Adrian T. Mhondiwa

Mr Adrian Mhondiwa is the Director of the Metallurgical Research Institute (MRI), one of the institutes at the Scientific and Industrial Research and Development Centre (SIRDC). He joined SIRDC in September 2020 as an Associate Research Scientist and was elevated to Acting Director of MRI in October 2022 and substantive Director in December 2023. His prior experience was gained from La Societe D’enof de la Diatomee du Sig in Algeria, the Sciences and Technology University of Oran in Algeria and the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, among other companies that he worked for. Mr Mhondiwa double majored in Mining and Metallurgical Engineering in his undergraduate studies and proceeded to do a Master of Science degree in Mineral Processing and Valorisation (awarded with distinction) at the Sciences and Technology University of Oran-Mohamed Boudiaf (USTO-MB). His professional experience started in 2017 in Algeria before returning to Zimbabwe to become the Provincial Metallurgist for Matabeleland South Province in 2019. Mr Mhondiwa has vast experience in hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical processes, plant operation and control, optimization and commissioning, process/plant specific costing and modelling, experience in the gold, refractory ores, platinum group metals and rare earth metals and foundry processes and optimization. He has been working on high performance mining grinding media so as to reduce the country’s import bill for these products, which will be commercialised through SIRDC’s commercial arm, the Zimbabwe Technological Solutions Foundry.