Cristal Balaga

Thesis Grade: 5/5

• Provided hands-on technical support for multiple unit operations and processes on Scandium recovery and production plant, including Counter Current lon Exchange, Solvent Extraction, Neutralization and Precipitation, Filtration, and Scandium Oxalation Reaction, etc. • Facilitated daily operations, coordinated with cross-functional teams, monitored production performance, and ensured compliance with quality, safety, and delivery targets. • Coordinated field monitoring activities, equipment handovers for maintenance, and start-up and shutdown activities • Ensured compliance with health and safety standards and Environmental Management System (EMS) requirements.

• Performed laboratory wet chemistry (titration) and XRF analyses, evaluating results to support ore exploration, gradecontrol, and mining operations. • Assisted QA/ QC Manager in preparing Certificates of Analysis (COA) for nickel and iron ore shipments. • Prepared ore samples for quality and moisture content analysis in compliance with safe laboratory protocols.

• Analysed various raw materials, in-process products, and finish goods through chemical and physical analysis.

Research Project: Secondary Effects of pH-Modifiers in the Flotation Chemistry and Utilization of Green Liquor from Kraft Pulping Process as a Potential Sustainable Flotation pH-Modifier

Research Project: Investigation on the Agglomeration of Elemental Carbon from Methane Pyrolysis

This semester has been academically intense and incredibly rewarding. I was able to deepen my knowledge in chemical engineering and mineral processing while adapting to another completely new environment that pushed me to grow both academically and personally. A major highlight was the opportunity to visit huge mine sites and processing plants in Chile. I also had the privilege to travel, meet new people, and gain insights into diverse cultures of South America.

Thesis​: Determination of Optimum Calcium Chloride Concentration and Carbon and Nitrogen Sources for Maximum Cell and Spore Density of Bacillus subtilis Plant Design: A Plant Design on the Production of Microencapsulated Thraustochytrid-Derived Omega-3 Fatty Acids as Food Fortificant