Dr. Zaka Emad
Associate Professor, Department of Petroleum Engineering
Mining Science & Engineering Program
Dr. Zaka Emad, a distinguished expert in Mining Engineering, joined the College of Petroleum Engineering and Geosciences (CPG) at KFUPM in November 2024, bringing a wealth of expertise and passion for innovation in the field. Before this, he spent a decade shaping minds at UET Lahore, focusing on underground mine design, rock mechanics, and rock fragmentation.
His impressive postdoctoral research at Creighton Mine in Sudbury, Canada, explored numerical modeling of destress blasting, while his Ph.D. work delved into the dynamic performance of cemented rockfill under blast-induced vibrations. With over 17 years of teaching and research experience, Dr. Emad is a pioneer in underground mining, excavation techniques, rock mechanics, mine safety, and numerical modeling. His commitment to advancing knowledge and solving complex challenges makes him a vital asset to the CPG and the broader mining community.
Educational Qualification
- Ph.D., in Mining Engineering, McGill University, 2014
- M.S., in Mining Engineering, UET. Pakistan, 2010
- B.S., in Mining Engineering, UET. Pakistan, 2007
Research Interests
- Underground Mining and Excavation
- Rock Mechanics
- Rock Fragmentation
- Mine Safety
Selected Publications
- Majeed, Y., Sani, K.M., Emad, M.Z. (2024). Estimating Pillar Strength for Rock Salt Mines of the Salt Range Pakistan using Statistical and Artificial Neural Network Modellling Techniques. Journal of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-024-01037-8 (Q4, IF:1.5)
- Majeed, Y., Emad, M.Z., Abu-Bakar, M.Z., and Ayatullah. (2024). Prediction of Rock Fragmentation in Bench Blasting Operations Based on Multi Parameters—A Case Study. Journal of Mining Science. Vol. 60, No. 1, pp. 74–86. https://doi.org/10.1134/S1062739124010095 (Q4, IF: 0.7)
- Abbas, N., Li, K.G., Emad, M.Z., and Khan, A. (2024). Quantifying uncertainty in rock mass properties: Implications for GSI, RMi, and RMR assessments. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, vol. 124, no. 5, pp. 284–295. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/2599/2024, (Q2, IF: 0.9)
- Abbas, N., Li, K., Emad, M.Z., Fissha, Y., Ali, M., Ghribi, W., Gamil, Y., Ikeda, H., (2024). Enhancing tunnel stability in the Himalayas: Empirical design support through numerical modelling. J. Eng. 2024, e12369. https://doi.org/10.1049/tje2.12369 (Q4, IF: 0.7)
- Khan, N.M.; Ma L; Emad, M. Z.; Feroze, T.; Gao, G.; Alarifi, S.S; Sun, L.; Hussain, S.; Wang, H. (2024). Predicting Sandstone Brittleness under Varying Water Conditions Using Infrared Radiation and Computational Techniques. Water, vol. 16, 143. https://doi.org/10.3390/w16010143, (Q2, IF: 3.4)
- Raza, M.A., Raza S., Khan M.U., Emad M.Z., Jalil, K., and Saki, S.A. (2023), Cost modelling for dimension stone quarry operations. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, vol. 123, no. 8, pp. 521–525. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411- 9717/1578/2023 (Q2, IF: 0.9)
- Abbas, N., Li, KG., Emad, M.Z. et al. Empirical Evaluation of RMR, GSI, and Q for Underground Excavations. Iran J Sci Technol Trans Civ Eng (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40996-023-01275-8 (Q2, IF: 1.7)
- Sohail, G.M., Yasin, Q., Radewan, A.E., Emad, M.Z., (2023) Estimating hardness and Young’s modulus of shale using drill cuttings: Implications for hydraulic fracturing in shale gas reservoir development. Journal of Gas Science and Engineering, vol. 118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgsce.2023.205116
- Majeed, Y., Abbas, N., and Emad, M.Z. (2023), Stability evaluation of room-and-pillar rock salt mines by using a flat jack technique – A case study. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, vol. 123, no. 6, pp. 287–298. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2411-9717/1872/2023 (Q2, IF: 0.64)
- Jan, M.S., Hussain, S., Zahra, R.E., Emad, M.Z., Khan N.M., Cao, K., Rehman, Z.U., Alarifi, S.S., Raza, S., Sherin, S., Salman, M., (2023). Appraisal of Different Artificial Intelligence Techniques for the Prediction of Marble Strength. Sustainability, Vol 15, No, 11, pp 8835. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118835 (IF 3.889)
Extended Publications (+)
Awards & Honors
Membership and Association with Professional Groups
- Pakistan Engineering Council – Professional Engineer (since 2015)
- Institute of Engineers Pakistan – Member (since 2017)
- Pakistan Geotechnical Society – Member (since 2019)
- Society of Mining Engineers – Member (since 2016)
- Reviewer for Tunneling and Underground Excavation
- Reviewer for International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences
Awards & Honors
- Joint Best Teacher Award (2022-23)
- Medal for excellence in research (2014)
- Excellence in research award (2012, 2013 and 2014)
- Falconbridge scholarship (2012)
- James Douglas fellow (2011 and 2013)
- Fully funded scholarship for PhD studies (2010-2014)
- UET postgraduate scholarship
- Merit scholarship in undergraduate studies
- Secured an overall 1st position in all semesters
Dr. Sulaiman A. Alarifi
Associate Professor, Department of Petroleum Engineering
Dr. Alarifi is an associate professor in the petroleum engineering department at KFUPM. He has been with KFUPM since 2013 when he joined as a graduate assistant. He has taught courses in Petroleum Economics, Reservoir Description and Unconventional Resources Evaluation
Educational Qualification
- Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA, 2020.
