Bridging Science and Sustainability: Dr. Zhang’s Vision for Mining Innovation
Meet Dr. Jinhong Zhang, a renowned researcher in mineral processing and sustainable resource management and Associate Professor in Mining and Geological Engineering. Dr. Zhang joined the University of Arizona’s School of Mining & Mineral Resources as a joint faculty member to foster collaboration across industry and academia. In this Q&A, he shares his insights into sustainable solutions for mining, his passion for uncovering scientific truths, and his advice for aspiring professionals. Dr. Zhang emphasizes the role of mineral processing and surface chemistry in addressing global challenges and offers students a roadmap to thrive in this dynamic field.
What drew you to join the School of Mining & Mineral Resources?
The SMMR provides a great platform for me to communicate and collaborate with students, colleagues and professionals to work across boundaries to solve the industrial/academic problems in an economically and environmental-friendly manner for a sustainable development.
What feeds your passion for research and/or teaching?
The driving force for me to do research is to search and find the truth. The whole process is usually challenging, intriguing and sometimes frustrating. However, successfully completing a project finally is the biggest reward. The driving force for me to teach is to educate students with my knowledge, experience and methodology, which might help them with their career development in the future.
What drew you to your interest in mineral processing, surface chemistry, industry waste treatment, and surface characterization?
Mineral processing has been widely used to concentrate and utilize minerals and elements, which are critical to the development of a society. The R&D work in surface chemistry and surface characterization will help with understanding the fundamentals of mineral processing, and finally achieving an efficient concentration and utilization of minerals/elements economically and environmentally.
What advice would you give to students interested in pursuing a career in the mining and minerals industry?
Mining and minerals industry are so important to our daily life. Recently, a successful concentration of critical minerals and elements to build a robust supply chain domestically has become critical for a sustainable development of US. There will be so many great opportunities for mining and mineral processing students in the future. It is absolutely a correct choice to pursue a career in the mining and minerals industry. So, learn as much as you can when you are in MGE/SMMR.
What role do you see your research and the School of Mining & Mineral Resources playing in addressing global challenges such as population growth and climate change?
The SMMR will promote education, training and collaboration in the mining and minerals community. The effort will provide solutions to globe challenges in an economically and environmental-friendly manner.