Wencai Zhang

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. Wencai Zhang is an Associate Professor at Virginia Tech’s Department of Mining and Minerals Engineering. He specializes in mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, and the extraction of critical minerals. Wencai has led or co-led over 20 externally funded research projects, with his share of funding exceeding $9 million.

Wencai’s work has been published in more than 90 peer-reviewed journals. He played a key role in developing the first rare earth pilot plant in Kentucky and has earned honors such as the MPD Outstanding Young Engineer Award and Scialog SM3 Fellowship.