Rustenburg, South Africa

Zdenek Hofirek

This inventor holds 1 USPTO granted patent. Top assignee: Sherritt Gordon Mines Limited. Active years: 1983.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Zdenek Hofirek. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/zdenek-hofirek

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile


% Patents Active = 100.0

Average Co-Inventor Count = 3.0

ph-index = 1

Forward Citations = 4(Granted Patents)


Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1983

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1 patent (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: **Innovative Solutions by Inventor Zdenek Hofirek**

Introduction

Zdenek Hofirek, an accomplished inventor based in Rustenburg, South Africa, has made significant contributions to the field of metallurgy. With a focus on environmental sustainability, he has developed innovative processes that enhance the extraction and purification of valuable metals.

Latest Patents

Hofirek holds a pivotal patent titled "Removal of selenium from acidic copper/nickel solutions." This groundbreaking invention outlines a two-stage process for efficiently removing Selenium (IV) and Selenium (VI) from acidic copper-nickel sulfate solutions. The process involves adjusting the sulfuric acid content of the solution to a range of 10 to 50 g/L, followed by contacting the solution with sulfur dioxide or a sulfite-containing solution at elevated temperatures between 140°C to 175°C. The second stage of the method requires maintaining the solution at temperatures ranging from 140°C to 200°C and pressures between 400 to 1750 kPa in an oxygen-free atmosphere to precipitate selenium (VI) as cuprous selenide.

Career Highlights

Zdenek Hofirek has dedicated his career to innovations in mineral processing while working with Sherritt Gordon Mines Limited. His expertise in the field has not only yielded patents but has also helped in paving the way for more efficient and eco-friendly mining practices.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hofirek has collaborated with prominent professionals, including Donald R. Weir and Derek G. Kerfoot. These partnerships have been instrumental in developing and refining his patent, reflecting a commitment to advancing industry knowledge and practices.

Conclusion

Zdenek Hofirek's work exemplifies the spirit of innovation in the mining sector. His patented processes not only demonstrate his ingenuity but also contribute to more sustainable mining operations. As industries continue to seek eco-friendly solutions, Hofirek's findings will likely play a crucial role in shaping future practices.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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