Luis Chia Appointed as New Director of NC State University Mineral Research Lab (MRL)

Dr. Luis Chia has been named the new director of NC State University Mineral Research Laboratory (MRL). Chia’s expertise is extensive. He has worked as a senior project manager of mineral processing plants, senior process manager of mineral processing plants, plant manager of micronutrient/fertilizer plants and research and development director of hydrometallurgical projects, and senior engineer of bench and pilot plant projects in the Minerals Research Lab. “I’ve always wanted to work with minerals. My first job was at a mineral research center similar to the one I am working at now. I enjoy all the new challenges of working in the mineral industry,” stated Chia.

Chia’s predecessor, Dr. Robert Mensah-Biney retired in June after more than 30 years of exemplary service in the State of North Carolina. Robert Mensah-Biney joined NC State University as a Mineral Dressing Engineer on March 1, 1994. On September 1, 2012, he was promoted to the Director of MRL.

Dr. Mensah-Biney had over forty years of experience in mineral and chemical industry research and development. Under the direction of Robert Mensah-Biney, the MRL joined forces with the NC Geological Survey in 2018 to revive the spodumene industry in Gaston County. Piedmont Lithium Limited engaged the MRL in 2018 to conduct bench-scale test work on samples obtained from the company’s mineral resources estimates (MRE) within the core property for by-products quartz, feldspar, and mica. This was part of the scoping study that was undertaken by Piedmont Lithium to determine the potential viability of an open pit mine, spodumene concentrator and lithium hydroxide plant to be constructed in North Carolina, USA and to reach a decision to proceed with studies that are more definitive. The results of the study formed the basis for Piedmont Lithium to move forward with a Pre-Feasibility Study (“PFS”) targeted for completion in 2019. Piedmont’s Carolina lithium project is projected to be one of the world’s largest and lowest-cost lithium hydroxide producers to supply the rapidly growing electric vehicle supply chain in the United States.

Under the guidance of Dr. Mensah-Biney, the MRL established a partnership with Albemarle Corporation, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, to respond to the Federal Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Number DE-FOA-0002678 in the area of battery material processing. The MRL is a sub-recipient, whereas Albemarle will be the prime recipient for the project.

Chia received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos in Peru, M.S. in Metallurgical Engineering from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology and Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Missouri.

Chia has worked at MRL for five years as a senior engineer. He says how he got the job was serendipitous. “I visited Asheville from Peru two or three times yearly to see my two daughters. They always encouraged me to move to Asheville, but during that time, I had job offers in other states like Utah and Colorado, which were too far away. Then something unusual happened: I was offered a job at MRL in Asheville, where my daughters live. I immediately took it without thinking twice. I’ve loved being here ever since.”

Chia says his experience in sales helps him in his new role as director. “I know how to approach executive conversations, provide them with what they need, and find win-win situations for both parties.”

The new director says his top priorities for the lab in the next 3-5 years are to enhance our research capabilities, foster interdisciplinary collaboration and secure funding for innovative projects. He says the organization aims to make significant advancements in sustainable mineral processing and develop new technologies that can be applied in industry. Chia is already making big moves meeting with the NC State Analytical Instrumentation Facility (AIF) for a possible partnership.

Chia says he will also focus on creating a positive and inclusive work environment as a director. “As a leader, I prioritize clear communication, setting realistic goals and providing the necessary resources and support for my team’s success. I believe in leading by example and being approachable and responsive to my team’s needs,” Chia stated.

One of the most exciting emerging trends in mineral research is the development of sustainable research projects in critical minerals, including lithium, graphite, high-purity quartz (HPQ), rare earth minerals, solid waste recycling, and focusing on primary and secondary resources.

Minerals are crucial because they are found in everything, from lithium batteries and solar panels to semiconductors and supercomputers. “Most of my career has been working with metallic minerals like gold, copper, zinc and lead—high-quality and expensive resources. This work required extensive knowledge and adaptability.” Chia continued, “However when I came here, I discovered a focus on non-metallic minerals. While my previous experience was limited in this area, I find working with non-metallic minerals more exciting. Despite not being as expensive, they are critical because they are essential in almost every technological advancement.”

Above all, Chia is proud of what he does and excited about the opportunity to lead MRL. Chia comments, “This work is so rewarding, and I love doing it. Do you want to produce semiconductors? You first need to complete the mineral processing with us. Only then can you manufacture the semiconductors. Everyone uses semiconductors and cell phones, and MRL plays a crucial role in the mineral processing that makes it all possible.”