Dr. Abdelkhalek Barbouchi | Hydrometallurgy | Industry Innovator Recognition Award
Dr. Abdelkhalek Barbouchi, Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco
Abdelkhalek Barbouchi is a dedicated researcher in Materials and Process Engineering, currently pursuing his PhD at Cadi Ayyad University, Morocco. His work focuses on developing pretreatment processes for refractory gold ores. Since 2021, he has contributed significantly to REMINEX Research Center in the Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy Department. Barbouchi’s projects emphasize sustainable metallurgy, focusing on biodegradable reagents, bioleaching, and the recovery of critical and precious metals such as gold, silver, tin, manganese, and rare earths. His collaborative work with industrial groups like Managem has had real-world applications, enhancing gold production performance in various mining operations. With strong involvement in academic teaching and supervision, he actively shares knowledge and trains future professionals. A multilingual professional with solid expertise in hydrometallurgy and electrochemistry, Abdelkhalek merges practical, theoretical, and innovative dimensions in his research, underpinned by a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and process optimization.
Professional Profile
Suitability for the Research for Industry Innovator Recognition Award
Abdelkhalek Barbouchi’s academic and professional journey positions him as an exceptional candidate for the Research for Industry Innovator Recognition Award. His current PhD research at Cadi Ayyad University focuses on the development of pretreatment processes for refractory gold ores, an area crucial to advancing the mining industry. His work, which involves the collaboration with the Reminex Research Center and Managem Group, exemplifies a commitment to bridging academic research with practical industry applications. Specifically, his projects on improving gold recovery and the development of more sustainable and efficient extraction methods are highly relevant to the ongoing challenges faced by the mining industry.
In terms of industry impact, Barbouchi has contributed significantly through his involvement in various large-scale research projects, such as the development of processes to recover precious metals, rare earths, and transition metals from ores. Notably, his work on substituting hazardous reagents in hydrometallurgical processes with biodegradable alternatives demonstrates his forward-thinking approach to sustainable industry practices. His contributions have the potential to transform mineral processing techniques, making them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Education
Abdelkhalek Barbouchi is pursuing a PhD in Materials and Process Engineering at the Department of Chemistry, Semlalia Faculty of Sciences, Cadi Ayyad University, focusing on the development of pretreatment processes for refractory gold ores in collaboration with REMINEX and the Managem Group. He holds a Master’s degree in Chemistry of Inorganic Materials (2019–2021) and a Bachelor’s degree in Materials Chemistry (2016–2019), both from FSSM Marrakech. His academic journey began with a high school diploma in Physical Sciences in 2016. His education has provided a strong foundation in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and electrochemistry, enabling him to merge scientific research with industrial practices. Through this academic path, he has developed expertise in project planning, laboratory and pilot-scale experimentation, and the implementation of sustainable chemical processes. Barbouchi's continuous education supports his drive for innovation in metallurgical recovery techniques and environmentally friendly practices within extractive industries.
Professional Experience
Since 2021, Abdelkhalek Barbouchi has been working as a researcher at the REMINEX Research Center in the Department of Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy. He manages research projects focused on precious metal ores, rare earth elements, and transition metals. His responsibilities include developing mineralurgical and hydrometallurgical processes, performing laboratory and pilot-scale studies, and supporting operational optimization at gold production sites like the Tri-K and CIL CTT plants. Barbouchi has led innovative projects such as substituting hazardous reagents with biodegradable alternatives, optimizing gold recovery at IAMGOLD’s Essakane mine, and developing bioleaching and flotation-based pretreatment methods for refractory ores. In 2023 and 2024, he contributed to recovering tin and manganese ores and valorizing rare earth elements. His hands-on experience in industrially relevant research bridges scientific advancement and environmental sustainability, making him a pivotal figure in process engineering within extractive metallurgy.
