Nelson Fernandes holds a BSc and an MSc in Mining Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto (FEUP). In 2024, joined the INN4MIN project, studying the extraction of precious and semi-precious metals from printed circuit boards to reduce environmental impacts and improve mineral processing efficiency while promoting best practices in the industry. Since February 2025, actively involved in the research project ValorWaste – Valorisation and Integration of Extractive Waste for the Sustainability of the Raw Materials Industry, contributing to the development of sustainable solutions for the circular economy in the extractive sector.