Daulet Sagzhanov is a doctoral student at the Graduate School of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, Japan. He received an M.S. in Mining and Mineral Processing Engineering from Penn State University, USA (2019) and a bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from Kazakh National Technical University, Kazakhstan (2009). His research focuses on lithium extraction from hard rock sources, with an emphasis on spodumene beneficiation, sustainable processing technologies, and hydrometallurgical recovery methods. His work contributes to the development of environmentally sustainable and economically viable solutions for critical metal production.

Dr. Labone Lorraine Godirilwe is an Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, Japan. She holds a Ph.D. in Engineering with a specialization in International Resource Sciences from Akita University (2022), where she also earned her Master’s degree in Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy (2019). Her academic background includes a B.Eng. in Chemical Engineering from Laurentian University, Canada, and a B.Sc. from the University of Botswana. Dr. Godirilwe’s research focuses on hydrometallurgical processes for the recovery of valuable and critical metals, advanced leaching techniques such as HPAL, and the valorization of metallurgical wastes. She is also engaged in developing environmentally responsible methods for processing complex and low-grade ores, including strategies for the removal and immobilization of arsenic and other deleterious elements.

Altansukh Batnasan is the head of the Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Technology at the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences. He received his BS degree in 2000 and MS degree in 2001 from the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, Mongolia, both in Chemical Engineering. In 2011, he received his Ph.D. degree in Materials Engineering from Tohoku University, Japan. Dr. Altansukh was a postdoctoral researcher at Tohoku University from 2011 to 2013 and at Akita University from 2013 to 2016. Dr. Altansukh was appointed as an assistant professor from 2016 to 2019, and a lecturer from 2020 to 2024 at the Akita University, Japan. He also serves as the head of the Laboratory of Advanced Materials Chemistry and Technology at the Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences. His current research interests include mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and material sciences. Dr. Altansukh is particularly focused on developing efficient and eco-friendly processes for extracting critical metals, precious metals, and commercially available metals from natural and secondary resources, as well as upcycling the mining and industrial waste to value-added products.

Dr. Yasushi Takasaki is an Associate Professor at the Graduate School of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, Japan. He holds a Doctor of Engineering from Tohoku University (2006), following his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mining and Engineering from Akita University (1994 and 1996, respectively). Dr. Takasaki began his academic career at Akita University in 1996 as an Assistant, later serving as an Assistant Professor (2007–2010), and currently holds the position of Associate Professor since 2010. His research focuses on non-ferrous metallurgy, particularly the extraction, refining, and recycling of metals such as copper, nickel, and other valuable elements from both primary ores and secondary sources. He is actively engaged in developing environmentally sustainable metallurgical processes, with research interests spanning metal production engineering, non-ferrous smelting, recycling technologies, and the recovery of critical metals from industrial waste.

Prof. Atsushi Shibayama (Dr. Eng.) is a professor and the Dean of the Faculty of International Resource Sciences at Akita University, Japan. He holds a Doctor of Engineering from Kyushu University (1999). His expertise spans mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, hydrometallurgy, recycling, and environmental technology. Prof. Shibayama began his career at KUBOTA Corporation and later joined Akita University in 1999, where he was promoted to associate professor in 2003 and full professor in 2009. Prof. Shibayama has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed journal articles and over 150 conference proceedings, contributing significantly to the advancement of sustainable resource utilization. In recognition of his academic and professional excellence, he has received numerous awards and honors, and currently serves as the President of the Society of Materials Engineering for Resources of Japan, Vice President of the Resource Processing Society of Japan, and Executive Board Member of the Mining and Materials Processing Institute of Japan (MMIJ). Internationally, he actively contributes as a member of TMS, SME, and AusIMM.