Jianwei Cheng | Engineering  | Best Scholar Award

Prof. Jianwei Cheng | Engineering  | Best Scholar Award

China University of Mining and Technology | China

Dr. Jianwei Cheng is a distinguished professor in the College of Safety Engineering at the China University of Mining and Technology (CUMT), specializing in mine ventilation, gas explosion control, dust mitigation, and mine accident rescue strategies. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Safety and Mining Engineering from CUMT and completed his Ph.D. at West Virginia University, USA, further enhancing his expertise in mining safety. Dr. Cheng also holds an Associate Degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Since joining CUMT in 2012, he has led multiple research projects funded by government and industry, contributing significantly to mine ventilation design, explosion prevention, and safety strategies. Recognized internationally, he has served as a reviewer for over 100 journals, participated in the North American Mine Ventilation Symposium, and was awarded the Australia Endeavour Research Fellowship in 2015. His achievements include numerous national, provincial, and industry awards in science, technology, and teaching, reflecting his excellence in research and education. Dr. Cheng has published extensively, with 110 documents cited 1,729 times, achieving an h-index of 23. His work continues to advance the safety and efficiency of mining operations while promoting innovation in occupational health and mine rescue technologies.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ran, D., Cheng, J., Sheng, S., Ma, Z., Fu, Q., Hou, W., & Chen, R. (2024). “A two-phase particle flow method based on SCLB for enhancing CBM recovery: Experimental testing and engineering applications” in Powder Technology. DOI: 10.1016/J.POWTEC.2024.119754

Cheng, J., Sheng, S., Xu, Y., Luo, Y., & Islam, M.M. (2024). “Deformation prediction of overlying strata in multi-seam mining based on the influence function method-key stratum hybrid model” in Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-energy and Geo-Resources. DOI: 10.1007/S40948-024-00875-6

Cheng, J., Ma, Z., Fu, Q., Ran, D., Borowski, M., & Xi, Z. (2024). “Eco-friendly three-phase-gel foam with novel particle-gel crosslinking enhancing stabilization and fire extinguishing” in Powder Technology. DOI: 10.1016/J.POWTEC.2024.120134

Ihsan, A., Cheng, J., Widodo, N.P., Wang, E., Waly, F.Z., Syachran, S.R., Fadillah, T., & Khamidah, H.N. (2024). “Hybrid method for analyzing air thermal conditions in underground mines” in Expert Systems with Applications. DOI: 10.1016/J.ESWA.2023.123026

Cheng, J., Hou, W., Zheng, X., Fediuk, R., Qin, Y., Chen, Z., Luo, Y., & Islam, M.M. (2024). “Modified space suspension bentonite-based powder for suppression dust explosion in moist conditions: Experimental testing and validations” in Fuel. DOI: 10.1016/J.FUEL.2024.132190

Weitao Yue | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Weitao Yue | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

China University of Mining and Technology | China

Mr. Weitao Yue is a Ph.D. candidate at the China University of Mining and Technology, specializing in Safety Science and Engineering with a focus on coal and rock dynamic disaster prevention and control. His research is dedicated to addressing critical challenges in coal mine safety, emphasizing the investigation of underlying mechanisms, monitoring and early warning systems, and the development of innovative control technologies for coal and rock dynamic disasters. He has actively contributed to multiple national-level major research projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) projects, National Key Research and Development Program projects, and National Major Scientific Instrument Development projects, where he played pivotal roles in theoretical innovation, experimental research, and data analysis. Mr. Yue has published seven high-impact SCI papers as first or corresponding author in top-tier journals such as International Journal of Mining Science and Technology, Engineering Geology, Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, Measurement, Journal of Central South University, and Physics of Fluids. Notably, two of his papers have been recognized as ESI Highly Cited, ranking among the top 1% most cited globally, reflecting his significant academic influence. His research provides theoretical foundations and technical solutions to enhance coal mine safety, contributing substantially to the advancement of mining engineering and disaster prevention technologies.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Feng, X., Yue, W., Cao, Z., Zhou, S., Cao, X., & Wang, E. (2026). “Multi-scale DEM simulation and experimental validation of water-saturated coal failure under variable-angle shear loading: Revealing hydrochemical coupling damage mechanisms.” Measurement. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.measurement.2025.119812

