ELIAS MATINDE | Pyrometallurgy | Best Researcher Award

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:

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Suitability for Best Researcher Award โ€“ 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 ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿญ

โœ… Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering โ€“ Tohoku University, Japan ๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต
โœ… MBA in Business Administration โ€“ University of Zimbabwe ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ผ
โœ… BSc (Hons.) in Metallurgical Engineering (Cum Laude) โ€“ University of Zimbabwe ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ผ
โœ… PGDip in Higher Education โ€“ University of Witwatersrand, South Africa ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ

๐Ÿ’ผ Executive Manager, Pyrometallurgy Division โ€“ MINTEK, South Africa ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
๐Ÿ’ผ Senior Researcher & Lecturer โ€“ University of Witwatersrand ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ฆ
๐Ÿ’ผ Senior Metallurgical Researcher โ€“ SIRDC, Zimbabwe ๐Ÿ‡ฟ๐Ÿ‡ผ

Professional Developmen๐Ÿš€

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 ๐Ÿ”ฌ

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 ๐Ÿ†

๐Ÿ… Fellow of SAIMM โ€“ Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
๐Ÿ… Registered Professional Engineer (ECSA) โ€“ Engineering Council of South Africa
๐Ÿ… Cum Laude Distinction โ€“ BSc (Hons.) Metallurgical Engineering, University of Zimbabwe
๐Ÿ… Patents โ€“ Innovations in phosphorus recovery and magnetic slag conditioning
๐Ÿ… Executive Training in Extractive Industries & Sustainable Development โ€“ Columbia University
๐Ÿ… Senior Leadership & Research Excellence โ€“ Recognized for driving innovation in metallurgy

Professional Profile:

โ›๏ธ Mining and metallurgical wastes: a review of recycling and re-use practices โ€“ Journal of Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (2018) | Cited by: 184

๐Ÿ”ฌ Recovery of rare earth elements from acid mine drainage: A review of the extraction methods โ€“ Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering (2022) | Cited by: 102

๐Ÿญ Waste Production and Utilization in the Metal Extraction Industry โ€“ Book (2017) | Cited by: 89

๐ŸŒ Ironmaking and steelmaking slags as sustainable adsorbents for industrial effluents and wastewater treatment: A critical review โ€“ Sustainability (2020) | Cited by: 77

โš’๏ธ Dephosphorization treatment of high phosphorus iron ore by pre-reduction, mechanical crushing and screening methods โ€“ ISIJ International (2011) | Cited by: 65

๐Ÿ”ฅ Phosphorus gasification from sewage sludge during carbothermic reduction โ€“ ISIJ International (2008) | Cited by: 60

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Dephosphorization treatment of high phosphorus iron ore by pre-reduction, air jet milling and screening methods โ€“ ISIJ International (2011) | Cited by: 47

๐ŸŽ“ Studentsโ€™ perceptions on reciprocal peer tutorial assessment in an undergraduate course in process metallurgy โ€“ 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. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ”ฅ

Sello Tsebe | Pyrometallurgy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Sello Tsebe | Pyrometallurgy | Best Researcher Award

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 eWasteSmeltโ„ข and ImpManโ„ข and has authored numerous technical papers and reports. His leadership and innovation continue to drive advancements in metallurgy.

Professional Profile:

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Suitability for Best Researcher Award โ€“ 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 (eWasteSmeltโ„ข and ImpManโ„ข), and secured substantial research funding. His work has contributed significantly to metallurgical advancements, particularly in sustainable metal extraction and high-temperature metallurgy.

Education & Experience ๐ŸŽ“๐Ÿ’ผ

Education ๐Ÿ“š

  • ๐ŸŽ“ Senior Matric Certificate โ€“ Gojela High School (2002)

  • ๐ŸŽ“ Academic Enrichment Programme Certificate โ€“ EduMap College (2003)

  • ๐ŸŽ“ B.Sc.Eng in Materials & Metallurgy โ€“ Wits University (2009)

  • ๐ŸŽ“ PPM in Project Management โ€“ University of Pretoria (2017)

  • ๐ŸŽ“ M.Sc.Eng in Extractive Metallurgy โ€“ Wits University (2023)

Experience ๐Ÿญ

  • Head: Technology Demonstration, Pyrometallurgy โ€“ Mintek (2022 โ€“ Present)

  • Chief Engineer, Pyrometallurgy โ€“ Mintek (2021 โ€“ 2022)

  • Principal Engineer, Pyrometallurgy โ€“ Mintek (2018 โ€“ 2021)

  • Senior Engineer, Pyrometallurgy โ€“ Mintek (2015 โ€“ 2017)

  • Engineer, Hydrometallurgy โ€“ Mintek (2013 โ€“ 2014)

  • Process Engineer, Rand Refinery โ€“ (2011 โ€“ 2012)

  • Engineer, Pyrometallurgy โ€“ Mintek (2008 โ€“ 2010)

Professional Development๐Ÿš€๐Ÿ“ˆ

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 eWasteSmeltโ„ข and ImpManโ„ข. 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 Mintekโ€™s RDI strategy, focusing on industry-driven metallurgical innovations.

Research Focus๐Ÿ”โš™๏ธ

Sello Tsebeโ€™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 eWasteSmeltโ„ข 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 ๐Ÿ†๐ŸŽ–๏ธ

Work Awards

  • ๐Ÿ† 2015 Mintek Excellence Award โ€“ Development of a world-class high-pressure leach pilot

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Research Funding Awards โ€“ Secured multi-million-rand funding for strategic projects

Academic Awards

  • ๐ŸŽ“ 2005 Wits University Deanโ€™s List of Excellence โ€“ Best in Class

  • ๐ŸŽ“ 2004 Wits University Deanโ€™s List of Excellence โ€“ Best in Class

  • ๐Ÿ… 2004 Global Material Solution Prize โ€“ Best in Class

  • ๐Ÿ† 2002 Maths Olympiad Winner โ€“ Mogalakwena District

  • ๐Ÿ… 2002 Grade 12 Merit Certificate โ€“ Highest Academic Marks

Publication Top Notes

๐Ÿ”ฉ Variables Applicable to Benchmarking of Tap-Hole Life-Cycle Management Practices in Coke-Bed-Based Ferroalloy Production โ€“ JOM (2018) | Cited by: 3

๐Ÿ”ฅ Effect of Ore Pre-heating on Furnace Operation in High Carbon Ferromanganese Productionโ€”Lessons Learnt from Pilot-Scale Test Work โ€“ TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition (2023) | Cited by: 1

โš™๏ธ Numerical model of aluminothermic reduction vessel preheating and charge heating with graphite heating rods

๐Ÿ”ง Numerical model of a top-blown rotary converter preheating and charge heating with an oxy-fuel burner

โ™ป๏ธ Development of an Integrated Process Flowsheet to Recover Valuable Metals from Waste Cathode Ray Tubes and Printed Circuit Boards

Conclusion

Sello Tsebeโ€™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. ๐Ÿ†๐Ÿ”ฌ๐Ÿ”ฅ