Dr. Zahid Hussain, a faculty member at Karakoram International University (KIU), Pakistan and a Ph.D. scholar at University of Science and Technology Beijing (USTB), China, is an expert in green and sustainable mining with a specialization in mineral carbonation. His doctoral research focuses on developing negative carbon backfilling solutions, a cutting-edge approach that aims to transform mining operations from sources of CO2 emissions into active carbon sinks. This aligns directly with the global imperative to combat climate change and achieve carbon neutrality.
Hussain's work emphasizes utilizing industrial and mining byproducts, such as blast furnace slag, steel slag, desulfurized gypsum and mine tailings as raw materials for backfill materials. His approach involves injection CO2 into these byproduct based backfills effectively sequestering CO2 while simultaneously addressing the challenges of industrial and mining waste management. Hussain's research findings demonstrate the potential of carbon-injected backfill as a viable solution for mitigating CO2 emissions while enhancing backfill properties. He also aim to shift the conventional mining practices into more advanced and environmental friendly by integrating mineral sequestration option with them to capture the carbon foot prints of mining field.
Dr. Hussain's expertise extends beyond theoretical research. His practical experience includes: Serving as a faculty member and Head of the Mineral Processing Laboratory at Karakoram International University, where he gained valuable insights into mineral extraction and processing techniques. Teaching basic and advanced sustainable mining courses, emphasizing responsible and environmentally friendly practices.
Through his research, Dr. Hussain is paving the way for a more environmentally and economically sustainable mining industry that effectively addresses the challenges of waste management and greenhouse gas emissions by developing innovative and practical solutions. His research findings are contributing to the advancement of negative carbon mining operations and promoting a more sustainable future for the industry.
