Mostafa Hosseinzadeh is currently a PhD candidate in Hydrometallurgy at the University of Cape Town (UCT), South Africa. His research focuses on the recovery of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs) from spent automotive catalyst leach solutions using ion exchange. Hosseinzadeh has a solid academic background, with an M.Sc. in Mineral Processing Engineering from the University of Shahid Bahonar in Kerman, Iran, and a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Sahand University of Technology, Tabriz, Iran. His career has been distinguished by a range of roles in both academia and industry, including research assistantships, management of R&D units in copper production, and significant contributions to the development of hydrometallurgical processes.
Profile
Scholar
Education
Hosseinzadeh’s academic journey includes a Ph.D. in Hydrometallurgy from the University of Cape Town, where he has been enrolled since 2021, specializing in the recovery of PGMs. Before this, he completed an M.Sc. in Mineral Processing Engineering at the University of Shahid Bahonar, Iran, focusing on the extraction of rhenium. He also holds a B.Sc. in Mining Engineering from Sahand University of Technology, where he worked on the environmental impact of tailing dams. His education reflects a strong foundation in engineering principles, with a focus on mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and environmental considerations in mining operations.
Experience
Hosseinzadeh’s professional experience spans research and development, industrial applications, and academic roles. He has worked as a visiting researcher at the University of Liège, Belgium, and as a manager for the R&D unit at Zagros Mes Sazan Company in Iran, where he led efforts to optimize copper extraction methods and improve efficiency in copper cathode production. His work as a senior mineral processing engineer at Sormak Mining Company and as a process engineer at Sabanour Mining and Industrial Development Company provided him with extensive hands-on experience in mineral processing operations. Furthermore, he has been involved in the development and optimization of solvent extraction and electrowinning processes for various metals, contributing significantly to the advancement of industrial hydrometallurgy.
Research Interests
Hosseinzadeh’s research interests include the extraction of valuable metals through hydrometallurgical processes such as leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, and electrowinning. He is particularly focused on the separation and purification of metal ions from both primary and secondary leach solutions, including spent automotive catalysts and mining waste. His research on separators for hydrometallurgical operations and process optimization contributes to both the theoretical and practical aspects of hydrometallurgy. Through his work, Hosseinzadeh aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of mineral processing, particularly in the extraction of precious and base metals.
Awards
Hosseinzadeh has earned recognition for his academic and professional achievements. Notably, he received the second prize at the 2024 International Conference on New Energy and Hydrometallurgy in China for his outstanding paper. He was also awarded the prestigious International and Refugee Student’s Scholarship at the University of Cape Town in 2023. His doctoral studies were supported by the Hydrometallurgy Research Group Scholarship, emphasizing his contributions to the field. Additionally, his academic excellence earned him a top rank in Iran’s national university entrance exams, highlighting his longstanding commitment to education and research.
Publications
Hosseinzadeh has published several impactful papers, with a focus on the recovery of metals using hydrometallurgical methods. Some of his notable publications include:
- Hosseinzadeh, M., & Petersen, J. (2025). “Platinum(IV), Palladium(II), and Rhodium(III) Recovery from Mixed Acidic Chloride Solutions Using Chelating Ion Exchange Resin Puromet MTS9600,” Solvent Extraction and Ion Exchange.
- Hosseinzadeh, M., & Petersen, J. (2024). “Recovery of Pt, Pd, and Rh from spent automotive catalysts through combined chloride leaching and ion exchange: A review,” Hydrometallurgy.
- Hosseinzadeh, M., & Petersen, J. (2024). “Efficient rhenium recovery from molybdenite roasting dust leach solution using tributyl phosphate solvent extraction,” Hydrometallurgy for the Future Conference, South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
- Hosseinzadeh, M., Azizi, A., & Hassanzadeh, A. (2022). “Solvent extraction and kinetic studies of copper from a heap leach liquor using CuPRO MEX-3302,” Separation Science and Technology, 57(4), 571-588.
- Hosseinzadeh, M., et al. (2021). “A kinetic investigation on leaching of copper from a low-grade copper oxide deposit in sulfuric acid solution,” Journal of Sustainable Metallurgy, 7, 1154-1168.
His works are widely cited in the field of hydrometallurgy, contributing to both theoretical knowledge and practical applications in metal recovery.
Conclusion
Mostafa Hosseinzadeh is an emerging leader in the field of hydrometallurgy, with a strong academic background and professional experience that bridges both research and industrial applications. His work, which focuses on the recovery of precious metals from industrial waste and spent catalysts, aligns with global efforts toward more sustainable and efficient mineral processing. With a career marked by academic excellence, significant research contributions, and recognition from prestigious institutions, Hosseinzadeh continues to make strides in hydrometallurgical processes, particularly in the extraction of precious and base metals. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to sustainability position him as a valuable contributor to the future of mining and metallurgy.