THUWAL, Saudi Arabia — Rayhan Nugroho, a master’s student at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), won first place in the Middle East and North Africa round of the Society of Petroleum Engineers Student Paper Contest and will represent the region at the international finals during the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition in Houston, Oct. 21–23, 2026.

His paper, “Reactive Transport Simulation of Uranium In-Situ Leaching (ISL),” examines a method of extracting minerals without excavation. The approach uses injected fluids to dissolve target materials underground, which are then brought back to the surface for recovery.

Nugroho developed a model that tracks how these fluids move through rock, how they react with it, and how minerals dissolve and, in some cases, re-form. By linking fluid flow with geochemical processes, the work offers a clearer basis for predicting recovery under different operating conditions. The findings can support more precise extraction planning, reduce chemical use and improve efficiency in subsurface operations.

“It is an honor to represent the Middle East and North Africa region at the next stage of the SPE Student Paper Contest with my work on reactive transport modeling for in-situ leaching. I am grateful to Prof. Hussein Hoteit for his guidance and support throughout this research, and I look forward to contributing at the global level,” Nugroho said.

Originally from Indonesia, Nugroho will present his research at ATCE, one of the energy sector’s largest annual gatherings.

Separately, the KAUST SPE Student Chapter - led by President Simon Zougheib and advised by Prof. Hussein Hoteit - received the 2026 Regional Outstanding Student Chapter Award for the Middle East and North Africa in the Technical Dissemination and Professional Development category for small-size groups. The award recognizes chapters that exceed regional benchmarks in knowledge sharing, professional development and engagement. Regional winners advance to global judging for the Presidential Award for Outstanding Student Chapter.