Penn State energy and mineral engineering students attended the Mintek@90 Conference in South Africa, presenting research and networking with industry leaders. Their experiences included discussing sustainable lithium extraction methods and visiting the Blyvoor Gold Mine, which provided practical insights into the mining industry and reinforced the significance of their research efforts in energy-efficient processes.
Three doctoral students from Penn State’s energy and mineral engineering program traveled to South Africa for the Mintek@90 Conference, covering over 8,000 miles. They presented their research and highlighted Penn State as a strategic partner to leaders in the South African academic and industrial sectors. The experience surpassed their expectations, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities in their field.
Samukeliso Dube, inspired by the energy needs in her hometown of Gwanda, Zimbabwe, is working on enhancing lithium-ion battery recycling. Her research aims to optimize the recycling process to reduce energy consumption and boost profitability for businesses. “It’s fulfilling to know I am contributing to positive change,” Dube stated, expressing excitement for sharing her work.
Toluwalase Ogunsunlade, who previously worked as a mining engineer in Nigeria, successfully presented his findings on sustainable lithium extraction using high-energy milling. This being his first international conference, he appreciated the robust discussions and networking opportunities, noting that sustainable solutions require collaboration. “It feels great to know I’m adding to the pool of knowledge,” he remarked.
Ayuk Ayuk spent the conference absorbing information and exploring how his work aligns with others’ research. He develops models to predict breakage probability in mineral processing, aiming to optimize energy usage during grinding. “Seeing a linkage between your work and others gives you a broader knowledge base and encouragement,” he reflected, appreciating the insights gained.
The conference culminated in a visit to the Blyvoor Gold Mine, where Ayuk and his peers experienced the gold smelting process. They explored mine operations and faced challenging conditions while underground. Ayuk noted the experience was eye-opening: “The tunnels were so narrow and hot that we almost instantly became dehydrated.”
Dube found the mine visit affirming. Experiencing the physical conditions reinforced the significance of her recycling research. “Seeing the grueling conditions inside the mine firsthand… reinforced the necessity of recycling and the importance of my research,” she remarked. Faculty accompanied them, enhancing the learning experience.
Thandazile Moyo emphasized the impact of attending the conference and visiting the mine, noting it helped students understand how their research contributes to mineral development. “Seeing the different aspects in real life puts things into perspective,” Moyo explained, highlighting the integration of classroom learning with practical experience. The students now plan to apply their enhanced perspectives to their ongoing research, seeking to bridge academic and industry goals.
The Mintek@90 Conference symbolizes a key event in the mineral engineering field, showcasing the latest research and innovations in mineral processing and extracting valuable resources sustainably. With South Africa being a major player in the minerals sector, this conference attracts global experts, providing a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration. It is vital for students and researchers in this domain to engage with industry leaders to foster advancements in sustainable practices and educate the next generation about energy and mineral engineering.
The participation of Penn State students in the Mintek@90 Conference significantly broadened their professional and academic perspectives within the energy and mineral engineering disciplines. By engaging directly with field experts and experiencing mining processes firsthand, they gained insights to enhance their research efforts. The trip not only strengthened their individual projects but also emphasized the importance of collaboration and sustainable practices within the industry.
Original Source: www.psu.edu
