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Michael Hitch

Dr. Michael Hitch, P. Eng., P. Geo.

Dean, Faculty of Science

Abbotsford campus, D203c

Phone: 1-604-851-6346

email Michael

Biography

Key Academic Administrative/Professional Activities:

2023-present: Dean, Faculty of Science, University of the Fraser Valley

2021-2023: Head of School, Western Australia School of Mines: Minerals, Energy and Chemical Engineering

2020-2021: Director/Department Head Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Geology, Mining Division (Estonia)

2018-2020: Professor of Mining, Tallinn University of Technology, Department of Geology, Mining Division (Estonia)

2016-2018: Associate Professor, Mitsubishi Chair in Sustainable Mining, Director of the Australian Centre for Sustainable Mining Practices, Deputy Head of School, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Mining Education Australia (MEA) Program Leadership Committee Member - University of New South Wales, School of Mining Engineering (Australia)

2007-2016: Associate Professor, Associate Department Head, Undergraduate Studies at the University of British Columbia, Department of Mining Engineering 

2006-2007: CEO, Executive Director, Kao Diamonds Plc. (Lesotho)

2004-2006: Executive Chairman and COO (Engineering & Geology), APAC Minerals/Golden China Resources Ltd. (China)

2002-2004: Executive VP Corporate Development, Ivanhoe Mines Ltd. (Mongolia, Myanmar, China, S. Korea, Australia)

2000-2001: VP Corporate Development, AngloGold North America (USA, Canada)

1999-2000: VP Mines, Minerals, and Infrastructure, PricewaterhouseCoopers (Sweden, Brazil, Nigeria)

1997-1999: Partner Corporate Finance, Loewen, Ondaatje and McCutcheon (Extensive Worldwide Projects)

1996-1997: CEO, Director, Ulysses Resources (Africa, Peru)

1994-1996: Director, Corporate Development, Echo Bay Mines (Western Hemisphere)

1989-1994: Chief Geologist, Bullmoose Mine, Project Geologist Corporate Development, Teck Corporation (Global)

1989: Contract Exploration Geologist, Crow’s Nest Resources /Shell Coal International (BC)

1984-1988: Field Geologist, Ontario Geological Survey (ON)

Education

Executive Diploma 2022 (Circular Economy and Sustainability Strategies; Business Sustainability Management) University of Cambridge, Judge Business School - UK 

PhD 2006 (Environmental and Resource Studies) University of Waterloo

MSc 1990 (Geology) University of Ottawa 

BS 1986 (Geology) Lake Superior State University 

Memberships

  • Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (Professional Engineer) (Since 2011)
  • Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia (Professional Geoscientist) (Since 2009)
  • Association of Professional Engineers, Geoscientists and Geophysicists of Alberta (Professional Geoscientist) (1994-2009)

Teaching Philosophy

Applied science courses should be delivered with the student's professional future in mind. My approach to teaching is to draw upon working examples from actual industrial projects I have been involved with over my 27-year career development. I place a strong emphasis on ethics, innovation and collaborative problem-solving. Laboratory exercises for my design courses include in-depth instruction in practical problem-solving that includes industry representatives. All the lab exercises are developed with industry experts and, where possible, completed in the field, fortifying work-integrated learning (WIL). I favoured project-based learning and blended learning models that optimise the contact hours in the class or lab to reinforce theoretical learning objectives through analyzing and processing actual data.

Research Interests

My primary research interests include designing, planning/scheduling, and economics of waste management systems within the circular economy context.

In many cases, mine wastes, whether they be run-of-mine solid wastes or mine tailings, the rock materials have specific chemical attributes that make them particularly susceptible to a naturally occurring weathering process where carbon dioxide is converted to calcium carbonate and has added value. This process, mineral carbonation, even in a passive pressure and temperature set, effectively captures and retains CO2 in a mineral form. My research in this area included modelling these materials' in-situ sequestration potential (SP value) before developing an energy and emissions management mine design.

My research aligns with the principle Sustainable Mining Practice theme of Materials Stewardship. It focuses on extracting maximum value from raw materials and minimise waste streams while reducing biophysical footprint as guided by the UN Sustainability Guidelines.

