Viwe Notole | Augmented Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Viwe Notole | Augmented Analytics | Best Researcher Award

University of the Witwatersrand | South Africa

Mr. Viwe Notole is an emerging geoscientist and data analyst whose academic and professional journey reflects a strong dedication to Earth sciences, mining, and geometallurgy. With a foundation built through advanced studies at the University of Fort Hare, University of Johannesburg, and the University of the Witwatersrand, he has developed expertise across geology, mineralogy, geostatistics, and machine learning applications in geosciences. His career aspiration is to contribute meaningfully to the mining and geoscience sectors through innovative research, data-driven approaches, and applied geological solutions that support both industry development and sustainable resource management.

Professional Profile

SCOPUS

Education

Mr. Notole has pursued a comprehensive academic trajectory in geology and mineral sciences. He began his studies with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology and Chemistry at the University of Fort Hare, where he built the scientific foundation for his career. Advancing further, he completed a B.Sc. Honours in Geology at the University of Johannesburg, refining his technical and analytical skills in applied geosciences. His passion for mineralogy and mining processes led him to the University of the Witwatersrand, where he obtained a Master of Science in Economic Geology with research focused on the mineralogy and processing characteristics of the Elsburg Reefs in the South Deep Gold Mine of South Africa. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate in the field of Geometallurgy at the University of the Witwatersrand, where his research integrates advanced mineral characterization, geostatistics, and metallurgical evaluation to optimize mineral recovery and processing techniques.

Experience

Mr. Notole’s professional experience reflects a blend of field geology, laboratory-based mineral analysis, and applied data analytics. At Umvoto Africa in Cape Town, he worked as a Junior Geologist where he contributed to geological and hydrogeological projects through data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. His responsibilities included supervising borehole drilling and test pumping, conducting geotechnical site investigations, supporting GIS-related tasks, and performing data analysis and visualization for project outcomes. He later joined Mintek, a leading mineral research organization in Randburg, as a Mineralogist Intern. There, he honed his technical skills in mineral characterization using advanced techniques such as X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and QEMSCAN technology. These roles equipped him with a strong interdisciplinary skillset that spans mineral exploration, hydrogeology, mineral processing, and data science applications in the mining industry.

Research Interest

His research interests are primarily centered on economic geology, geometallurgy, and the integration of data analytics into mineral processing. Mr. Notole focuses on investigating the mineralogical and processing characteristics of gold-bearing reefs, with the aim of improving mineral recovery processes. His interests extend to diagnostic leaching, mineral characterization techniques, geostatistical modeling, and the application of machine learning to predict metallurgical performance. By combining traditional geological expertise with modern computational methods, he aims to bridge the gap between field-based geological sciences and advanced data-driven resource optimization. He is particularly passionate about exploring environmentally friendly processing alternatives, such as glycine-based leaching, to support sustainable mining practices.

Awards and Achievements

Among his academic accomplishments, Mr. Notole was formally admitted to the degree of Master of Science in Economic Geology by the University of the Witwatersrand, marking a significant milestone in his scholarly journey. His upcoming publications reflect his commitment to advancing research in geometallurgy, with studies exploring predictive data analytics for gold recovery and innovative leaching techniques using glycine and potassium permanganate. These contributions highlight his role as a young researcher actively pushing the boundaries of mineral processing technologies and sustainable mining practices.

Publication

(2025). “Investigating mineral composition of PGE low-grade ore in Bushveld Igneous Complex, South Africa” in Minerals Engineering.

Conclusion

Mr. Viwe Notole exemplifies the new generation of geoscientists who combine deep geological knowledge with data-driven approaches to solve contemporary challenges in mining and resource management. His academic background, professional experience, and active research contributions position him as a promising figure in the fields of geometallurgy, mineral processing, and applied geosciences. Driven by innovation, sustainability, and the pursuit of scientific excellence, he continues to advance his career with the vision of making a lasting impact on the mining industry and the broader geoscientific community.

Ahmed Degnah – Metallurgical Engineering – Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Ahmed Degnah - Metallurgical Engineering - Best Researcher Award 

King Abdulaziz City for Science & Technology - Saudi Arabia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ahmed Abdulaziz Degnah began his academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Umm Al-Qura University (KSA) in 2010. During his undergraduate studies, he demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, evidenced by his GPA of 3.32/4.0 with Second Honor. His graduation project on Torsional Vibration & Fault Diagnosis showcased his early interest in engineering research and problem-solving.

Building on his undergraduate success, Ahmed pursued a Master's degree in Materials Science & Engineering from Rutgers University New Brunswick (USA), graduating in 2015 with a commendable GPA of 3.323/4.0. His master's thesis, focusing on the Effect of Solvent on Melting Gel Behavior, delved into the intricate properties of materials, laying the groundwork for his future research endeavors.

His academic pursuits culminated in a Doctorate of Philosophy in Metallurgical Engineering from The University of Utah (USA) in 2019. With an outstanding GPA of 3.96/4.0, Ahmed showcased his dedication to academic excellence. His Ph.D. dissertation, titled "Design, Synthesis, and Properties of Titanium Metal Matrix Composites Based on Ti-B-Fe System," underscored his expertise in metallurgical engineering and materials science.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ahmed's professional journey reflects a commitment to research and academic excellence. He commenced his career as a Research Assistant at the National Center for Aeronautical Technology, KACST, from January 2011 to August 2013. This role provided him with invaluable experience in conducting research and contributing to cutting-edge projects in the field of aeronautical technology.

His academic prowess led him to serve as a Teaching Assistant at The University of Utah from August to December 2019, where he imparted knowledge in Mechanical Metallurgy. Additionally, he assumed the role of Assistant Professor at KACST, first in the National Center for Aeronautical Technology from February 2020 to April 2022, and currently in the National Center for Advanced Materials Technologies since April 2022. As an Assistant Professor, Ahmed plays a pivotal role in shaping the minds of future engineers and researchers while actively contributing to groundbreaking research projects.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ahmed's research contributions are significant and far-reaching. His publications span various prestigious journals and conferences, demonstrating the breadth and depth of his expertise. His research interests encompass diverse areas such as additive manufacturing, alloy design, materials characterization, and composite materials.

He has made notable contributions to understanding the micro-scale deformation behavior of additively manufactured alloys, investigating the role of precipitation and solute segregation on material properties, and exploring novel powder metallurgy processing techniques for titanium alloys. Moreover, his research on high-entropy alloys, polymer matrix composites, and advanced materials for high-temperature applications showcases his versatility and innovation in materials science and engineering.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his career, Ahmed has garnered recognition for his outstanding contributions. He has received numerous appreciation certificates, underscoring his excellence in academia and research. His dedication to teaching and mentoring is evident through the workshops and short courses he has taught, aimed at enriching the knowledge and skills of aspiring engineers and researchers.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Ahmed's work has had a profound impact on the field of materials science and engineering. His research findings have contributed to advancing the understanding of material properties and processing techniques, paving the way for innovations in various industries including aerospace, automotive, and biomedical.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Ahmed continues to pursue excellence in academia and research, his legacy is one of innovation, mentorship, and academic leadership. With a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and pushing the boundaries of materials science, he is poised to make significant contributions to solving complex engineering challenges and shaping the future of advanced materials technologies. Through his dedication to education, research, and professional development, Ahmed Abdulaziz Degnah is an inspiring figure whose contributions will continue to resonate within the scientific community for years to come.