MRL Staff

The MRL staff provides technical assistance to private sponsors on mine operations, source characterization, and mineral processing technology. Our primary researchers are:
 

 

Luis Chia, Ph.D., MRL Director

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Dr. Chia has extensive experience in mineral processing and research spanning several decades in several countries of North and South America. He has had a career dedicated to advancing mineral processing technologies, managing teams, conducting research, and ensuring high standards of quality and innovation in the field.
 
Specialized Fields:

  • Flotation of non-metallic minerals, quartz, spodumene, copper, silver, gold, zinc and others
  • Fine and ultrafine grinding
  • Hydrometallurgy of gold, silver, copper, zinc and others

 

 

Bayram Suha Aksoy, Ph.D., Sr. Minerals Processing Engineer

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Dr. Bayram “Suha” Aksoy has instructed and performed research and development duties in laboratory, pilot plant and plant operations in the areas of mineral processing since 1989 in North America. His areas of expertise include colloid and surface chemistry, foam and foam stability, kaolin, coal, phosphate, sulfide minerals beneficiation in laboratory, pilot plant and plant application. He has been an instructor for mineral processing, pulp and paper processes in laboratory, chemistry and physical science courses, and their laboratories. In addition, he is experienced in mining waste pond cleaning by flocculation techniques. 
 
Specialized Fields:

  • Surface and Colloid Chemistry
  • Flotation
    • Industrial Minerals (Kaolin Clay, Mica, Quarts, etc.)
    • Coal and Coal Ash
    • Metallic minerals (Gold, Copper, Pyrite, Spodumene (lithium), etc.)
  • Grinding
  • Hydrometallurgy (Gold)

 

 

Alirio Liscano, Extension/ Engagement Professor

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Alirio has experience in research and development (R&D) of materials from mining operations. This R&D work includes:

  • Characterizing sand from the Arizona desert with the aid of inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and particle size analyzers
  • Commissioning equipment for laboratory mining operations
  • Managing teams of diverse backgrounds

 
Specialized Fields:

  • Utilizing X-ray diffraction for materials characterization
  • Leaching of tailings from mining operations
  • Processing materials for battery components

 

 

Bob Baldwin, Lab Supervisor/ Engineering Research Technician

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Bob Baldwin has more than 47 years in all facets of mineral processing and pilot plant operations. He has an Associates Degree in Chemistry.
 

 

Gemma Dove, Research Specialist

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Gemma Dove has specialized in the beneficiation of quarry mines and coal ash for the purposes of economic growth and reducing environmental impacts. With more than 10 years of working at the Minerals Research Lab, she is now focused on experimental design and exploratory testing using microscopy and analytical tools. She has degrees in both Engineering and Environmental Studies.
 
Gemma has experience with industrial minerals such as high-purity quartz, feldspar, mica, iron minerals, kyanite, spodumene (lithium), sphalerite (zinc), tin, pyrite, and gold-silver.  
 

 

Andrew Ross, Research Technician

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Andrew Ross started with Mineral Research Lab in 2026 as a research technician. He assists with all aspects of the lab from purchasing and ordering to safety and environmental health compliance as well as assisting research and production on bench scale to pilot plant scale. His background with working with NC DOT as well as NC DEQ on sedimentation patterns and sediment dispersal as well as contaminants in fluvial systems has helped shape his role working with critical minerals here at MRL. He spent the last decade building small businesses throughout the Carolinas with a focus on supporting small, regional nonprofits. The experience in business management and with fluvial geomorphology provide a background which will help to continue the mission of the Mineral Research Lab for years to come. He graduated with a BS in geology with a concentration in fluvial sediment dispersal from Western Carolina University.
 

 

Jonathan Simms, Research Specialist

[email protected]
 
Jonathan Simms oversees the project management and coordination of pilot plant and lab scale projects. He serves as the Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator for the Minerals Research Lab and ensures compliance to safety and fire inspections. He specializes in the beneficiation process of industrial minerals and mine tailings with emphasis on management and troubleshooting of environmental impacts and sustainability. Jonathan has a BS in Environmental Studies.  
 
Jonathan has experience in multiple facets of mineral processing but with special emphasis on pilot plant design, plant flotation processes, dense media separation and mineral separation science. His favorite minerals include Feldspars, Graphite, Kyanite, Micas, Phosphate, Spodumene, Sulphides, Quartz (High to Low Quality), and REE Ore.
 

 

Brian Freeman, Facilities Maintenance Technician

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Brian Freeman provides facility, utility and equipment maintenance and support for the Minerals Research Lab. He is proficient in the use of conventional milling machines, lathes, surface, and cylindrical grinders; cutting and brazing; and MIG and arc welding; the installation and repair of water and plumbing lines, new heating and coolant systems, and water pumps; operation of excavation and trenching equipment; and soldering and brazing of copper lines.
 
Brian has over 20 years’ experience maintaining a 38,000 gallon centralized coolant system and multiple stand-alone units in automotive brake manufacturing facility, monitoring pH and bacteria content, nitrites and nitrates levels; removal of hazardous waste products; general maintenance on equipment, basic construction and repair of supporting structures, troubleshooting and repair of pumps, automated valves, chip-wringer, and the liquid level monitoring system; member of internal and external spill response team; confined space entry; and fork lift and farm tractor operations. 
 
Brian has attended courses in Tool Design and Machine Shop.