Haroon Khan is a PhD candidate at The University of Western Australia, supervised by Professor Ali Karrech. His research focuses on the sustainable extraction of scandium from lateritic nickel–cobalt ores.
Haroon investigates a pH-controlled process designed to selectively recover scandium without disrupting primary nickel–cobalt production streams. His project integrates experimental mineral processing with life cycle assessment modelling to evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of scandium recovery. By combining process optimisation with sustainability analysis, he aims to develop pathways for greener extraction of high-value critical metals.
Haroon holds a Master of Science in Sustainable and Innovative Natural Resource Management (Magna Cum Laude), completed jointly at Ghent University, Uppsala University, and TU Bergakademie Freiberg. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar.
His previous experience includes laboratory-scale and pilot-scale mineral processing research, covering flotation, leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, bioleaching, electrorefining, and rare earth element separation. He has worked extensively with analytical techniques including ICP-MS/OES, XRF, XRD, and SEM-EDS, and has experience in life cycle assessment, process modelling, and optimisation.
Haroon’s research will contribute to the development of more sustainable nickel–cobalt operations while enhancing Australia’s capability to recover scandium — a strategically important critical mineral for advanced alloys and clean-energy technologies.