Awards and Recognition
Abdelkhalek Barbouchi has gained notable recognition through high-impact publications and active contributions to the field of hydrometallurgy. His scientific articles have been published in prestigious journals such as Acta Montanistica Slovaca, Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia, Ceramics International, and Chemical Papers. He also co-authored a comprehensive review on gold recovery published in the Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly. Barbouchi has been acknowledged for his innovative project contributions, especially in biodegradable reagent development and ore pretreatment processes. He is frequently involved in scientific conferences, having delivered oral presentations like the one at ICEE’24 on pyrite oxidation. Additionally, he plays an educational role, teaching and mentoring Master's students at Cadi Ayyad University. His recognition extends beyond academia into the industrial realm, where his collaborations with Managem Group have contributed to impactful metallurgical solutions. These accolades reflect his dual commitment to cutting-edge research and practical application in sustainable metal recovery.
Research Skills On Hydrometallurgy
Abdelkhalek Barbouchi possesses robust research skills in mineralurgical and hydrometallurgical processing. He is proficient in laboratory and pilot-scale project planning, metallurgical simulation (using HSC Chemistry), data analysis, bibliometric research, and uncertainty assessment following ISO/IEC guidelines. His technical capabilities span a wide array of ore beneficiation techniques, including flotation, densimetric, magnetic, and gravimetric separation, and hydrocycloning. In hydrometallurgy, he excels in cyanidation (CIL/CIP/CIC), carbon adsorption, cementation, and electrolysis for gold and silver recovery. Barbouchi has advanced expertise in oxidative pretreatment strategies for refractory ores, including chemical oxidation, thermal processing, and bioleaching. His soft skills—communication, adaptability, team leadership, and stress management—complement his scientific acumen. Trained in Lean Six Sigma and project management, he merges scientific innovation with operational excellence. His research aligns with global priorities in energy transition and environmental sustainability by targeting critical materials like manganese and rare earth elements, making him a key asset to academic and industrial research communities.
Publication Top Notes
-
Chemical Oxidation of Arsenopyrite by Strong Oxidizing Agents: For Oxidative Pretreatment of Refractory Arsenopyritic Gold Ores
-
Authors: A. Barbouchi, I. Er-Raqi, M. Hamchi, R. Idouhli, M. Khadiri, ...
-
Journal: Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia
-
Volume/Issue: 21 (3)
-
Year: 2024
-
-
Electrochemical Behavior of Silver During Cyanidation in the Presence of Sulfide Minerals
-
Authors: M. Mikali, A. Barbouchi, R. Idouhli, A. Abouelfida, A. Yaacoubi, I. Benzakour, ...
-
Journal: Chemical Papers
-
Volume/Issue: 77 (4), 2103-2113
-
Year: 2023
-
-
Enhancing SrBi₂Nb₂O₉ Ceramics: The Role of Neodymium Substitution in Structural, Dielectric, and Ferroelectric Properties
-
Authors: I. Anasser, M.A. Harech, T. Labbilta, A. Barbouchi, M. Afqir, Y. Hadouch, ...
-
Journal: Ceramics International
-
Volume/Issue: 51 (1), 1204-1213
-
Year: 2025
-
-
Advancements in Improving Gold Recovery from Refractory Gold Ores/Concentrates: A Review
-
Authors: A. Barbouchi, M. Louarrat, M. Mikali, L. Barfoud, M.A. El Alaoui-Chrifi, H. Faqir, ...
-
Journal: Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly
-
Pages: 1-18
-
Year: 2024
-
-
Chemical Oxidation of Pyrite by Strong Oxidizing Agents: For Pretreatment of Refractory Pyritic Gold Ores
-
Authors: A. Barbouchi, I. Er-Raqi, R. Idouhli, M. Khadiri, A. Abouelfida, M. Louarrat, ...
-
Journal: Acta Montanistica Slovaca
-
Volume/Issue: 29 (4), 773-786
-
Year: 2024
-
-
Highly Efficient Pretreatment for Refractory Gold Ores Using Persulfate, Catalyst, and Free Radical-Based Advanced Oxidation Processes to Improve Cyanidation
-
Authors: A. Barbouchi, S. Ayadi, R. Idouhli, M. Khadiri, A. Abouelfida, L. Barfoud, ...
-
Journal: Hydrometallurgy
-
DOI: 106488
-
Year: 2025
-