Biohydrometallurgy of Rare Earth Ores

Prof. Hongbo Zhao

Prof. Hongbo Zhao obtained his BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees from Central South University in Changsha, China, with his doctoral degree in Minerals Processing Engineering awarded in 2016. From June 2016 to August 2021, he served as an associate professor at Central South University, and has held the position of full professor there since August 2021. His research primarily focuses on mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and biohydrometallurgy/biomining. He also possesses extensive practical experience in the mining and metallurgical industries.

Prof. Li Shen

Prof. Li Shen earned her BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees from Central South University in Changsha, China. She completed her PhD studies in Bioengineering in 2011 under the instruction of Professor Guanzhou Qiu. She worked as a teaching assistant at Central South University from January 2006 to September 2007, followed by a tenure as a lecturer from September 2007 to September 2012. From September 2012 to September 2022, she was an associate professor, and has been a full professor at Central South University since September 2022. Her research interests lie in rare earth bio-metallurgy and the bioremediation of heavy metal pollution. Prof. Shen has authored over 90 publications, holds 25 authorized patents, and has led more than 10 key research projects. Additionally, she has received over ten awards for her contributions to education, teaching reform, and curriculum ideological and political construction.

Dr. Xiaoyu Meng

Dr. Xiaoyu Meng obtained his MSc and PhD degrees from Central South University in Changsha, China, receiving his doctoral degree in Minerals Processing Engineering in 2024. He has been an Assistant Professor at Central South University since August 2024. His research interests are centered on the (bio)hydrometallurgy of rare earth resources.

Prof. Guanzhou Qiu

Prof. Guanzhou Qiu, a Scientist of Mineral Engineering, was born in Guangdong Province, China. He obtained his PhD degree in September 1987 and served as the vice president of Central South University for approximately 20 years. He was elected as an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) in 2011. Prof. Qiu’s research primarily focuses on the efficient and clean utilization of mineral resources. He has authored over 200 publications and five monographs, and has received four National Science and Technology Awards and two awards for Ten Major Scientific and Technological Progress of China’s Colleges and Universities. Prof. Qiu has led numerous key scientific projects, including two “973 Program” and “863 Program” initiatives. He is the vice chairman of the International Society for Biohydrometallurgy and previously served as the chairman of the 19th International Biohydrometallurgy Symposium (IBS).