Alexandria M. Tanciongco
University of Leicester
Project
Promoting pyrometallurgical slags as a critical metal resource: Geometallurgy and leaching behaviour with environmentally benign solvents
Supervisors
- Prof Gawen Jenkin
- Dr Phil Bird
PhD Summary
This project focuses on turning pyrometallurgical slags into a viable source of critical metals using an environmentally friendly approach. Historical slags often contain significant amounts of unrecovered metals like Cu, Sn, Pb, Ag, and other critical elements, but extracting them is challenging due to complex mineralogy and oxidation states.The research will involve detailed mineralogical and textural characterization using SEM-based automated mineralogy, µ-XRF, and ICP-MS to understand metal distribution in slags. Then, Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES) will be tested and optimized for selective metal recovery, providing a sustainable alternative to traditional extraction methods.
This project is in collaboration with Descycle and part of the Centre for Sustainable Resource Extraction at the University of Leicester. It will not only contribute to more sustainable resource recovery but also equip me with the expertise needed to establish a materials and geological characterization laboratory in the future.
Previous activity
Before PhD, I used to work in a government research institute in the Philippines, under the Department of Science and Technology in the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI). I started back in late 2018 as a contractual research project staff where I mainly did both laboratory analysis and fieldwork as a licensed geologist. It was also about 2 months after I started working in PNRI that I enrolled as part time Master of Science Student in the University of the Philippines. I continue to be project staff of several environmental geology-focused studies until 2023 in the institute, and in 2024 I got approved of two (2) project proposals I submitted for funding in the Philippine government. In 2024, I mostly still worked in the PNRI, and lead research projects related to devising an alternative way to extraction of metal from artisanal gold mines and at the same time, finished my M.Sc. in Materials Science and Engineering.
Why did you choose doctoral research?
Since before, my forte has been in science and research, especially in environmental and mining geology, as this is the field where I received extensive training after graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Geology. Therefore, when I finished my master’s degree, I already planned to pursue a PhD.
In the future, it is my dream to build my own laboratory—ideally in my home country—that caters to materials scientists, materials engineers, and geologists for the characterization of their materials. This dream started when I worked in an X-ray diffraction laboratory right after earning my bachelor’s degree. Although that job only lasted six months due to project funding, it was the ideal workplace for me.
To fulfill this dream, I recognize that I need to complete a PhD. Earning a doctoral degree will give me the advanced knowledge, training, and credibility needed to establish and run a laboratory that significantly contributes to scientific research in my field.
Why did you choose CENTA?
I first learned about the CENTA studentship when a colleague reached out to me about it. At the same time, CENTA was offering a full scholarship at the University of Leicester, where one of the PhD research topics I was most interested in became available.
Beyond financial support for international researchers like me, CENTA provides comprehensive training that extends beyond research, including networking opportunities and work placements. The studentship is a complete package and an excellent opportunity for those who wish to pursue a PhD. I am grateful to be part of this community.
Future plans
Studying at the University of Leicester under the CENTA studentship will directly support my future goal of establishing a laboratory focused on materials and geological characterization. The core methodology of my PhD research, which is characterizing pyrometallurgical slags and optimizing their leaching behavior using deep eutectic solvents, aligns perfectly with this vision. Through this research, I will hopefully develop skills in advanced mineralogical and geochemical analysis techniques, including SEM-based automated mineralogy, µ-XRF, and ICP-MS, which are essential for a comprehensive characterization facility.
Additionally, working with the Centre for Sustainable Resource Extraction and industry partner Descycle will provide practical experience in applying characterization techniques for resource recovery. The interdisciplinary training and industry collaborations offered by CENTA will equip me with the technical knowledge, research experience, and professional network needed to establish and lead a cutting-edge laboratory dedicated to materials and geological analysis.