Physical Separation '09 was organised by Minerals Engineering International (MEI) and was sponsored by FLSmidth Minerals. Media sponsors were Industrial Minerals.

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 brought 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.
• Papers dealing with magnetic separation, often utilised in conjunction with gravity concentration, were also welcome.

Cornwall, the �birthplace of modern mining�, was 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 included a visit to the historic Camborne-Redruth copper and tin mining district, where ruins of 19th century �dressing floors� were explored.