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Session 10B | Recover, Reuse, Reimagine: Critical Mineral Processing

Stream B
Thursday, September 4, 2025
10:35 AM - 12:30 PM

Speaker

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Dr Deddy C. Nababan
Postdoctoral Fellow
CSIRO Mineral Resources

Recovery of rare earth elements from goethite-rich monazite tailings via soda roasting and deep eutectic solvent leaching

10:35 AM - 10:55 AM

Biography

Deddy is a postdoctoral fellow at CSIRO Mineral Resources. His research interest is extractive metallurgy to produce and separate various metals or minerals from natural ores, wastes, and extraterrestrial planetary regolith, e.g. Mars. One of his current projects is valuable metals and minerals recovery from mine tailings.
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Sanjay Singh
Research Scholar
Indian Institute Of Technology, Patna India

Red Mud Waste as a Resource for Critical Minerals: A Review

10:55 AM - 11:15 AM

Biography

Sanjay Singh is a Ph.D. research scholar in Geotechnical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Patna. His work focuses on sustainable mineral recovery, particularly the extraction of critical minerals from industrial wastes like red mud and fly ash and PCBs. With a background in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Earthquake Science and Engineering from IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, he combines geotechnical modeling, GIS, and machine learning in his research. Sanjay has presented at several international conferences and authored book chapters on slope stability and environmental geotechnics. He recently received the Best Paper Presentation Award at the 3rd International Conference on Safe & Sustainable Mining Technologies. His goal is to advance environmentally responsible solutions for mineral extraction and slope stabilization.
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Jai Shree
Phd Student
RMIT University

Selective recovery of rare earth elements from NDFeB magnet using a deep eutectic solvent

11:15 AM - 11:35 AM

Biography

Jai Shree is a PhD student at RMIT University working in the field of sustainable materials recovery and green chemistry. Her current work focuses on developing eco-friendly hydrometallurgical processes for recovering rare earth elements from magnet waste, with the aim of supporting circular economy practices and reducing environmental impact. With a background in chemical sciences, she is committed to advancing innovative solutions for critical material supply challenges across high-tech and renewable energy sectors.
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Ruhany Sheherazad Azeez
Doctoral student
Tallinn University of Technology

Obtaining Rare Earth Element Concentrates from Estonian Phosphate Rock via Hydrochloric Acid Processing

11:55 AM - 12:15 PM

Biography

Ruhany Azeez, is an early-stage researcher at the Department of Materials and Environmental Technology at Tallinn University of Technology. With a background in physical sciences and a major in analytical chemistry, Ruhany has a solid foundation in chemical sciences, equipped with skills in conducting precise analyses, advanced instrumental handling, and understanding and applying basic computer science principles in chemical laboratories. She brings experience from both academic and industrial environments, where she has worked with multidisciplinary R&D teams. Ruhany’s expertise includes sample analysis and characterization, nano material synthesis, composite development, and separation techniques. She also has experience in conformity assessments and accreditation related to ISO 17025 (2017), covering general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, as well as Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). During her doctoral studies, Ruhany has transitioned her expertise to the field of material and environmental technology, contributing to advancements in mineral processing and sustainable technologies.
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Dr Helen Degeling
Technical Director – Geoscience and Sustainability
Mining3

Critical Minerals from Mine Waste: aiming for a Zero Waste Mine

12:15 PM - 12:30 PM

Biography

Helen Degeling is a geologist and recognised, influential advocate for minerals development that delivers positive ESG outcomes and meets the demands of a just transition towards decarbonisation. She has previously held roles as a researcher, exploration and mine geologist, and exploration manager for junior precious, base and critical metal explorers, as well as leadership positions in critical minerals and sustainable mining across government and industry. Helen is now Director of Geoscience and Sustainability at Mining3, where she combines her traditional geological expertise and passion for circularity, sustainability and traceability to drive innovation and deliver practical solutions for the resources industry’s ‘next generation’ challenges.
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Mark Noppe
W.H. Bryan Mining Geology Research Centre

Session 10b | Q&A with Session Chair

12:15 PM - 12:30 PM

Biography

A member since 1998, Mark has been involved in AusIMM branch, society, conference / workshop and Award committees. Mark has supported professional development and standards through mentoring programs and the presentation of papers, talks and training at conferences and online platforms, including facilitation of the well-received online JORC Code reporting course. A Fellow and Chartered Professional (Geoscience), Mark’s contribution in the consulting sector was recognised with the AusIMM Charles Marshall Professional Excellence Award in 2019. As a recognised leader in the consulting industry, Mark has held Board roles within various consulting companies since 2009, including Managing Director of Xstract Mining Consultants (2009-2012), Director of SRK (Australasia) in 2016, Chair and a Practice Leader in 2017, Director and Exco member of SRK (Global) in 2018, Managing Director of SRK (Australasia) 2019-2022, Director of SRK (Asia) in 2020, and Group Chair of SRK (Global) (2021-2022), before joining The University of Queensland (UQ). He is currently the CEO of UQ’s technology transfer company JKTech Pty Ltd. Mark was elected to the AusIMM Board from 2021 and contributes to the Board and AusIMM members through his broad industry and professional services experience, contracting and governance exposure, familiarity with marketing and professional development activities, and in particular his interpersonal and communication style.
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