizon projects and has pioneered waste-to-value solutions such as the eWasteSmelt™ process. His contributions to computational modeling, furnace operation improvements, and technology transfer have had a significant impact on the metallurgical industry. With multiple technical publications and conference presentations, he continuously advances the field of extractive metallurgy through applied research and pilot-scale technology demonstrations.
Awards & Honors 🏆🎖️
Work Awards
Academic Awards
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🎓 2005 Wits University Dean’s List of Excellence – Best in Class
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🎓 2004 Wits University Dean’s List of Excellence – Best in Class
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🏅 2004 Global Material Solution Prize – Best in Class
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🏆 2002 Maths Olympiad Winner – Mogalakwena District
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🏅 2002 Grade 12 Merit Certificate – Highest Academic Marks
Publication Top Notes
🔩 Variables Applicable to Benchmarking of Tap-Hole Life-Cycle Management Practices in Coke-Bed-Based Ferroalloy Production – JOM (2018) | Cited by: 3
🔥 Effect of Ore Pre-heating on Furnace Operation in High Carbon Ferromanganese Production—Lessons Learnt from Pilot-Scale Test Work – TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition (2023) | Cited by: 1
⚙️ Numerical model of aluminothermic reduction vessel preheating and charge heating with graphite heating rods
🔧 Numerical model of a top-blown rotary converter preheating and charge heating with an oxy-fuel burner
♻️ Development of an Integrated Process Flowsheet to Recover Valuable Metals from Waste Cathode Ray Tubes and Printed Circuit Boards
Conclusion
Sello Tsebe’s outstanding research contributions, innovative patents, leadership in metallurgical advancements, and industry impact make him an exceptional candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to bridge academic research and industrial application, along with his strong research funding record and technological breakthroughs, demonstrates his significant contributions to the field. His work is not only advancing metallurgical science but also driving sustainable and efficient metal recovery solutions, making him a top choice for this prestigious award. 🏆🔬🔥