Minerals Processing and Hydrometallurgy (MPH) Group 

About

Dr. Lucy Xia is a mineral engineer and researcher with over 15 years of experience in mineral processing, extractive metallurgy, and surface chemistry. She leads the Minerals Processing and Hydrometallurgy Group at the University of Alberta, where her research focuses on developing greener, more circular approaches to critical mineral extraction.

Dr. Xia began her academic and research career at Central South University in China and later contributed to advanced materials research at Surface Science Western (University of Western Ontario). In 2018, she joined the Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) as a Senior Research Engineer, where she became a recognized expert in rare earth processing. Her work at SRC spanned operations, consulting, and applied R&D, providing a strong foundation in both industry and academia.

At the University of Alberta, Dr. Xia’s research program addresses urgent challenges in sustainable resource development, with specific interests in:

• Frother and collector chemistry for enhanced froth flotation separations

• Ore characterization and process mineralogy to inform process design

• Surface and interfacial chemistry in complex mineral systems

• Extractive metallurgy, including solvent extraction, purification, and effluent treatment

• Flotation cell design, with emphasis on mechanical and pneumatic systems
  
  

Her overarching goal is to transform traditional mineral processing methods into environmentally responsible, economically viable solutions that support the energy transition and critical mineral supply chains.

Dr. Xia is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers and collaborating across disciplines to advance responsible mining and materials development globally.