Zhang Guocheng

Zhang Guocheng was a renowned Chinese metallurgical expert in rare earth metals and an esteemed member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, who passed away on December 21, 2022, in Beijing due to illness. Born in Kunming, Yunnan Province, in August 1931, he graduated with a bachelor's degree from Kunming University of Science and Technology in 1956. Throughout his career, he held significant positions, including senior engineer at the Beijing Nonferrous Metals Research Institute. Zhang was instrumental in developing innovative processes for rare earth mineral extraction and metallurgy, significantly reducing production costs and enhancing China's standing in the global rare earth industry. His dedication to advancing the field earned him respect and recognition, encapsulated in his aspiration to contribute to the rise of China's rare earth sector.