Presentations

Keynote Speaker (Selected) 2018-present (presentations from 2007-2017 available upon request)

  1. The raw materials sector as a circular economic driver. International Mineral Processors Council (IMPC) Asia 2022, Melbourne, Australia.
  2. Teaching and Learning Collaboration. Society of Mining Professors (SOMP). Windhoek, Namibia, 2022.
  3. Mineral Carbonation: Collaborative Opportunities. Net Zero WA Conference, Perth, Australia, 1-2 September 2022.
  4. Enhancing mining pathways through the higher education sector. AusIMM Resource Education Collaboration Summit, 27-28 Melbourne, Australia 2021.
  5. Designing the Reclaimed Landscape: The Circularity of Post-Mining Land. Baltic Sea Underground Innovation Network Closing Webinar (http://bsuin.eu/2020/09/14/closing_webinar/), 29 September 2020.
  6. Narrative of social licence as reflected in social media. Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) Phoenix, US, 23-26 February 2020.
  7. The World’s Largest Innovation Community in the Raw Materials Sector. Raw Materials Symposium University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan, 28 November 2019.
  8. The Challenge of Sustainability and Sustainable Mining Practices in Europe, 12th Fennoscandian Exploration and Mining Conference, Levi, Finland 29-31 October 2019.
  9. Digital Pedagogy in Mining Engineering Education. The Future of Raw materials in Higher Education, EIT Raw Materials Academy. Zagreb, Croatia, October 20-24, 2019.
  10. Engagement and Emotional Response of the Narrative of Social License as Reflected in the Dominance of the Minerals Sector in Traditional and social media. Society for Geology Applied to Mineral Deposits. Glasgow, Scotland August 27-30, 2019.
  11. Challenges and Opportunities for the European and Estonian Mineral Sector. Exploration of Mineral Resources and Prospects for Mining Conference, Tallinn, Estonia, 16 May 2019.
  12. Reconnecting Society with Raw Materials: a New Social License. 18th International Symposium on Environmental Issues and Waste Management in Energy and Mineral Production (SWEMP) Santiago Chile, 19-23 November 2018.
  13. Social Acceptance of Raw Materials: A New Paradigm. World Mining Congress, Astana, Kazakhstan, June 19-23, 2018.

Invited Speaker (Selected) 2018-present (presentations from 2007-2017 available upon request)

  1. Current status and future perspectives of the global mining industry with respect to the net zero emissions goal. 33rd Annual General Meeting of the Society of Mining Professors (SOMP 2023), Clausthal, Germany, September 2023.
  2. The interactive advancement of the Australian Mining Industry and Academia toward the sustainable supply of critical raw materials. 2nd International Conference on Raw Materials and Circular Economy (RAWMAT2023), Athens, Greece, August 28, 2023.
  3. Mineral Carbonation: Collaborative Opportunities. Net Zero Mining WA Conference 2022, Perth, Australia. September 1-2, 2022.
  4. Enhancing mining pathways through the higher education sector. AusIMM Resources Education Collaboration Summit. Online, Australia, October 27, 2021.
  5. Mining Education of the Future, EU Raw Materials, Brussels Belgium, November 2019. (Audience – EU Commission, Director General Growth)

Publications

REFEREED PUBLICATIONS (2018-current) | View earlier publications →

  1. Du, H., J. Li, D. Xu, W. Ni, X. Mu, B. Sayn, J. Guo, Z. Shi, M. Gu, Y. Yin, Z. Yang, and M. Hitch (2024) Effects of steel slag on the properties and microstructure of magnesiuoxysulfate cement prepared by magnesium desulfurization by-products. Journal of Materials Research and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2024.04.070

