Process modelling and integration of decarbonizing technologies in Primary and Secondary Precious metal (PGM (Platinum group metal), Gold ) production Industry.
Master Project
Description of work
Precious metals are critical for the fabrication of green technologies such as fuel cells and solar cells. They also serve as essential raw materials in luxury industries, including watchmaking and jewelry. These metals can be sourced through two primary routes:
- Primary production – involving mining and refining of ores, and
- Secondary production – through recycling of end-of-life products.
Primary production is highly energy- and carbon-intensive due to the low concentration of metals in ores and the complex extraction processes involved. While secondary production (recycling) is generally less energy-intensive—thanks to higher metal concentrations in used products—it still requires significant energy inputs and process optimization.
The goal of this project is to:
- Integrate various emerging and conventional technologies into the existing models of primary and secondary metal sourcing.
- Conduct a comprehensive techno-economic analysis of these pathways.
- Perform an uncertainty analysis to assess the robustness of technological deployment strategies under variable conditions.
Skills
- Interest and understanding energy technologies and sustainability
- independent and motivated
- Coding skills in Python or other language are necessary
- Results interpretation and report writing
- Language skills: English (C1/C2 level)
- Systematic thinker and problem-solver oriented
- Background: Energy enginnering, Life Cycle Assesment, Machine learning, others
Lectures:
- Advanced Energetics
- Energy conversion and renewable energy
Supervision
If interested, please contact Pullah Bhatnagar (pullah.bhatnagar@epfl.ch) attaching your CV, Cover Letter and transcript of records (Bachelor’s and Master’s). Short-listed candidates will be interviewed. Early applications are encouraged.
Practical information
The IPESE laboratory is located in the Sion EPFL campus. Travels between Lausanne and Sion (EPFL students only) are compensated by EPFL .
References:
- Dardor, D., Flórez-Orrego, D., Terrier, C., Domingos, M. E. R., Platteau, C., Da Silva, J. C., … & Maréchal, F. (2024). ROSMOSE: A web-based decision support tool for the design and optimization of industrial and urban energy systems. Energy, 304, 132182.