Overview
Background
Dr. Eric O.Ansah is a hydrometallurgist with geochemistry expertise focused on developing sustainable solutions for enhanced metal extraction and improved mine closure outcomes. His research integrates innovative technologies to advance eco-efficient mineral processing and mine waste repurposing.With extensive expertise in geochemistry, hydrometallurgy, and heap leaching, Eric has a proven track record in technology development. As part of BHP’s Think & Act Differently (TAD) Essential Minerals Cohort, he pioneered protonated brine lixiviant technology for copper heap leaching, stemming from his PhD research at the University of Melbourne on coupled chalcopyrite dissolution and reprecipitation. This work has driven advancements in sustainable metal extraction.
Eric’s research and projects encompass:
- Metals: Copper, gold,zinc, cobalt, uranium, rare earth elements (REE) etc.
- Applications: Metallurgical research, plant operations, and translating laboratory innovations into industrial applications.
- Focus: Sustainable heap and in-situ leaching, mine waste management through reuse and repurposing, and mineral carbonation for environmental benefits.
His interdisciplinary approach bridges research and industry, delivering solutions that balance economic and environmental goals. Eric collaborates globally to innovate mineral processing technologies, ensuring efficient resource recovery and responsible mine closure.
Availability
- Dr Eric O Ansah is:
- Available for supervision
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Minerals Engineering, University of Mines & Technology Tarkwa
- Masters (Research) of Resources Engineering and Extractive Metallurgy, Kyushu University
- Doctor of Philosophy of Science, University of Melbourne
Research interests
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Hydrometallurgy
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Geochemistry
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Electrometallurgy
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Mine waste
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Mineral carbonation
Works
Search Professor Eric O Ansah’s works on UQ eSpace
2018
Journal Article
Modeling microbial-induced oil viscosity reduction: effect of temperature, salinity and nutrient concentration
Ansah, Eric O., Sugai, Yuichi and Sasaki, Kyuro (2018). Modeling microbial-induced oil viscosity reduction: effect of temperature, salinity and nutrient concentration. Petroleum Science and Technology, 36 (15), 1113-1119. doi: 10.1080/10916466.2018.1463253
Supervision
Availability
- Dr Eric O Ansah is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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Copper leaching from low-grade ores for critical metal extraction.
Copper is pivotal to decarbonization efforts, specifically for the transition from petroleum-based to battery-based electric vehicles (EVs), the construction of wind turbines, and solar cells. Copper plays a key role in energy technology, defense, consumer electronics, and other applications. Yet, copper mobilization from primary copper sulphide minerals (e.g., chalcopyrite) is often hindered by the passivation of the mineral surface by secondary mineral formation. For example, the formation of these secondary minerals (e.g., jarosite) on a chalcopyrite mineral surface can occlude and/or adsorb specific ions (in this case, dissolved copper) from solution. However, whether all secondary mineral products lead to inhibition of copper dissolution from minerals such as chalcopyrite remains unclear. Therefore, my present study is deciphering specific secondary mineral products that can inhibit copper dissolution and enhance copper extraction from low-grade ores. The finidings here can be applied to the processing of other critcial minerals.
Media
Enquiries
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