The manager of a prominent AMIRA International project is one of this year's recipients of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy Mineral Industry Operating Technique award. Dr John Farrow, of CSIRO Minerals, was recognised in the AusIMM award for his leadership in AMIRA Project P266D, Improving Thickener Technology.

Also jointly awarded was Neil Jagger of Outokumpu for his success in refining High Rate Thickeners for the world market, in commercial activities independent of CSIRO.

The Institute's annual award recognises innovative operating techniques that are proven to be commercially viable by delivering cost savings, increasing efficiency or effectiveness, and being of project or industry viability.

P266D, facilitated by AMIRA for CSIRO and the Parker Centre, has been widely lauded by sponsoring companies during its 14 year history for the development and implementation of new thickener technology for mineral processing. David Stribley, Research Coordinator with AMIRA, said Dr Farrow's award was a reflection of his significant contribution to the management of the CSIRO research. "The project has led to substantial benefits to the Industry in terms of increased throughput, reductions in operating cost and increased separation efficiencies," said Mr Stribley.