Chandima Subasinghe

Background

About Chandima Subasinghe

I am a metallurgical and mineral processing engineer with over five years of experience in research, academia, and industry, specializing in critical mineral extraction, hydrometallurgy, and project management. My work is dedicated to advancing sustainable and efficient methods for extracting critical metals/elements for the next-generation applications. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. in Energy and Mineral Engineering at Penn State, focusing on lithium and other critical element recovery from high-temperature geothermal brines. My research has resulted in a patented ilmenite-to-synthetic rutile process and two pending U.S. patents for innovative lithium extraction technologies. My industry experience includes working as a Metallurgical Engineer Intern at Freeport-McMoRan’s Morenci Copper Mine, where I developed tools for ore grade optimization. Previously, I was a Geoscientist at Sri Lanka’s Geological Survey and Mines Bureau and a Researcher at Uva Wellassa University, leading World Bank-funded projects. Selected Recognitions & Awards: SME Ph.D. Fellowship (2025) SME Klimpel/MPD Outstanding Graduate Award (2025) Harold F. Martin Graduate Assistant Outstanding Teaching Award, Penn State (2025) Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award (2024) P.G. Cooray Memorial Medal – Most Outstanding Young Geoscientist in Sri Lanka (2021) Works on Hydrometallurgy based extraction of critical elements (e.g, Li, Mn, Rb, Cs, REEs, etc.) from conventional and unconventional resources.