Dr Xiaodong Ma is a Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre in Critical Resources for the Future and Group Leader of the High-Temperature Processing (HTP) Program at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland. He contributes specialist expertise in high-temperature processing, thermodynamics, and kinetics relevant to the recovery and transformation of critical and valuable metals.
Dr Ma’s research focuses on experimental and modelling approaches to high-temperature materials processing across ferrous, non-ferrous, and advanced materials systems, with experience spanning copper smelting, ironmaking and steel refining, metal extraction from low-grade and complex ores, and waste treatment. His work also supports the development of lower-emissions metallurgical technologies aligned with circular economy principles.
Within CCRF, Dr Ma contributes to the projects Recovery of Critical and Valuable Metals from IOCG Mine Waste and Pyrite to Pyrrhotite Transformations during Roasting, providing technical input on phase transformations and high-temperature processing behaviour relevant to metal recovery and process optimisation.
