Although there is much current emphasis on the chemical methods of mineral separation – flotation, hydrometallurgy, and bioleaching, physical separation methods are everywhere, and there is no mining operation in the world which does not make use of the density differences between solids and liquids. Whether it is gravity concentration, classification or dewatering, the principles of separation are essentially the same. The Physical Separation 2009 conference, held in Falmouth, Cornwall, UK on June 16-17, intends to bring together researchers and operators who have common interests in separation techniques, which include:

• Gravity concentration methods – single and multi-G separators and dense medium separation
• Classification techniques – hydrocyclones, air classifiers etc
• Solid-liquid separation – thickeners, clarifiers etc
• Papers dealing with magnetic separation, often utilised in conjunction with gravity concentration, will also be welcome.

Cornwall, the ‘birthplace of modern mining’ according to the conference organisers, is an appropriate place to hold such an event, as this was the first place in the world where physical separation methods were practiced on a large scale, and the program, sponsored by FLSmidth Minerals and Industrial Minerals, and organised by MEI, will include a visit to the historic Camborne-Redruth copper and tin mining district, where ruins of nineteenth century ‘dressing floors’ will be explored.

The provisional program for the event can be found at www.min-eng.com/physicalseparation09/