  2. Liu, Y., Z. Gao, J. Jiao, Md. W. Asad, M. Hitch, and D. Li (2024) Optimizing a Rock-Like Material Mix Design for Enhancing the Mining Fracture Monitoring Accuracy of Borehole Resistivity Method. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00603-024-03778-w
  3. Paat, A., J. Majak, V. Karu, and M. Hitch (2024) Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process Based Environmental, Social and Governance Risks Assessment for the Future Phosphorite Mining in Estonia. The Extractive Industries and Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2024.101438
  4. Rodolaki, C., G. Barakos, and M. Hitch (2023) The role of intercultural differences and challenges faced in communicating rehabilitation of mine sites’ integration from Europe to Africa. The Extractive Industries and Society.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2023.101362
  5. Baras A. Li, W. Ni, Z. Hussain, M. Hitch (2023) Evaluation of potential factors affecting steel slag carbonation: Opportunities and challenges. Processes. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr11092590 
  6. Jacobs A., M. Hitch, S. Mosallanejad. T. Bhatelia, Li, F. Farhang (2023) Mineral carbonation potential (MCP) of mine waste material: derivation of an MCP parameter, Minerals. https://doi.org/10.3390/min13091129
  7. Ba, H., Li, W. Ni, Y. Li, Y. Ju, B. Zhao, G. Wen, M. Hitch (2023) Effect of calcium to silicon ratio on the microstructure of hydrated calcium silicate gels prepared under medium alkalinity. Construction and Building Materials. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2023.131240 
  8. Maybee, B., E. Lilford, M. Hitch (2023) Environmental, social and governance (ESG) risk, uncertainty, and the mining life cycle. The Extractive Industries and Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2023.101244 
  9. Zhao, A., X. Song, J. Li, Q. Yuan, Y. Pei, R. Li, M. Hitch (2023) Effects of a carbon tax on carbon emission reductions: Evidence in China. Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032289 
  10. Kügerl, M-T., M. Hitch, K. Gugerell (2023) Responsible sourcing for energy transitions: discussing academic narratives of responsible sourcing through the lens of natural resource justice. Journal of Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116711 
  11. Rodolaki, C., G. Barakos, M. Hitch (2023) The role of intercultural difference and challenges faced in  negotiating active mine sites' rehabilitation objectives from Africa to Europe. The Extractive Industries and Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2023.101362
  12. Shang, X., S. Zhu, F. Jian, J. Liu, J. Li, X. Zhang, C. Wang, H. Xie, S. Li, X. Qu, M. Hitch (2022) Study on dynamic disaster mechanism of thick hard roof induced by water pressure fracturing in a vertical well. Minerals. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12121537  
  13. Liu, J., H. Ge, J. Li, P. He, Z. Hao, M. Hitch (2022) How can sustainable public transport be improved? A traffic sign recognition approach using convolutional neural networks. Energies. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15197386  
  14. Barakos, G., L. Dyer, M. Hitch (2022) The long uphill journey of Australia’s rare earth element industry: challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation, and Environment, https://doi.org/10.1080/17480930.2022.2127248
  15. Mammadli, A., G. Barakos, Md Ariful Islam, H. Mischo, and M. Hitch (2022) Development of a smart computational tool for evaluating co- and by-products in mining projects using Chovdar Gold ore deposit as a case study. Mining. https://doi.org/10.3390/mining2030026 
  16. Maybee, B, E. Lilford and M. Hitch (2022) ESG Risk, Uncertainty, and the Mining Life Cycle. Resources Policy, available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4143277 
  17. Gautam, R., Y. Kim, E. Topal, and M. Hitch (2022) Correlation between COVID-19 cases and gold price fluctuation. Vol. 36, No. 8, pp. 574-586. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1080/17480930.2022.2077542 
  18. Li, J., C. Wang, X. Song, X. Jin, S. Zhao, Z. Qi, H. Zeng, S. Zhu, F. Jiang, W. Ni, and M. Hitch (2022) Market stakeholder analysis on the practical implementation of carbonation curing on steel slag for urban sustainable governance. Energies. (15) 2399, https://doi.org/10.3390/en15072399 
  19. Li, J., S. Zhao, W. Ni, S. Mao, S. Zhu, F. Jiang, H. Zeng, and M. Hitch (2022) Carbonation curing on magnetically separated steel slag to prepare artificial reefs. Materials. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15062055 
  20. Amaro, S., S. Barbosa, G. Ammerer, A. Bruno, J. Guimerá, I. Orfanoudakis, A. Ostręga, E. Mylona, J. Strydom, and M. Hitch (2022) Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to Evaluate Transitional and Post-Mining Options—An Innovative Perspective from the EIT ReviRIS Sustainability. (14) 2292. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14042292 
  21. Li, J., A.D. Jacobs, A. and M. Hitch (2022). The effect of mineral composition on direct aqueous carbonation of ultramafic waste rock for CO2 sequestration. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1080/17480930.2022.2041340
  22. Li, J., C. Wang, W. Ni, S. Zhu, S. Mao, F. Jiang, Hui Z, X. Sun, B. Huang, and M. Hitch (2022) Orthogonal test design for the optimization of preparation of steel slag-based carbonated building materials with ultramafic tailings as fine aggregates. https://doi.org/10.3390/min12020246 Minerals.
  23. Li, J., W. Ni, X. Wang, S. Zhu, X. Wei, F. Jiang, H. Zeng, and M. Hitch (2022) Mechanical activation of medium basicity steel slag under dry conditions for carbonation curing. Journal of Building Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2022.104123 
  24. Monei, N., M. Hitch, J. Heim, O. Pourret, H. Heilmeier, and O. Wiche (2022) Effect of substrate properties and phosphorus-supply on the rare earth element facilitation in mixed culture cropping systems of Hordeum vulgare, Lupinus albus and Lupinus angustifolius. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. https://orchid.org/0000-0002-2081-0524. 
  25. Amaro, S., S. Barbosa, G. Ammerer, A. Bruno, J. Guimerá, I. Orfanoudakis, A. Ostręga, E. Mylona, M. Hitch, and J. Strydom (2021) MCDM applied to the evaluation of transitional and post-mining conditions – an innovative perspective developed through the EIT ReviRIS Project. Materials Proceedings. https://doi.org/103390/materproc202100522 
  26. Jati, H.A., Monei, G. Barakos, M. Tost and M. Hitch (2021) Coal slurry pipelines: A coal transportation method in Kalimantan Indonesia. Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1080/17480930.2021.1949857 
