The University of Cape Town
invites you to an Inaugural Lecture
by Professor Megan Becker
Topic: Why minerals matter - the role of mineralogy in the pursuit of sustainability
Connect the words ‘mining’ and ‘sustainability’ and one questions how extracting minerals from Earth’s finite resources can lead to sustainability (and more so, given the legacy of mining in South Africa country). Yet, our future society depends on the valuable metals extracted from these minerals, particularly in the generation of all forms of renewable energy. In this presentation, Megan will showcase examples of her research demonstrating how fundamental knowledge of the mineralogical characteristics of materials informs the requirements for the recovery of value, highlights the need for innovation, the risk potential of the material and opportunities for functionalising mine waste. Case study examples from platinum, gold and base metals mining will be used to illustrate these concepts.
Date: Tuesday, 22 October 2024
Time: 17:15 SAST
Venue: Snape Teaching Studio 3B, Snape Building, UCT Upper Campus
About our speaker
Megan Becker has been working in the field of process mineralogy for close to twenty years since she joined the Centre for Minerals Research as a graduate in geological sciences with the mandate to integrate mineralogy into the Centre’s research activities.
Highlights during this time include her application of mineralogy in projects extending from the geology of ore deposits, their separation and upgrading to valuable concentrates, extraction of valuable metals, environmental impacts and more recently, how she can use this mineralogical knowledge to valorise mine and mineral processing waste. In 2018, she was featured as one of the top 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining.