Although there is much current emphasis on the chemical methods of mineral separation – flotation, hydrometallurgy, and bioleaching, the physical separation methods are ubiquitous, and there is no mining operation in the world which does not make use of the density differences between solids and liquids.

Whether it be gravity concentration, classification or dewatering, the principles of separation are essentially the same and this conference intends to bring together researchers and operators who have common interests in:

• Gravity concentration methods - single and multi-G separators and dense medium separation
• Classification techniques - hydrocyclones, air classifiers etc.
• Solid-Liquid Separation - thickeners, clarifiers etc.

Cornwall, the “birthplace of modern mining”, 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 programme will include a visit to the historic Camborne-Redruth copper and tin mining district, where ruins of 19th century ‘dressing floors’ will be explored.