Akita University Visit Strengthens Collaboration in Mining and Metallurgy
On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Department of Mining Engineering, Hasanuddin University, welcomed Prof. Atsushi Shibayama and Ms. Mihoko Kakuta from the Faculty of International Resources Science, Akita University, Japan. The visit aimed to strengthen the collaboration that has been established between Hasanuddin University and Akita University over the past several years, particularly in education and research in the fields of mining and metallurgy.
The delegation from Akita University was previously welcomed by the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University, Prof. Dr. Eng. Muhammad Isran Ramli, S.T., M.T., along with several faculty members at the Faculty of Engineering office (CoT), Hasanuddin University Engineering Campus in Gowa.
Following a luncheon at Dean Hall, the visit continued with tours of the laboratories of the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Study Program, followed by a visit to the laboratories of the Department of Mining Engineering. During the visit, Prof. Shibayama encouraged the development of research collaboration, particularly in the processing and extraction of rare earth elements found in Sulawesi.
As a gesture of appreciation and to further strengthen institutional ties, the Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University, presented a commemorative plaque to the Akita University delegation. The plaque was presented by the Secretary of the Department of Mining Engineering, Dr. Eng. Rini Novrianti, S.T., M.T., who is also an alumna of Akita University.
Through this visit, the collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering, Hasanuddin University, and Akita University is expected not only to strengthen academic and research ties but also to create opportunities for capacity building, technological innovation, cultural exchange, and human resource development in the future, particularly in supporting downstream mineral processing.