Beneficiation and Computational Modelling of Ugandan Silica Sand for High-Purity Silicon Production

This project will investigate laboratory-scale purification routes including washing, particle-size separation, magnetic separation, acid leaching and thermal treatment. XRF/XRD will be used to evaluate impurity removal, while molecular-dynamics modelling will investigate the influence of residual impurities on lattice distortion, defects and material stability. Impact: Develops locally appropriate pathways for upgrading Ugandan silica resources towards high-purity silicon feedstock and establishes a foundation for semiconductor-materials research and future industrial partnerships.