:: Collaboration Between UWC and UCT Under the Banner of Process Mineralogy

On Friday the 29th September, 40 excited geology students from the University of the Western Cape spent the day with the Centre for minerals research in Department of Chemical Engineering to learn about Mineral Processing.

Borne out of the need for solving mineralogical problems in the field of mineral processing, many geologists across the globe are now finding themselves trying to understand comminution/milling and flotation of ores during mineral processing. Conversely many mineral processors are realising their knowledge of mineralogy (geology) is inadequate and increased collaboration between these disciplines is occurring. under the banner of the new research area of ‘Process Mineralogy’. 36 2nd year and 4 3rd students led by their lecturer Eugene Grosch, himself a UCT geology graduate came for the visit.

Hosted by A/Prof Dee Bradshaw and Megan Becker, but with the participation of may others from the Department of Chemical Engineering, the students were given a morning of introductory lectures to mineral processing, process mineralogy and the geology of the Bushveld Complex, highlighting that much of research of the Centre for Minerals Research is focussed and sponsored by the South African platinum industry. Surprisingly for most of the students on the visit, this was their first exposure to the world of platinum research.. After lunch, there were visits to various laboratories within the Department of Chemical Engineering as well as a challenging practical assignment based on their new knowledge.

The overall response from the UWC students was enthusiastic and encouraging for future collaboration between the institutions in the area of Process Mineralogy.