Physical Separation '11 was organised by Minerals Engineering International (MEI). Media sponsors were International Mining and 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, the 2nd Physical Separation 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, and electronic sorting, often utilised in conjunction with gravity concentration, are also welcome.
• Microwave technology. There are many aspects of mineral processing where the use of microwaves has potential and papers dealing with the enhancement of physical processes by microwaves are encouraged.

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’ can be explored.

Previous Conferences

"Physical Separation 09 was my first professional international conference which was held in a very unique friendly atmosphere. In amazing sessions, I got a great amount of important insights and useful information. I impatiently look forward to take part in another MEI conference next year."
Golnaz Jozanikohan, University of Tehran, Iran

Read the conference reports from Physical Separation 09, Gravity Concentration 06, Magnetic & Electrical Separation 06, Hydrocyclones 06, Gravity Concentration 04 & Solid-Liquid Separation 04 and see the technical programmes and view the delegate lists too.

• Physical Separation 09: Report | Programme | Delegate List
• Gravity Concentration 06: Report | Programme | Delegate List
• Magnetic & Electrical Separation 06: Report | Programme | Delegate List
• Hydrocyclones 06: Report | Programme | Delegate List
• Gravity Concentration 04: Report | Programme | Delegate List
• Solid-Liquid Separation 04: Programme | Delegate List

"It was a great pleasure to meet you at Physical Separation '09 in Falmouth, a nicely organized event that I enjoyed very much indeed. Please convey my best regards and many thanks also to other MEI members, who were very helpful and supportive. Being able to discuss with other colleagues our interests at a greater length, I should also say that Physical Separation '09 was a great occasion."
G. Dodbiba, University of Tokyo, Japan

More testimonials

Continuing Professional Development

Physical Separation '11 was certified for Continuing Professional Development.