Assoc Prof Belinda McFadzean
Qualifications
BSc UPE (2000), BSc Hons Chemistry cum laude UPE (2001), MSc Chemistry cum laude UPE (2003), PhD NMMU (2007)
Background
Belinda McFadzean is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Minerals Research, University of Cape Town. Her research focusses on the flotation process and spans the spectrum from fundamental molecular surface interactions to plant-scale optimisation techniques. Her particular interest is the interactions of surface-active reagents at air-water and solid-water interfaces and quantifying these effects on the froth behaviour in order to ultimately predict flotation performance. She manages large research projects, supervises a group of postgraduate students and has a growing publication record in the international mineral processing literature. She teaches postgraduate level courses to industry graduates and is a consultant to the mineral processing industry, including Anglo Platinum, Lonmin, Impala, Nkomati, Senmin and Vale.
Employment
2020 – Present | Associate Professor, CMR, Department of Chemical Engineering |
2016 – 2019 | Senior Research Officer, CMR, Department of Chemical Engineering |
2011 – 2015 | Research officer, Centre for Minerals Research, UCT |
2010 – 2011 | Chief Scientific Officer, Centre for Minerals Research, UCT |
2008 – 2010 | Senior Scientific Officer, Centre for Minerals Research, UCT |
2007 – 2008 | Senior Laboratory Specialist, Umicore Autocat SA |
Research Interests
Molecular interactions at interfaces, froth characterisation and behaviour, thermochemistry of flotation reagents, plant-scale optimisation techniques