- Minor Degree, Mineral and Energy Economics, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA, 2020.
- M.S., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, Dhahran, KSA. 2016.
- B.S., Petroleum Engineering, KFUPM, Dhahran, KSA, 2012.
Research Interests
- Development of unconventional reservoirs
- Petroleum production optimization
- Petroleum reserves estimation
- Enhanced oil recovery
Selected Publications
- Baig, A. R., Alarifi, S. A., Mahmoud, M., Kamal, M. S., Murtaza, M., AlAhmari, M. M., & Alhumam, A. (2024). Experimental Investigation of a Modified Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation Solution for Sand Production Control Applications. SPE Journal, 29(05), 2463-2475.
- Omarov, K., Alarifi, S. A., Mahmoud, M., Kamal, M. S., Murtaza, M., Humam, A., & AlAhmari, M. M. (2023). Sand consolidation using enzyme-induced carbonate precipitation: new insights on temperature and particle size effects. Scientific Reports, 13(1), 15528.
- Murtaza, M., Rasm, M. Y., Alarifi, S. A., Kamal, M. S., Mahmoud, M., & Al-Ajmi, M. (2023). An Efficient Single Step Approach for Barium Sulfate (BaSO4) Scale Removal at High Temperature. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 48, 16879–16888.
- Alarifi S. A., Mustafa A, Omarov K., Baig AR., Tariq Z. and Mahmoud M. (2022). A Review of Enzyme-Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation Applicability in the Oil and Gas Industry. Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol. 10:900881.
- Alarifi, S. A. (2022). Workflow to predict wellhead choke performance during multiphase flow using machine learning. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 214, 110563.
- Alarifi, S. A., Abdel Rahman, S., & Al-Ajmi, M. (2022). Feasibility study formulation for the applicability of rigless temporary esps. Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, 12(9), 2493-2509.
- Tariq, Z., Aljawad, M.S., Hasan, A., Murtaza, M., Mohammed, E., El-Husseiny, A., Alarifi, S.A., Mahmoud, M. and Abdulraheem, A. (2021). A systematic review of data science and machine learning applications to the oil and gas industry. J Petrol Explor Prod Technol 11, 4339–4374.
- Murtaza, M., Alarifi, S. A., Abozuhairah, A., Mahmoud, M., Onaizi, S. A., & Al-Ajmi, M. (2021). Optimum selection of H2S scavenger in light-weight and heavy-weight water-based drilling fluids. ACS Omega, 6(38), 24919-24930.
- Alarifi, S. A., & Miskimins, J. (2021). A new approach to estimating ultimate recovery for multistage hydraulically fractured horizontal wells by utilizing completion parameters using machine learning. SPE Production & Operations, 36(03), 468-483.
- Alarifi, S. A., Mahmoud, M. A., & Kamal, M. S. (2018). Interactions of DTPA chelating agent with sandstone rocks during EOR: Rock surface charge study. Fuel, 232, 684-692.
Awards & Honors
- SPE Regional Service Award, by: Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Middle East and North Africa region, June 2024
- Excellence in academic advising, by: King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), May 2024.
Tel:
+966 (013) 860-8359
Fax:
+966 (013) 860-4447
Email:
bhaq@kfupm.edu.sa
Location:
Bldg.76, Rm. 2211
Dr. Bashirul Haq
Associate Professor, Department of Petroleum Engineering
Dr. Haq is employed as an Assistant Professor at The Department of Petroleum Engineering. His association with the University began in 2008 when he took on a part-time Lecturers role and this was in place for 3 years.
Dr. Haq has spent a number of years working in Australia and this involved being an Associate Lecturer at The School of Oil and Gas Engineering, The University of Western Australia from 2006-08. He then became a Consultant with Chevron and Western Australian Energy Research Alliance from 2010-15.
Educational Qualification
- Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, The University of Western Australia, Australia, 2013.
Research Interests
- Green Enhanced Oil Recovery
- Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery
- Dynamic Reservoir Characterization
- Production Health Analysis
- Production Optimization
Selected Publications
- GOLDSCHMIDT, P., HAQ, B., CRAWLEY, C., PALANISAMY, S., 2013, “ARTAM-WH Early Predictive Well Health (WH) Meta Monitoring Tool”, APPEA 2014 Journal.
- SERFATY, J.L., POGSON, M. AND HAQ, B. 2011 “Western Australia’s First Underground Gas Storage Field: Specific Failure Modes” APPEA 2011 Journal
- LI, J., LIU, J., TREFRY, M.G., PARK, J., LIU, K., HAQ, B., JOHNSTON, C.D., CLENNELL, B., VOLK, H. 2011, “Impact of Rock Heterogeneity on Interactions of Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery Processes”,Journal of Transport in Porous Media, 92, pp. 373-396.
- LI, J., LIU, J., TREFRY, M.G., PARK, J., LIU, K., HAQ, B., JOHNSTON, C.D., CLENNELL, B., VOLK, H. 2010, “Interactions of Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery Processes”, Journal of Transport in Porous Media, 87(1) pp. 77-104.
- HAQ, M.B. AND RAHMAN, M.K., 2008 “A Comparative Study of Three Methods for Estimating Initial Gas In Place Applied to Gas Fields in Bangladesh” Journal of Petroleum Science and Technology, 26, pp. 532-544.
- HAQ, M.B., GOMES, E., TAMIM, M., 2005 “Production Optimization Study of Saldanadi Gas Field” Journal of Chemical Engineering. Published by Chemical Engineering Division, The Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh. Vol. ChE 23, No. 1, ISSN: 0379-4318, December, 2005.
Awards & Honors
- Western Australia CSIRO-University Postgraduate Scholarship (WACUPS)
- Scholarship for International Research Fees (SIRF)