Minerals Research Leaders: Prokopiy Vasilyev

Unveiling the minds behind breakthroughs: A Glimpse into Our Research Community.

Today we spotlight our fourth researcher in the Lead Investigator Interview Series.

In this series we introduce research leads from a variety of MRIWA supported projects. Lead investigators were given a set of questions to reflect upon. Their answers give us insight into their projects, what their roles look like, the challenges and rewards, memorable experiences, and valuable advice after years of experience in their profession.

In this series article, discover the world of a registered expert of the United Nations Centre for Trade Facilitation and Electronic Business (UN/CEFACT).

Meet Prokopiy Vasilyev, lead researcher for project titled: Development of a trusted supply chain for Australian battery minerals and products.

This project seeks to connect customers to the sources of battery minerals by developing tools and platforms to mediate transparency within the supply chain to manage any ethical and sustainable sourcing risks and be compliant with a changing regulatory landscape.

We asked Prokopiy to give us some insight into what his role as a lead researcher looks like, he responds to the following questions.

What is your background and what led you to work in this area?

I have a background in experimental geochemistry, which involves studying how geological processes and minerals form on a large scale by recreating them in controlled lab environments. This naturally led me to materials research, particularly in the battery technology field, also driven by my commitment to addressing the global climate crisis.

Tell us a little bit about your role as Lead Investigator on this project?

My main role involves leading a team to create a method to verify the provenance of battery materials at crucial stages in the battery supply chain. As a leader, I'm also dedicated to turning this method into a practical service for analysis and incorporating it into worldwide systems for tracing battery supply chains.

What inspired the research project, how does it address current industry challenges and how will your research benefit Western Australia?

Western Australia plays a major role in the global production of key battery minerals. It's crucial to have a strong method in place to accurately trace and distinguish these minerals throughout the supply chain. This ensures any added value linked to their sustainability or origin claims can be fully realized.

What have you found most rewarding doing research?

I find it incredibly fulfilling to transform ideas into research discoveries, which can have a real impact on society and advance our knowledge of the environment. This work plays a direct part in global initiatives to combat the climate crisis. It also helps to reduce the potential environmental and ethical risks associated with an unregulated shift towards green energy.

What have you found most challenging about doing research?

Engaging in research is inherently a venture with both high potential rewards and risks. Consequently, it can be difficult at times to come to terms with the fact that there's a significant possibility a research project may not reach its intended objectives.

Can you share a piece of advice for those interested in pursuing a career in your field?

The time to act and participate is now. The Paris Agreement for 2050 and the transition to green energy demand a substantial and rapid supply of critical minerals. This calls for a substantial demand for experts across diverse fields, including mineral research, mining, and processing.

Can you share a memorable experience or breakthrough moment from your research that had a significant impact on your work?

The importance of my research in the global battery and critical mineral supply chain has been acknowledged by the United Nations CEFACT body. This recognition led to me taking the lead in one of the pilot projects focused on critical minerals for the organisation.

How do you envision the future of your field, and what role do you see yourself playing in its evolution?

The battery and critical minerals sectors are experiencing rapid growth, yet they're also grappling with substantial challenges related to sustainability, security, and resilience. The key lies in striving for a worldwide agreement on how to mitigate these risks while concurrently pursuing our climate change objectives. Moving forward, I feel fortunate to be part of the dialogue as a researcher and sustainability expert.

What’s the next big project idea you want to work on?

Establishing a provenance verification service to provide assurance in material quality and a guarantee of origin for critical minerals is crucial in tackling supply chain sustainability, security, and resilience issues. And Western Australia has a unique opportunity to set the quality standard for critical minerals by delivering on this promise of origin.

Conclusions and more information.

In this interview we see the importance of impactful research leadership in spearheading research that progresses global initiatives of decarbonisation. Prokopiy’s vision for establishing a provenance verification service not only showcases dedication to sustainability but also highlights the pivotal role in shaping the future of battery technology.

For more information about the MRIWA project Prokopiy leads, visit: https://www.mriwa.wa.gov.au/research-projects/project-portfolio/development-of-a-trusted-supply-chain-for-australian-battery-minerals-and-products/

For more inspiring stories from the frontiers of research, discovery and exploration at MRIWA, stay tuned here on LinkedIn for more from the Lead Investigator Interview Series where we continue to showcase the champions of research advancing Western Australia.