Dr. ELIAS MATINDE | Pyrometallurgy | Best Researcher Award
Manager at Pyrometallurgy Division, Mintek, South Africa.
Dr. Elias Matinde, Pr.Eng., is a Zimbabwean-born metallurgical engineer and Executive Manager of the Pyrometallurgy Division at MINTEK, South Africa. With over 20 years of expertise in ironmaking, steelmaking, ferroalloy smelting, and critical metal extraction, he pioneers low-carbon metallurgy and circular economy solutions. Holding a Ph.D. from Tohoku University, Japan, and an MBA from the University of Zimbabwe, he has led research, innovation, and commercialization efforts in metallurgy. A Fellow of SAIMM and a registered Professional Engineer (ECSA), Dr. Matinde actively contributes to academia, holds multiple patents, and advocates for sustainable metallurgical practices.
Professional Profile:
Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Elias Matinde
Dr. Elias Matinde is a highly accomplished metallurgical engineer and researcher with over 20 years of expertise in pyrometallurgy, ferroalloy smelting, ironmaking, steelmaking, and critical metal extraction. As Executive Manager of the Pyrometallurgy Division at MINTEK, he leads cutting-edge research and industrial innovations in sustainable metallurgy. His groundbreaking contributions to low-carbon metallurgy, circular economy models, and waste utilization position him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. His strong academic background (Ph.D. from Tohoku University, Japan), multiple patents, and recognized leadership in metallurgical advancements further reinforce his suitability for this prestigious honor.
Education & Experience 🎓👨🏭
✅ Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering – Tohoku University, Japan 🇯🇵
✅ MBA in Business Administration – University of Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
✅ BSc (Hons.) in Metallurgical Engineering (Cum Laude) – University of Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
✅ PGDip in Higher Education – University of Witwatersrand, South Africa 🇿🇦
💼 Executive Manager, Pyrometallurgy Division – MINTEK, South Africa 🇿🇦
💼 Senior Researcher & Lecturer – University of Witwatersrand 🇿🇦
💼 Senior Metallurgical Researcher – SIRDC, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Professional Developmen🚀
Dr. Matinde is dedicated to advancing sustainable metallurgy through research, industrial collaboration, and technological innovation. His leadership at MINTEK has driven metallurgical advancements in ferroalloys, ironmaking, and steelmaking. He has completed executive training in Extractive Industries & Sustainable Development at Columbia University and holds patents in phosphorus recovery from biowaste and slag conditioning. As a Fellow of SAIMM and a registered Professional Engineer (ECSA), he mentors upcoming metallurgists and engineers. His expertise in process optimization and low-carbon pathways contributes to global sustainability efforts, making him a key figure in metallurgical innovation and environmentally responsible extraction processes.
Research Focus 🔬
Dr. Matinde’s research revolves around pyrometallurgical processes, focusing on ironmaking, steelmaking, ferroalloy smelting, and critical metal extraction. His work integrates low-carbon metallurgy, circular economy models, and waste utilization to minimize environmental impact. He explores sustainable slag management, magnetic slag conditioning, and phosphorus recovery from biowaste to promote eco-friendly metal extraction. His research supports industrial decarbonization, driving sustainable solutions in metallurgy. By combining fundamental research with industrial applications, he enhances resource efficiency and contributes to the global transition toward green and circular metallurgical processes, ensuring economic and environmental sustainability in metal production.
Awards & Honors 🏆
🏅 Fellow of SAIMM – Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
🏅 Registered Professional Engineer (ECSA) – Engineering Council of South Africa
🏅 Cum Laude Distinction – BSc (Hons.) Metallurgical Engineering, University of Zimbabwe
🏅 Patents – Innovations in phosphorus recovery and magnetic slag conditioning
🏅 Executive Training in Extractive Industries & Sustainable Development – Columbia University
🏅 Senior Leadership & Research Excellence – Recognized for driving innovation in metallurgy
Professional Profile:
⛏️ Mining and metallurgical wastes: a review of recycling and re-use practices – Journal of Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (2018) | Cited by: 184
🔬 Recovery of rare earth elements from acid mine drainage: A review of the extraction methods – Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2022) | Cited by: 102
🏭 Waste Production and Utilization in the Metal Extraction Industry – Book (2017) | Cited by: 89
🌍 Ironmaking and steelmaking slags as sustainable adsorbents for industrial effluents and wastewater treatment: A critical review – Sustainability (2020) | Cited by: 77
⚒️ Dephosphorization treatment of high phosphorus iron ore by pre-reduction, mechanical crushing and screening methods – ISIJ International (2011) | Cited by: 65
🔥 Phosphorus gasification from sewage sludge during carbothermic reduction – ISIJ International (2008) | Cited by: 60
🛠️ Dephosphorization treatment of high phosphorus iron ore by pre-reduction, air jet milling and screening methods – ISIJ International (2011) | Cited by: 47
🎓 Students’ perceptions on reciprocal peer tutorial assessment in an undergraduate course in process metallurgy – Education Sciences (2019) | Cited by: 15
Conclusion
Dr. Matinde’s exceptional contributions to metallurgy, his groundbreaking research in sustainable and low-carbon processes, and his proven leadership in industrial metallurgical advancements make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His ability to bridge academic research with industrial applications, along with his technological innovations and global sustainability efforts, demonstrates significant impact in the field. With his expertise, patents, and leadership, he is undoubtedly a top contender for this prestigious honor. 🏆🔬🔥