When Isaac Joseph Cobbinah sets out to learn something, he likes to focus on it intently, and stick with it until he feels like he thoroughly knows the subject.
That’s why he plans to put his knowledge on rare earth
permanent magnet recycling to work in the metallurgical lab for a few years
after he walks across the stage at Montana Technological University’s
commencement ceremony on December 13 with a Master of Science in
Metallurgical/Minerals Processing Engineering.
“I want to apply what I’ve learned before continuing my
studies,” Cobbinah said.
When Cobbinah left his hometown of Tarkwa, Ghana—a region
known for its gold mines—he couldn’t have imagined he’d one day find himself in
a lab in Butte, Montana, studying how to recycle REE permanent magnets vital to
the world’s most advanced technologies.
Cobbinah came to Butte to work under Lewis S. Prater
Distinguished Professor Dr. Courtney Young. His research focuses on recovering
critical rare earth elements from end-of-life neodymium iron boron
magnets—materials essential in everything from smartphones and airplane engines
to electric vehicles.
“I have a strong passion for chemistry and
hydrometallurgy,” Cobbinah said. “Mineral processing is all about chemistry. I
wanted to find a novel and cheap method of recovery critical rare earth
element, especially those that support high-tech industries.”
Before coming to Montana Tech, Cobbinah studied at the
University of Mines and Technology in Ghana, where he earned his bachelor’s
degree in Minerals Engineering and worked as a research and teaching assistant
and senior lab technician. His interest in complex-gold ores processing
challenges led him to seek collaboration with experts abroad where he got a lot
of solutions after taken courses like “processing of precious metals and
flotation” during his master’s classes
“I found Professor Young listed as one of the top mineral
processing professors,” he said. “I reached out, applied, and was accepted.
That’s how my journey to Montana Tech began.”
Since arriving two years ago, Cobbinah has taught
undergraduate mineral processing labs for two consecutive semesters, conducted
extensive research on REEs, and even found time to play soccer with friends
three time in a week. His work, however, addresses a problem far bigger than
campus life: the United States’ reliance on China for critical REEs for
permanent magnet production.
“China is known to be the main source of rare earths, but
the U.S. doesn’t have many reserves and primary resources,” he explained.
“That’s why we’re studying how to recycle permanent magnets and recover these
critical REEs. It’s a way to bridge the gap.”
His thesis, Recycling NdFeB Magnets I: Production
of REE Fluorides by A Novel LPC Process, explores hydrometallurgical
methods for extracting valuable elements from magnets that have reached the end
of their lifespan. These magnets are crucial components in modern technology,
yet the materials they’re made from are scarce and difficult to produce.
“Without magnets, engines, computers, and phones wouldn’t
function,” Cobbinah said. “So, finding a way to recycle them in the US is very
important.”
Adjusting to Montana’s climate, however, wasn’t as easy as
adjusting to its research opportunities.
“The hardest part was adapting to the weather,” he said
with a laugh. “I learned about the three-layer dressing strategy, and I had to
save enough money to purchase a car so I could get around. That helped a lot.”
Despite the cold, Cobbinah describes Butte as a nice place
and says he’s grateful for the community he’s found on campus. He credits his
success to supportive mentors and a hands-on learning environment.
“At Montana Tech, you own your work,” he said. “You learn
how to use advanced equipment like SEM, EDS, and XRF, and you do almost all of
the analysis yourself. That experience will really help me in my career.”
Dr. Young has great hopes for Cobbinah’s future.
“Isaac Joseph is very determined,” Young said. “He
struggled at first with a different school and community but settled in
quickly. It was smooth sailing afterward. Soon enough, he was getting
data from his research and figured out how to optimize the results. I love
it when students have that ‘ah-ha’ moment and become independent. He will do
well. The company that is lucky to land him will get a dedicated and
hardworking engineer. “
Cobbinah is proud of how far he’s come—and excited for
what’s next.
“I’m proud to be a Montana Tech alumnus,” he said. “This
research area is new, and very few people are studying it. It feels good to be
part of something that matters.”
For students who hope to follow in his footsteps, Cobbinah
offers simple advice: find the right mentor and follow your passion.
“Graduate school is all about your advisor and your
determination,” he said. “If you love what you do and you have the right
support, you can succeed anywhere.”— https://mtech.edu/news/2025/12/from-ghana-to-butte-montana-tech-graduate-student-pioneers-research-in-rare-earth-recycling.html
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