Balikpapan – Alya Diva Nur Aulia, a student of the Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Study Program at Institut Teknologi Kalimantan (ITK), participated as a presenter at the 18th National Seminar on Metallurgy and Materials (SENAMM XVIII 2026), organized by Hasanuddin University on September 12, 2026. During the scientific forum, Alya presented her research on tin (Sn) recovery from waste Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), highlighting an approach to recovering valuable materials from electronic waste.

SENAMM XVIII 2026 carried the theme “Enhancing Technological Capability in Materials Science and Metallurgy through Indigenous Resource Utilization and Innovation.” Held in a hybrid format at Lecture Theatre 1, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, and via Zoom, the seminar brought together academics, researchers, students, and industry practitioners to exchange research findings and discuss the latest innovations in metallurgy and materials science.

Under the supervision of Andromeda Dwi Laksono, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., Alya conducted research focusing on the potential of waste PCBs as a secondary source of tin. These circuit board components, commonly found in discarded electronic devices, contain valuable metals that can potentially be recovered and reused through appropriate recovery processes.

The research aligns with the concept of urban mining, which involves recovering valuable materials from urban products and waste, including end-of-life electronic devices. This approach offers an alternative way to optimize resource utilization while promoting more sustainable electronic waste management.

During her presentation, Alya explained the research background, tin recovery methods, material characterization results, and an analysis of the recovery process and tin recovery rates from waste PCBs. The presentation also provided an opportunity to receive feedback and insights from participants, which could support further research development.

For Alya, participating in SENAMM XVIII 2026 was more than an opportunity to present her research findings. It was also a valuable academic experience that helped strengthen her scientific communication skills and broaden her knowledge.

“Participating in SENAMM XVIII 2026 was a truly valuable experience for me, particularly because I had the opportunity to present my research on tin recovery from waste PCBs at a scientific forum. Through discussion sessions and presentations by other researchers, I also gained new insights into developments in metallurgy and materials technology,” Alya shared.

She hopes that the experience and feedback gained during the seminar will motivate her to continue advancing her research, particularly in utilizing electronic waste as a source of valuable materials. She also aspires to ensure that her research contributes not only to academic development but also to sustainable waste management and resource utilization.

Alya's participation in SENAMM XVIII 2026 reflects ITK students' active involvement in disseminating research findings at the national level. Through this scientific forum, research conducted within the university has the opportunity to gain new perspectives, expand academic contributions, and address challenges related to material utilization and electronic waste management.