Mr. Imkong Rathi , Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), India.
Imkong is an enthusiastic and inquisitive mineral engineer with over 10 years of cumulative experience in mineral processing. Based in Dhanbad, India, he has worked extensively in both laboratory and industrial settings, focusing on dewatering, froth-flotation, gravity separation, and more. With a passion for research and development, he currently serves as a Research Fellow at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad. His expertise spans various mineral engineering techniques, with a keen interest in data analysis and computational methods to drive industry innovation. 
Publication profile
Orcid
Education and Experience
B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering – Anna University, Chennai (2007-2011)
PGDME in Mineral Engineering – CSIR-IMMT Bhubaneswar (2012-2013)
M.Tech in Mineral Engineering – IIT (ISM) Dhanbad (2015-2017)
Research Fellow – IIT (ISM) Dhanbad (2017-present)
Suitability for The Award
Mr. Imkong Rathi’s background in mineral processing and his extensive experience in both research and industry make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher title. With over 10 years of cumulative experience, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of key mineral engineering processes, including dewatering, froth flotation, gravity separation, and magnetic separation. His academic qualifications, professional experience, and notable research contributions highlight his deep commitment to advancing mineral processing technologies.
Professional Development (
)
Imkong has steadily developed his expertise through hands-on experience in various
mineral processing techniques. His work involves ore characterization, sampling, grinding, and froth-flotation, with an emphasis on the efficient separation of sulphide ores. Throughout his career, he has excelled in using analytical tools such as AAS, microscopic imaging, and zeta potential measurement, and his technical skills extend to computational methods for particle trajectory and fluidized systems using COMSOL software. Imkong’s ability to work in team and individual environments has sharpened his communication and problem-solving skills, making him a valuable asset in the field of mineral engineering.
Research Focus 
Imkong’s research primarily focuses on mineral processing and the optimization of ore beneficiation techniques. His expertise lies in gravity separation, froth-flotation, and dewatering processes. He is particularly interested in improving the efficiency of mineral separation methods for challenging ores like chalcopyrite, leveraging both experimental techniques and computational models to optimize processing outcomes. His studies on particle density stratification and fluidized bed separators highlight his commitment to advancing mineral processing technologies that contribute to resource efficiency and sustainability. 
Awards and Honors (
)
NMD-ATM Goa Chapter 2017 – Study of particle density stratification in a fluidized system
MPT Dhanbad Chapter 2018 – Beneficiation and process optimization of chalcopyrite ore
NMD-ATM Kolkata Chapter 2018 – Review on flotation of chalcopyrite ore
Publication
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Statistical Evaluation of Flotation Behavior of Chalcopyrite in the Presence of SIPX and Acetoacetic Acid n-Octyl Ester as a Novel Collector Blend: A Sustainable Approach (2024) – Cited by: 0. DOI: 10.3390/min14101003