Ms. Khadra Zaid, at Mohammed Premier Oujda, Morocco.
Khadra Zaid is a Moroccan Ph.D. candidate in Economic Geology and Geochemistry at Mohamed Premier University in Oujda. Her doctoral research investigates the genesis of Pb–Zn–Ag–F–Ba sulfide mineralization in the Upper Moulouya district, using isotopic tracing methods to elucidate spatio-temporal links between basement and cover strata. She holds a Master’s degree in Economic Geology from Chouaib Doukkali University and a Bachelor’s degree in Gitology from Moulay Ismail University. Over recent years, Khadra has participated in numerous advanced training programs and scientific internships across Europe—including Germany, Belgium, and France—solidifying her expertise in mineral deposit characterization, fluid inclusion studies, and isotope geochemistry. She is an active member of international geological societies and served on organizing committees and teaching teams. Khadra’s work bridges field geology, laboratory geochemistry, and interdisciplinary collaboration, positioning her as a rising expert in the study of critical-metal-bearing ore systems.
Professional Profile
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🎓 Education
Khadra earned her Ph.D. candidacy in Economic Geology and Geochemistry from Mohamed Premier University, Oujda, starting November 2019. Under Prof. Bouabdellah Mohammed’s supervision, her research focuses on the genesis of Pb–Zn–Ag–F–Ba sulfide mineralization in the Upper Moulouya district through multi-isotope analyses. In July 2018, she completed her Master’s in Economic Geology at Chouaib Doukkali University, examining the Sidi Said ore deposit’s geology and geochemistry. Earlier, in July 2015, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Gitological Studies from Moulay Ismail University, where her thesis centered on Fl–Ba mineralization at the Oukhit deposit in Morocco’s Anti-Atlas. Khadra also earned her high school diploma in Physical and Chemical Sciences from Ibn Sina High School, Guercif, in 2013. Her academic trajectory demonstrates a consistent focus on ore deposit geology, equipping her with robust theoretical knowledge and practical research skills in economic geology.
💼 Experience
Since September 2022, Khadra has headed the SEM‑EDS analytical platform at the Faculty of Science, Oujda, overseeing microchemical investigations of mineral samples. She has engaged in extensive international research exchanges: at GFZ Potsdam (Sept 2024), Helmholtz Institute Freiberg (Aug–Nov 2024), University of Liège (Apr–May 2024), and University of Namur (Apr–Jul 2023), all as visiting scientist or Erasmus intern. In December 2024, she attended the Freiberg Short Course on Critical Raw Materials. Earlier, in early 2024, Khadra interned under renowned geochemists and participated in schools on deep crustal processes, remote sensing, and ore deposit geology. She also lectured at the Higher School of Education and Training (Nov 2024), assisted in geochemical and cosmology labs (2022–23), and supervised bachelor dissertation students (2021). Through these roles, Khadra has gained leadership, mentoring, and cutting-edge analytical experience in mineralogy, isotope geochemistry, and field-lab integration.
🔬 Research Interests
Khadra’s research centers on unraveling the formation of polymetallic sulfide mineralization—particularly Pb–Zn–Ag–F–Ba systems—in basement and cover rocks. She applies fluid inclusion microthermometry, trace–element geochemistry (e.g., LA‑ICP‑MS on sphalerite), and multi‐isotope tracing to decipher ore-forming processes. Her interests extend to understanding ore shoot formation, metal sources (including Ag–Cu–Ni–Co–As–Bi–Hg–U), and paragenetic sequences. She explores the role of basement–cover interactions in ore genesis and the significance of critical raw materials. Field mapping, SEM–EDS analyses, and integration of fluid inclusion data guide her investigations. Additionally, Khadra is keen on applying remote sensing, GIS, and earth observation tools for mineral exploration—evident in her work on Aouli inlier mapping. Her cross-disciplinary approach spans geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, and resource technology.
🏅 Awards
Khadra’s contributions have earned recognition through several invited presentations at prestigious conferences. Notably, she delivered talks at Goldschmidt 2025 (Prague) and EGU 2025 (Vienna), marking significant achievements in economic geology. She was also selected to present at the 19th Freiberg Short Course on Critical Raw Materials (Dec 2024) and the 8th GOOD Meeting at Helmholtz Institute Freiberg (Mar 2024). During the 28th African Geology Colloquium (July 2022), her work on mercury–silver mineralization in Aouli was spotlighted. In 2022, she featured in the IGCP683 Networking Blast Series as a “five‑minute oral presenter.” Earlier honors include invitations to the Halifax Congress (May 2022) and the International Colloquium on Magmatism and Metalization (Apr 2019). These recognitions reflect her growing prominence and scholarly impact within the global geoscience community.
📚Top Noted Publications
Khadra has co-authored key papers, including:
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[Mineralogy and fluid inclusions constraints… (Minerals, 2025)]: a study on Ag–Ni–Co–Sb–As–Hg ± Bi vein mineralization in Aouli with DOI appearing upon publication.
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[Geological mapping and mining prospecting… (China Geology, 2022)]: applied remote sensing and GIS for Aouli inlier targeting, cited by numerous studies in exploration geoscience.
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[Origin of the Moroccan Touissit‑Bou Beker… (Minerals, 2021)]: explored supergene biomineralization processes, influencing research in microbiological activity and climate-linked uplift.
Conclusion
Khadra Zaid is a strong candidate for the Research for Young Researcher Award.
She demonstrates exceptional promise through international research exposure, interdisciplinary scientific work, teaching and leadership roles, and active participation in high-level conferences. Her expertise in economic geology and geochemistry is timely and valuable, especially given global interest in critical raw materials and sustainable mineral resource development.