**Ilhwan Park**

Dr. Ilhwan Park is an associate professor at the Division of Sustainable Resources Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, Japan. He obtained his Ph.D. in the field of Sustainable Resources Engineering from Hokkaido University, Japan in 2019. After his graduation, he was appointed as an assistant professor at the same University before being promoted to the position of associate professor in 2023. Dr. Park has acted as Editor of Resources Recycling (The Korean Institute of Resources Recycling, KIRR), Associate Editor of Frontiers in Environmental Science, Section Board Member of Metals (MDPI), and Topic Advisory Panel of Minerals (MDPI). His research interests cover the recovery of critical metals/minerals from primary and secondary resources by mineral processing (e.g., flotation, magnetic separation, gravity separation) and hydrometallurgy (e.g., leaching, solvent extraction, cementation). In addition, Dr. Park has been engaged in the development of sustainable techniques for the prevention/control of acid mine/rock drainage (AMD/ARD) and the remediation of contaminated soils and water. From his work, he has published more than 60 papers in leading international journals in the fields of mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and environmental science.

#### **Marthias Silwamba**

Dr. Marthias Silwamba is a highly competent professional in the field of sustainable resources engineering, particularly mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and solid mine wastes repurposing. With a robust educational background and extensive experience in academia, he has made remarkable strides in research, teaching, and leadership. Throughout his career, he has actively engaged in research projects, publishing numerous papers in reputable journals and presenting his findings at international conferences.

In 2021, he successfully completed his doctoral studies at Hokkaido University in Japan, earning a PhD in Sustainable Resources Engineering. His PhD thesis was focused on developing innovative and sustainable solutions for zinc plant leach residues by reprocessing them for the recovery of valuable metals, thereby addressing present day, pressing critical metals challenges and solving the environmental challenges associated with the leach residues.

Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Silwamba pursued a Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, graduating in 2016. His academic journey commenced with a Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Copperbelt University in Zambia, providing him with a solid foundation in metallurgy and comprehensive knowledge of its principles and practices.

After obtaining MSc (Chemical) in 2016, Dr. Silwamba has served as a lecturer at the University of Zambia, where his dedication to teaching and mentoring students has garnered recognition and respect within the academic community. His commitment to shaping the minds of future engineers has been instrumental in preparing the next generation for success. Beyond academia, he has collaborated with industry partners, providing consultancy services and offering valuable insights into various metallurgical and environmental aspects.
