New Directions in Mineral Processing Fundamentals

We thought it was time to offer — within a basic short course — information about how newer technologies are influencing mineral processing. As a result, this course will provide an introduction suitable for those just entering the world of mineral processing, as well as a look to the future as driven by contemporary innovation. It will provide engineers, scientists, technical sales teams, government agencies personnel, and others working in the field directly or in supporting roles, an overview of important particulate separation unit operations. The course is also suitable for recyclers since particulate separation is fundamental to most recycling processes.

The course will emphasize the unit operations used in industry and their application to operations as follows:

Feed characterization (mineralogy, size, liberation)
Comminution (size reduction via crushing, grinding, and etc.) for liberation
Particulate separation based on particle size, floatability, specific gravity, magnetic susceptibility, conductivity, and other mineral traits
Liquid-solid separation
Process flowsheets and their control
How to know how well your plant is operating

The outcome of the course will be an understanding of how processes evolve from feed to products. Copies of the course presentation materials will be provided. Finally, there will be laboratory demonstrations of most of the unit operations discussed in the class.