  27. Paat, A, T. Toosalu, V. Karu and M. Hitch (2021) Important environmental, social governance risks in potential phosphorite mining in Estonia. The Extractives Industries and Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2021.100911 
  28. Hitch, M. and G. Barakos (2021) Virtuous Natural Resource Development: The Evolution and adaptation of social license in the mining sector. The Extractive Industries and Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2021.100902
  29. Veetil, S.K.P., K. Rebane, C.R. Yörük, M. Lopp, A. Trikkel and M. Hitch (2021) Aqueous mineral carbonation of oil shale mine waste (limestone): A feasibility study to develop a CO2 capture sorbent. Energy. Vol. 22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.119895 
  30. Veetil, S.K.P. and M. Hitch (2021) Aqueous mineral carbonation of ultramafic material: A prerequisite to integrate into mineral extraction and tailings management operations. Environmental Science and Pollution Research. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-12481-0 
  31. Monei, N.L., S. K. P. Veetil, Gao and M. Hitch (2021) Selective removal of selenium by phytoremediation from post/mining coal wastes: practicality and implications. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1080/17480930.2020.1801118 
  32. Paat, A., S.K. Veetil, V. Karu, and M. Hitch (2020) Evaluating the potential of Estonia as European REE recycling capital via ESG risks assessment model. The Extractive Industries and Society. 8, No. 4 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2020.07.001 
  33. Lesser, P., K. Gugerell, G. Poelzer, M. Hitch, and Tost (2020) Europe and Social License to Operate. The Extractive Industries and Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2020.07.021 
  34. Veetil, S.K. and M. Hitch (2020) Recent development and challenges of aqueous mineral carbonation: A review. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-020-02776-z 
  35. Hitch, M, Lytle, M. Tost (2020) Social License:  Power imbalances and levels of consciousness - Two Case Studies. International Journal of Mining, Reclamation and Environment. Vol. 34, No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1080/17480930.2018.1530582
  36. Tost, M., Hitch, S., Lutter, S., Feiel and P. Moser (2020) Carbon prices for meeting the Paris Agreement and their impact on key metals. The Extractive Industries and Society. Vol. 7, No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2020.01.012
  37. Tost, M., D. Murguia, M. Hitch, S. Lutter, S. Luckeneder, Feiel and P Moser (2020) Ecosystem services costs of metal mining and pressures on biomes. The Extractive Industries and Society. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2019.11.013 
  38. Wang, X., W. Ni, Li, S. Zhang, M. Hitch, and R. Pascual (2019) Carbonation of steel slag and gypsum for building materials and associated reaction mechanisms. Cement and Concrete Research. Vol. 125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2019.105893
  39. Pascual, R., M. Román, M. López-Campos, M. Hitch, and E. Rodovalho (2019) Reducing mine equipment tire consumption by matching fleet demand and route-oriented tire types. Journal of Operational Research. 227, pp. 645-65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.069
  40. Endl A., Tost, M. Hitch, P. Moser, and S. Feiel (2019) Europe’s mining innovation trends and their contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals: blind spots and strong points. Resources Policy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2019.101440 
  41. Hagan, A., Tost, O. Inderwildi, M. Hitch, and P. Moser (2019) The License to Mine Making Resource Wealth Work for Those Who Need It Most. Resources Policy. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2019.101418 
  42. Li, J., A.D. Jacobs, and M. Hitch (2019) Direct aqueous carbonation on olivine at a CO2 partial pressure of 6.5 MPa. Energy. Vol. 173, pp. 902-910. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2019.02.125 
  43. Lytle, M.B. and M. Hitch (2019) Mining and Mendicants: A cautionary tale. The Extractive Industries and Society. Vol. 6, pp. 498-503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2019.02.005 
  44. Tapia Cortez, C., M. Hitch, C., Sammut, J., Coulton, R., Shisko, and S. Saydam (2018) Determining the embedding parameters governing long-term dynamics of copper prices. Chaos, Solitons and Fractals. 111, pp. 186-197. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chaos.2018.03.032 
  45. Binder, A., O. Langefeld, and M. Hitch (2018) Integration of Sustainability in Mining Engineering Education. Glückauf Fachzeitschrift Für Bergbau, Rohstoffe und Energie Journal. 154 No. 5, pp. 435–442.
  46. , J. and M. Hitch (2018) Economic analysis of the application of mechanical activation in an integrated mineral carbonation process. International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation. Vol. 128, pp. 63-71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.08.026 
  47. Gonzalez, F. R., Raval, S., Taplin, R., Timms, W.A. and Hitch, M. (2018) Evaluation of impact of potential extreme rainfall events on mining in Peru. Natural Resources Research. 28, No. 2, pp. 393-408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-018-9396-1 
  48. Li, J., Hitch, I. Power, and Y. Pan (2018) Integrated Mineral Carbonation of Ultramafic Mine Deposits – A Review. Minerals. Vol.8, No. 4. https://doi.org/10.3390/min8040147 
  49. Li, J., and M. Hitch (2018) Mechanical activation of magnesium silicates for mineral carbonation, a review. Minerals Engineering. Vol. 128, pp. 69-83. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mineng.2018.08.034 
  50. Tost, M., B. Bayer, M. Hitch, S. Lutter, P. Moser and S. Feiel (2018) Metal mining’s environmental pressures – a review and updated estimates on CO2 emissions, water use and land requirements. Sustainability. Vol. 10, No. 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/su10082881 
  51. Gautam, S., A.K. Patra, S.P. Sahu, and M. Hitch (2018) Particulate matter pollution in opencast coal mining areas: A threat to human health. International Journal of Mining Engineering, Reclamation and Environment. Vol. 32, No. 2, 75-92. https://doi.org/10.1080/17480930.2016.1218110 
  52. Hitch, M. (2018) Australia, Leading the Practice in Sustainable Mining. Glückauf Fachzeitschrift Für Bergbau, Rohstoffe und Energie Journal. 154 No. 1, pp. 52–57. 
  53. Tost, M., V. Chandurkar, M. Hitch, P. Moser, and Feiel (2018) The state of environmental sustainability considerations in mining. Journal of Cleaner Production. Vol. 182, pp. 969-977. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.02.051 

