Dr. Mouna Ettoumi (Ph.D. in Geology, 2020, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia, in collaboration with the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Canada) is an Assistant Professor in Mine Waste Management and Sustainability. She specializes in mining and environmental geosciences, mine waste management and valorization, and water recovery from mining residues.

Dr. Ettoumi’s research focuses on the characterization, densification, dewatering, and valorization of phosphate tailings and sludges, with particular emphasis on water recovery, recycling of mining effluents, and sustainable mine waste management within a circular economy approach. Her work integrates experimental approaches, physicochemical and mineralogical analyses, geotechnical characterization, flotation testing, and environmental impact assessments. A key component of her research is the evaluation of the potential of rare earth elements (REEs) and P₂O₅ in phosphate residues, with applications primarily targeting phosphate mining basins in North Africa.

She has conducted postdoctoral research at the University of Tunis El Manar, under a cotutelle agreement with the University of Quebec in Abitibi-Témiscamingue, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P – Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute). These postdoctoral projects were carried out in collaboration with major mining industries, namely the Gafsa Phosphate Company (CPG, Tunisia) and the Office Chérifien des Phosphates (OCP, Morocco). Within these projects, she developed advanced solutions for phosphate sludge densification, REE and P₂O₅ potential evaluation, recovery strategies, and sustainable tailings management and valorization for commercial and industrial applications.

Dr. Ettoumi is the inventor of two patented processes related to water recovery and the valorization of phosphate sludges as construction materials, and she has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact international journals. She also serves as a reviewer for Applied Geochemistry.

Her research activities are complemented by teaching, graduate supervision, and field training, reflecting a strong commitment to bridging scientific research and industrial implementation in sustainable and responsible mining practices. Dr. Ettoumi actively collaborates with national and international institutions to advance innovation in mine waste management, water recovery, rare earth elements valorization, and circular economy solutions.