Mr. Fabio Ivan Seibel | Membrane Recycling For Metal Recovery | Excellence in Research Award
University of Passo Fundo | Brazil
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Dr. Zan Mary Konaré is a dedicated environmental and sustainability researcher whose contributions demonstrate strong potential for the Research Excellence Award. Her work focuses on advanced Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Social LCA (S-LCA), and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), integrating environmental, economic, and governance dimensions into comprehensive sustainability evaluation frameworks. She has established herself as one of the emerging scholars applying Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) to complex real-world challenges, particularly within Africa’s industrial and resource-intensive sectors. Her research has produced three peer-reviewed Scopus-indexed publications, collectively accumulating 14 citations and an h-index of 2, reflecting the growing influence of her work within the international sustainability community. These publications include cutting-edge assessments of industrial gold mining in Mali, where she applies system-based modelling tools such as SimaPro, OpenLCA, R, and GIS to evaluate socio-environmental trade-offs. Her studies provide actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental managers seeking to improve sustainability performance across supply chains. Beyond academic outputs, she actively contributes to scientific capacity building, designing training programs that translate research findings into practical strategies for environmental protection and sustainable resource management. Her interdisciplinary expertise, supported by strong analytical skills, modelling competence, and commitment to community-oriented impact, demonstrates excellence in both research innovation and knowledge transfer. Given her publication record, citation performance, methodological rigor, and meaningful societal contributions, Dr. Konaré is highly suitable for the Research Excellence Award, representing a promising and impactful researcher advancing sustainability science within African and global contexts.
Konaré, Z. M., et al. (2025). Social life cycle assessment of industrial gold mining in Mali. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management.
Konaré, Z. M., et al. (2024). Life cycle assessment of an industrial gold mining in Mali. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment.
Konaré, Z. M., et al. (2023). Application of life cycle sustainability assessment in the gold mining sector: A systematic review. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment.
Meng, F., & Song, B. (2025). In-situ synthesis of resin carbon-supported CoFexOy catalyst with enhanced catalytic performance for dye degradation in wastewater. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 236(10), Article 666.
Cao, Z., Li, Q., Meng, F., Shen, G., & et al. (2024). The reaction mechanism and application of advanced oxidation of peracetic acid: A review. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering.
Mr. Zewen Li is a dedicated researcher at Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, specializing in sustainable metallurgical processes. His work focuses on the resource utilization of metallurgical solid waste, particularly in the reductive recovery and diversified application of nickel slag. With a strong passion for green metallurgy, Zewen has contributed to advancing environmentally friendly approaches to metal recovery while exploring new uses for industrial by-products. His academic endeavors include authoring impactful publications, such as a review in Minerals Engineering that highlights the extraction of valuable metals and the potential of nickel slag in various material applications. Zewen is committed to integrating scientific research with industrial practice to promote circular economy principles and reduce environmental impact. As a young professional, he strives to advance metallurgical innovation, aiming to develop cleaner, safer, and more efficient technologies for the sustainable management of critical resources.
Mr. Zewen Li pursued his higher education at Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, where he developed a strong foundation in metallurgical engineering. His academic training emphasized the theoretical and applied aspects of metallurgy, with particular attention to solid waste resource recovery and sustainable metal extraction. During his studies, he actively engaged in research projects centered on the utilization of nickel slag, gaining expertise in analyzing its physical and chemical properties, as well as its potential for industrial reuse. His education provided him with a deep understanding of chemical thermodynamics, extractive metallurgy, and material characterization techniques. Through rigorous coursework, laboratory work, and collaborative projects, Zewen honed his ability to integrate scientific knowledge with practical industrial applications. This educational background not only equipped him with specialized knowledge in non-ferrous metallurgy but also cultivated his research-oriented mindset, enabling him to contribute meaningfully to the growing field of sustainable metallurgical processes.
Mr. Zewen Li’s professional and research experience has centered on the efficient recovery and sustainable utilization of metallurgical solid waste, with a strong focus on nickel slag. At Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, he has undertaken significant research projects, including his notable publication “Diversified Utilization of Nickel Slag: A Review” in Minerals Engineering. His work systematically analyzed methods of extracting valuable metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and copper from nickel slag and investigated applications in gelling materials, glass ceramics, and material-related industries. Beyond laboratory research, Zewen has contributed to understanding the broader implications of waste valorization in metallurgical industries by reviewing and proposing strategies for combining nickel slag recovery with battery recycling and secondary waste management. His experience reflects both technical expertise and innovative thinking in sustainable metallurgy. This professional trajectory highlights his commitment to addressing environmental challenges and developing efficient, eco-friendly solutions for industrial waste management.
Mr. Zewen Li’s research is primarily focused on the sustainable utilization of metallurgical solid waste, with particular emphasis on nickel slag. His work aims to explore the dual goals of resource recovery and environmental protection by investigating eco-friendly processes for extracting valuable metals such as Fe, Ni, Co, and Cu. He is also deeply interested in the potential applications of nickel slag in materials science, including its use in gelling agents, glass ceramics, and construction materials. His studies address both the theoretical mechanisms, including leaching, weathering process strengthening, and solvent extraction, and the practical industrial feasibility of these methods. Additionally, he considers the integration of nickel slag recycling with other waste management systems, such as battery recycling and secondary waste utilization, thereby contributing to broader strategies of sustainable resource management. His research reflects a holistic view of metallurgy, balancing technological innovation with environmental responsibility to promote circular economy practices.
Title: Diversified Utilization of Nickel Slag: A Review
Year: 2025
Mr. Zewen Li’s research demonstrates a commendable commitment to addressing pressing environmental and industrial challenges through sustainable metallurgical practices. His focused work on the comprehensive utilization of nickel slag reflects both academic insight and awareness of real-world applications. While his current achievements illustrate strong potential and emerging expertise, the scope and maturity of his portfolio are still developing. For the Best Researcher Award, which typically honors individuals with a sustained record of impactful innovations and broader academic leadership, further scholarly contributions and practical implementations would enhance his competitiveness. Nonetheless, his trajectory indicates significant promise, and he stands out as a valuable contributor to the next generation of metallurgical researchers, well-suited for early-career recognition and future leadership in the field.
Pan Jian is a distinguished professor and doctoral supervisor at Central South University (CSU), where he serves as the deputy director of the Low Carbon and Hydrogen Metallurgy Research Center. He also holds editorial positions at prominent journals, including the Journal of Iron and Steel Research, China Metallurgy, and Sintering and Pelletizing. As a member of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) and the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Pan Jian is an internationally recognized expert in his field. His work focuses on innovative approaches to metallurgy, earning him prestigious accolades such as the National Science and Technology Progress Second Prize and the Baosteel Excellent Teacher Award. With over 120 published papers and 58 invention patents, Pan Jian is a leading voice in advancing low-carbon and hydrogen metallurgy.
