Dr. Jayashree Samantray: Assistant Professor at C V RAMAN POLYTECHNIC, India
Jayashree Samantray is an accomplished researcher and educator with a robust academic and professional background in chemistry, specifically focusing on extractive metallurgy and process development. With over five years of research experience at the CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar, Jayashree has successfully developed and optimized sustainable metallurgical processes for the extraction of valuable metals from low-grade ores and industrial waste. Her work spans various fields, including hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical techniques, with notable contributions to the recovery of potassium, aluminium, and other metals like copper, nickel, and cobalt. In addition to her research, Jayashree has taught chemistry and environmental science at various academic levels, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications. With six published papers in reputed science journals, her work continues to inspire advancements in sustainable metallurgical practices.
Online Profiles
Dr. Jayashree Samantray is an established researcher with a significant academic presence. Currently affiliated with C.V. Raman Polytechnic, Bhubaneswar, India, she has contributed extensively to the field of extractive metallurgy and sustainable process development. With an h-index of 4 and 95 citations across 78 documents, her work has garnered recognition in the scientific community. Her academic contributions can be found on Scopus (ID: 57208422586) and her ORCID profile (0000-0003-2816-0412), which provides further insight into her growing body of research and its impact on the field of chemistry and materials science.
Education
Ph.D. in Chemistry (2017-2022), Sambalpur University, India
Thesis: “Production of Fertilizer Grade Potassium Compounds from Lean Grade Ores”
Advisors: Prof. Ajaya Kumar Behera, Dr. Barsha Dash.
The focus of her doctoral research was on developing more efficient and sustainable methods for the extraction of potassium and other valuable elements from silicate minerals like feldspar and nepheline syenite.M.Sc. in Chemistry (2011-2013), Utkal University, India,
Specialized in inorganic and industrial chemistry with an emphasis on analytical techniques and process design.B.Sc. in Chemistry (Hons) (2008-2011), Ramadevi Women’s College, India,
Gained a strong foundation in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physical chemistry.12th Grade (2006-2008), Stewart School, India,
Focused on science subjects with chemistry as a major area of study.10th Grade (2006), Stewart School, India,
A solid academic background with top performances in science subjects.
Research Focus
Jayashree’s research interests lie in the field of sustainable metallurgy, with a specific focus on developing eco-friendly and economically viable processes for the recovery of valuable metals from ores, industrial waste, and by-products. Her primary areas of focus include the extraction of potassium compounds from feldspar and nepheline syenite, the recovery of aluminium from fly ash and other waste residues, and the leaching of base metals such as copper, nickel, and cobalt from polymetallic nodules and scrap alloys. Additionally, her work extends to the application of thiosulfate leaching methods for gold recovery, as well as the recovery of rare earth elements from industrial waste residues. Jayashree aims to bridge the gap between industrial practices and environmental sustainability, ensuring that mining and metallurgy contribute less to environmental degradation.
Experience
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, C.V. Raman Polytechnic, Bhubaneswar (Jan 2023–Present)
Teaching core chemistry courses to engineering and diploma students, including Environmental Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. In addition to theory, she also takes practical classes in chemical analysis and laboratory work.Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Gandhi Institute of Excellent Technocrats, Bhubaneswar (Jan 2022–Jan 2023)
Conducted lectures in Chemistry and Environmental Science, specializing in the application of chemical principles in industrial processes and environmental conservation.Project Fellow, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar (May 2014–Mar 2017)
Conducted research in the extraction of potassium fertilizers from lean-grade ores and designed efficient processes for improving the extraction of potassium and aluminum from feldspar and nepheline syenite.Project Assistant, CSIR-IMMT, Bhubaneswar (2017-2020)
Worked on process development for the recovery of valuable metals from polymetallic nodules and scrap alloys, and collaborated with senior scientists to develop innovative hydrometallurgical techniques for metal extraction.Lecturer of Chemistry, Newton College of Science and Technology, Bhubaneswar (Apr 2013–Apr 2014)
Taught undergraduate chemistry courses, with a focus on general chemistry and organic chemistry, and mentored students on various scientific projects.
Research Timeline
2018–2020: Project Assistant at CSIR-IMMT under the project “Extractive Metallurgy of Polymetallic Nodules”. Led experiments focused on recovering copper, nickel, and other base metals from polymetallic nodule samples.
2017–2018: Project Assistant for “Recovery of Alumina from Fly Ash”, focusing on process optimization and scale-up of alumina recovery from fly ash using a combination of hydrometallurgical and pyrometallurgical methods.
2014–2017: Project Fellow in “Potassic Fertilizers Technology”, a key project for the sustainable extraction of potassium fertilizers from low-grade ores like feldspar and nepheline syenite.
2022–Present: Ph.D. research work focusing on the sustainable production of fertilizer-grade potassium compounds from lean-grade ores, with particular emphasis on minimizing the environmental impact of the extraction process.