Feng, X., Yue, W., Zhao, X., Wang, D., Liu, Q., & Ding, Z. (2025). “Evolution law and risk analysis of fault-slip burst in coal mine based on microseismic monitoring.” Environmental Earth Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-024-12080-5

Vivekanand Kumar | Vibration | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Vivekanand Kumar | Vibration | Best Researcher Award

Sandip University | India

Dr. Vivekanand Kumar is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in mechanical and mining engineering, with significant contributions to vibration analysis, occupational safety, and heavy machinery operation in industrial environments. He is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Sandip University, Madhubani, Bihar, India, where he also holds key roles as the University Coordinator for SodhGanga and SodhShuddhi. His professional journey combines a strong foundation in engineering education, extensive research in vibration control and occupational health, and practical industrial experience in thermal power plants and heavy earth-moving machinery operations.

Professional Profile

ORCID

Education

Dr. Kumar holds a doctoral degree in Mining Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, where his research focused on whole-body vibration and its impact on heavy earth-moving machinery operators in opencast coal mines. He completed his Master of Technology in Fuel Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad, with a thesis on quantitative dynamic analysis of shale gas reservoirs. His undergraduate studies in Mechanical Engineering from R.G.P.V., Bhopal, provided the groundwork for his multidisciplinary expertise spanning mining, fuel engineering, and mechanical systems.

Experience

Dr. Kumar’s career integrates academic, research, and industrial experience. In academia, he has taught core mechanical engineering subjects and engineering graphics to undergraduate students, contributing to the development of future engineers. He served as a faculty member at Government Engineering College, Madhubani, before joining Sandip University, where he continues to mentor students and lead research initiatives. His industrial background includes roles in thermal power plant operations and waste heat recovery boiler commissioning, providing him with practical insights into large-scale industrial systems.

Research Interest

His primary research interests revolve around vibration engineering, occupational health and safety, heavy machinery operation, and ergonomic risk assessment in industrial and mining sectors. Dr. Kumar has authored several peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers focusing on whole-body vibration exposure, musculoskeletal health risks of operators, and adaptive vibration damping technologies. His research also extends to smart composite materials, Bayesian network-based risk assessment approaches, and the analysis of shale gas reservoirs for energy resource evaluation.

Awards

Throughout his academic journey, Dr. Kumar has been recognized with multiple fellowships and awards that supported his research and higher education. He received prestigious fellowships from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) during his postgraduate and doctoral studies, enabling him to advance his expertise in mining engineering and vibration control technologies.

Publications

Kumar, V. (2025). “Design and Analysis of Smart Composite Materials for Active Vibration Damping and Adaptive Control in Aerospace and Automotive Structures” in Journal of Vibration Engineering and Technologies.

Kumar, V., Palei, S.K., & Karmakar, N.C. (2025). “Discomfort Survey of Dumper Operators Exposed to Whole-Body Vibration in Opencast Coal Mines” in Journal of Vibration and Control.

Chaudhary, D.K., Palei, S.K., Kumar, V., & Karmakar, N.C. (2022). “Whole-Body Vibration Exposure of Heavy Earthmoving Machinery Operators in Surface Coal Mines: A Comparative Assessment of Transport and Non-Transport Earthmoving Equipment Operators” in International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics.

Kumar, V., Palei, S.K., Karmakar, N.C., & Chaudhary, D.K. (2022). “Whole-Body Vibration Exposure vis-à-vis Musculoskeletal Health Risk of Dumper Operators Compared to a Control Group in Coal Mines” in Safety and Health at Work.

Atal, M.K., Palei, S.K., Chaudhary, D.K., Kumar, V., & Karmakar, N.C. (2020). “Occupational Exposure of Dumper Operators to Whole-Body Vibration in Opencast Coal Mines: An Approach for Risk Assessment Using a Bayesian Network” in International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics.

Conclusion

Dr. Vivekanand Kumar exemplifies a well-rounded professional with a strong commitment to advancing research and education in the fields of mechanical and mining engineering. His blend of academic rigor, research contributions, and industrial experience positions him as a valuable contributor to occupational safety, vibration analysis, and engineering education. His work not only addresses key industrial challenges but also aligns with sustainable and safer practices in mining and heavy machinery operations, making a meaningful impact on both academia and industry.

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.