From characterisation to extraction – new staff to assist with unlocking metal value
It has been a period of change at MIWATCH with familiar faces coming to the end of their learning journeys and time for projects to start moving from characterisation to extraction, with the aim to work more closely too with other teams across SMI and UQ. The first new member of staff to join ‘MIWATCH 2.0’ is Senior Research Technician Ali Yadollahi.
Ali began his academic journey in 2013 by earning a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering from the University of Tehran in Iran. During his studies, he learned about mineral extraction and concentration methods through relevant courses and practical experience as an intern at Sarcheshmeh Plant (2015). As he approached the end of his undergraduate studies, he decided to pursue a master's in Mine and Environment Engineering (2018) at the same university to gain more specialized training in the field. Collaborating with the Mineral Processing Laboratory group and the Mine Environment and Hydrogeology Research Laboratory (MEHR LAB) group provided him with practical insights into Mineral and Environmental Engineering (2020). His master's research was focused on recovering valuable minerals, (bio)leaching, and treating acid mine drainage (AMD).
After graduation, he continued working with the Mineral Processing Laboratory group at the University of Tehran. Their focus was on studying the feasibility and sustainability of various minerals. He gained experience working with microorganisms (bacteria) and their interactions with different minerals. At the same time, he worked with two companies as a research and development engineer (2022-2023), focusing on small-scale mining methods (SSM) and new methods of mineral processing (Copper, Zinc, etc). In the subsequent years, he devoted his time and efforts to furthering his expertise in renewable technologies. This included immersing himself in specialized courses that delved deeply into sustainable energy systems and entrepreneurship, which he pursued at both the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and ESADE Business School (2023- 2024).
Ali will be kicking off reviewing MIWATCH’s national database and identifying project sites where he can apply bioleaching technologies to extracting critical metals. Ali will also work on a metal extraction pilot project, focused on extracted base metals and gold from waste rock collected at Baal Gammon and Rishton mines (funded by the QLD government). High voltage pulse separation and TOMRA imaging of these materials will be discussed at the May 2024 GSQ-UQ webinar.
Welcome Ali!