Abdelkhalek Barbouchi | Hydrometallurgy | Industry Innovator Recognition Award

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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.

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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

Samuel Kofi Mensah | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Samuel Kofi Mensah | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

👤 Mr. Samuel Kofi Mensah, University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana

Mensah Kofi Samuel is a versatile professional with extensive expertise in environmental engineering, occupational safety, and research. Currently pursuing a PhD in Environmental Engineering Management at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Mensah’s career journey reflects a commitment to sustainability and safety. He has a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering Management and Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management, coupled with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education. With over a decade of experience in teaching, insurance, micro-finance, and research, Mensah has contributed to academia and community development. His recent works focus on sustainable mining practices and their impact on livelihoods in Ghana. Mensah’s leadership, research, and communication skills complement his goal-oriented approach to challenges, making him an invaluable asset in academia and industry alike.

Professional Profile

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 🌟  Evaluation of MENSAH KOFI SAMUEL for the Research for Research Excellence Award

Summary of Suitability
Mensah Kofi Samuel exhibits a strong and diverse profile in research, education, and professional development, which aligns well with the criteria for the Research for Research Excellence Award. His academic journey is marked by a consistent focus on environmental management and engineering, as demonstrated by his ongoing Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering Management and his prior MSc degrees in related fields. This foundation reflects his commitment to advancing knowledge and solutions in sustainable development and environmental practices.

Samuel’s extensive research portfolio underscores his dedication to addressing critical challenges in Ghana’s artisanal and small-scale mining sector. His work focuses on sustainable mining practices, occupational safety, and environmental impacts, showcasing his ability to conduct impactful, applied research. The depth and breadth of his studies, such as assessing health and safety compliance, developing strategies for environmental improvement, and examining the socio-economic impacts of illegal mining, highlight his analytical and solution-oriented approach.

🎓 Education

Mensah Kofi Samuel has pursued a robust academic journey to enhance his expertise in environmental and safety management. He is currently enrolled in a PhD program in Environmental Engineering Management at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR). He earned an MSc in Environmental Engineering Management (2023) and an MSc in Occupational Safety, Health, and Environmental Management (2021) from the same institution and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration, respectively. Additionally, he holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (2020) from the University of Education, Winneba, and a BA in Integrated Development Studies, specializing in Environment and Resource Management, from the University for Development Studies, Wa Campus. His educational foundation was laid at Sunyani Secondary School, where he completed his Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination in 2005. Mensah’s academic endeavors reflect his dedication to sustainability and societal impact.

💼 Professional Experience

Mensah Kofi Samuel’s professional trajectory spans academia, finance, and research. Since 2021, he has served as a tutor for the University of Cape Coast Distance Education Programme and a teacher at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School. Previously, he taught at Agape Preparatory School and worked as a loan officer at MGI Micro-Finance in Sunyani. Mensah’s insurance experience includes roles as a sales executive at Star Life Assurance and personal insurance assistant at ESICH Life Assurance. Notably, he contributed to forestry as a field assistant during his National Service at the Forestry Services Division in Sunyani. Earlier in his career, Mensah honed his skills in security services with Edern Security Services and J. Adom Constructions Ltd. His diverse roles underscore his adaptability, leadership, and commitment to professional excellence.

🏅 Awards and Recognition

Mensah Kofi Samuel has earned recognition for his academic, leadership, and extracurricular contributions. He was awarded a certificate as a cadet corps (2IC) with the rank of Captain at the University for Development Studies. He also received accolades as a member of the Environment and Resource Students Association and for his participation in the Church of Pentecost National Youth Quiz, achieving national-level recognition in 2012. His Bible quiz victories at district and Northern sector levels reflect his dedication to personal and spiritual growth. These honors highlight Mensah’s commitment to excellence, leadership, and active engagement in community-building activities.

🌍 Research Skills On Engineering

Mensah Kofi Samuel specializes in environmental and safety research, with a focus on sustainable mining and its societal impacts. His expertise includes conducting detailed assessments of occupational safety practices, sustainable mining strategies, and environmental management solutions in Ghana. Mensah’s research portfolio includes evaluating the impacts of small-scale mining on livelihoods, health, and agricultural production. He is adept at leading projects, designing surveys, analyzing data, and developing actionable recommendations. His dedication to advancing sustainable practices and addressing pressing environmental challenges underscores his research acumen and commitment to societal development.

📖 Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Persistent ascending mesocolon: An unexpected content in a giant and complex paraumbilical hernia of a 48-year-old obese woman
    Authors: Naabo, N.N., Maalman, R.S., Adamu, A.F., Naabo, M.N., Mensah, S.
    Year: 2025
  • Title: An evaluation of the Hawthorne effect in a clinical trial of trauma care in Ghana
    Authors: Gyedu, A., Amponsah-Manu, F., Mensah, S., Donkor, P., Mock, C.
    Year: 2024
  • Title: Microbiology testing capacity and antimicrobial drug resistance in surgical-site infections: A post-hoc, prospective, secondary analysis of the FALCON randomised trial in seven low-income and middle-income countries
    Authors: Aboderin, A.O., Amfoabegyi, S., Awopeju, A.T., Tajudeen, M., Wuraola, F.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 1
  • Title: Global access to technologies to support safe and effective inguinal hernia surgery: Prospective, international cohort study
    Authors: Picciochi, M., Ademuyiwa, A.O., Adisa, A., Zwain, Y., Zwaraa, H.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 2
  • Title: Access to and quality of elective care: A prospective cohort study using hernia surgery as a tracer condition in 83 countries
    Authors: Dönmez, A.E., Goswami, A.G., Raheja, A., Osama, Z., Dauksa, Z.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 9
  • Title: Impacts of illegal artisanal and small-scale gold mining on livelihoods in cocoa farming communities: A case of Amansie West District, Ghana
    Authors: Donkor, P., Siabi, E.K., Frimpong, K., Atta-Darkwa, T., Mensah, J.K.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 4
  • Title: Routine sterile glove and instrument change at the time of abdominal wound closure to prevent surgical site infection (ChEETAh): A model-based cost-effectiveness analysis of a pragmatic, cluster-randomised trial in seven low-income and middle-income countries
    Authors: Bywater, E., Martinez, L., Habumuremyi, S., Smart, N., Cousens, S.
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3
  • Title: Call on the academic publishing industry to provide equitable access to their journals
    Authors: Gyedu, A., Mensah, S.
    Year: 2024
  • Title: Taxes, institutions, and illicit financial flows in Africa
    Authors: Bentum-Ennin, I., Mensah, S., Kulu, E.
    Year: 2024
  • Title: A gist on an obscure neoplasm in Ghana: Gastrointestinal stromal tumours
    Authors: Yorke, J., Brenu, S.G., Awoonor-Williams, R., Buckman, T.A., Acheampong, E.
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 1