Awards & Honors
GATE 2013: Scored an 81.26 percentile, showcasing strong problem-solving skills in the area of chemical engineering.
Best Research Paper Award: For the paper “Sustainable Process for the Extraction of Potassium from Feldspar” at the Indian Institute of Metals conference.
CSIR Research Fellowship: Awarded a prestigious fellowship for research in hydrometallurgy and extractive metallurgy (2014-2017).
Outstanding Teaching Award: Recognized for exceptional teaching contributions at C.V. Raman Polytechnic, Bhubaneswar.
Her academic achievements have been recognized through multiple awards, reflecting her dedication to both teaching and research.
Recent Publications
Samantray, J., Anand, A. (2025). Bio-Waste Application for Potassium Extraction from Nepheline Syenite. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration. DOI: 10.1007/s42461-025-01329-7.
This paper explores the innovative use of bio-waste in the sustainable extraction of potassium from nepheline syenite, contributing to environmental sustainability in mining practices.Samantray, J., Anand, A., Dash, B., Ghosh, M. K., Behera, A. K. (2022). Silicate Minerals – Potential Source of Potash – A Review. Minerals Engineering, 179, 107463. DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2022.107463.
This review discusses the potential of silicate minerals, such as nepheline syenite, as an alternative and sustainable source for potash production, aiming to reduce reliance on conventional mining.Samantray, J., Anand, A., Dash, B., Ghosh, M. K., Behera, A. K. (2020). Sustainable Process for the Extraction of Potassium from Feldspar Using Eggshell Powder. ACS Omega, 5 (25), 14990–14998. DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c00586.
This article highlights an eco-friendly method using eggshell powder for potassium extraction from feldspar, providing an environmentally benign alternative to traditional extraction techniques.Anand, A., Singh, R., Samantray, J., Ghosh, M. K., Sanjay, K. (2020). Leaching of Rare Earth Elements from the Residue Generated by the Lixiviation of Waste Phosphor with Sulphuric Acid. Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals, 73 (4), 1081-1091. DOI: 10.1007/s12666-020-01939-3.
This paper presents a sustainable method for the recovery of rare earth elements from industrial waste residues, promoting the circular economy in metallurgy.Samantray, J., Anand, A., Dash, B., Ghosh, M. K., Behera, A. K. (2019). Nepheline Syenite—An Alternative Source for Potassium and Aluminium. In Rare Metal Technology 2019 (pp. 145–159). Springer, Cham. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-05740-4_15.
This book chapter delves into the potential of nepheline syenite as a dual-source for both potassium and aluminium, offering an alternative to traditional potash mining.Samantray, J., Anand, A., Dash, B., Ghosh, M. K., Behera, A. K. (2019). Production of Potassium Chloride from K-Feldspar Through Roast–Leach–Solvent Extraction Route. Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals, 72 (10), 2613–2622. DOI: 10.1007/s12666-019-01730-z.
This research outlines a novel and efficient method for extracting potassium chloride from K-feldspar, providing a more sustainable alternative to traditional methods of potash extraction.
Strengths for the
1. Sustainability in Metallurgical Processes
Dr. Samantray’s work in sustainable extractive metallurgy, particularly in the development of eco-friendly processes for recovering valuable metals from low-grade ores, industrial waste, and by-products, stands out. Her focus on minimizing environmental impact—such as using bio-waste and eggshell powder for extraction—demonstrates her dedication to advancing green technologies in metallurgy. This commitment aligns perfectly with global goals of sustainable mining and material recovery.
2. Innovative Techniques for Metal Extraction
She has developed and optimized various novel techniques in hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy, such as the use of thiosulfate leaching for gold recovery and extracting rare earth elements from waste residues. These innovative methods offer significant improvements in efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact when compared to conventional methods. Her research bridges the gap between traditional industrial practices and modern, more sustainable approaches.
3. Interdisciplinary Expertise
Dr. Samantray’s expertise blends chemistry, environmental science, and industrial applications. Her academic and practical experience allows her to approach complex challenges from multiple angles—whether it’s extracting potassium from feldspar and nepheline syenite or optimizing alumina recovery from fly ash. This interdisciplinary perspective enables her to generate solutions that are not only scientifically sound but also applicable in real-world industrial contexts.
4. Academic Contributions & Mentorship
Dr. Samantray’s role as an educator and mentor further strengthens her qualifications. By teaching subjects like Environmental Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, she directly influences the next generation of engineers and scientists. Her recognition with the “Outstanding Teaching Award” at C.V. Raman Polytechnic highlights her ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and inspire students to think critically about chemistry’s role in environmental sustainability.
5. Research Excellence & Publications
With six published papers in reputed journals, including notable contributions to ACS Omega and Minerals Engineering, Dr. Samantray has demonstrated her ability to produce high-quality, impactful research. Her work on alternative sources for potassium and the efficient recovery of metals from polymetallic nodules has garnered recognition in the scientific community, as reflected in her growing citation count and h-index. This research not only advances the field but also provides viable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in modern metallurgy.