BOOKS

Authored

  1. Hitch, M. (2010) Impact and Benefit Agreements: The Political Ecology of Mineral Resource Development in Nunavut. Verlag Publishing, Mauritius. 184 p.

Chapters

  1. Li, J., M. Hitch, H. Zeng, F. Jiang, W. Ni. (2023) Mechanical activation on mine waste material for
    integrated mineral carbonation process in Turnagain Project: a summary. In Chongchong Qi and Craig H.
    Benson (Ed.). Managing Mining and Minerals Processing Wastes. 85-98. Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91283-9.00005-5 
  2. M. Hitch. (2023) Chapter 4: Getting Started. In Peter Moser, Carsten Drebenstedt and Bernd Lottermoser (Ed.) New Methods in Mining Education, MiReBooks Handbook. 71-84. Harper Collins.
  3. Hitch, M. (2012) The State of Aboriginal Participation in Canadian Mining. Guest Statement in Environmental Change and Challenge: A Canadian Perspective, Fourth Edition, Philip Dearden and Bruce Mitchell (eds.) Oxford University Press. pp. 430-433.
  4. Hitch, M. (2009) The Prosperity – Sustainability Continuum. Guest Statement in Environmental Change and Challenge: A Canadian Perspective, Third Edition, Philip Dearden and Bruce Mitchell (eds.) Oxford University Press. pp. 455-456.
  5. Hitch, M. (2005) Minerals, Mining and Impact and Benefit Agreements. Guest Statement in Environmental Change and Challenge: A Canadian Perspective, Second Edition, Philip Dearden and Bruce Mitchell (eds.) Oxford University Press, p. 482.

Editor

  1. Saydam, S. B. Hebblewhite, M. Karmis and M. Hitch (2019) Mines of the Future. Society of Mining Professors. P. 96.
  2. Kretschmann, J and K. Sakamornsnguan (Draft Preparation) Mindful Enterprises: Responsible business based on Buddhist Ethics. p. 118.

PATENTS

  1. Hitch M, T. Bhatelia, D. Anderson (2023) ‘Microbial process for mineral carbonation,’ Provisional (In Filling).

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