We welcome COMEX as a sponsor of Physical Separation '26

Electronic sorting is increasingly important in mineral processing because it enables the early separation of valuable ore from waste rock, which is especially critical as ore grades decline and energy costs rise. By rejecting barren material before energy-intensive crushing and grinding, it reduces power consumption, operating costs, water and reagent use, and the volume of tailings produced, improving both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Advances in sensor technologies and real-time data analysis now allow accurate, high-throughput identification of mineral composition, making pre-concentration and the profitable treatment of lower-grade or more complex deposits possible.

We are pleased to have three leading players in this field as sponsors of Physical Separation '26. Steinert came in early, followed by TOMRA (posting of 21 July 2025) and our latest sponsor is Polish industrial machinery manufacturer COMEX, that develops and sells sensor-based sorting systems and powder-processing equipment for mining, processing plants, chemical operations and recycling applications. COMEX was also a sponsor of Physical Separation '24.

COMEX founder and CEO, Jacek Kolacz, said "The main reason for sponsoring the Physical Separation series is to enhance Comex Group visibility among the decision makers and mineral industry experts.  Sensor based sorting is steadily increasing in number of applications and bringing huge benefits in many aspects, so it is critical to reach the widest possible audience during the conference or the exhibition and through other news channels. It also provides more possibilities for building proper networking, which is necessary to connect with professionals and investors in a collaborative environment. Mineral processing is still the conservative area and sponsoring conferences like this one, where new technologies are well emphasized, can only help in making new complex equipment to be more common in the future".

Jacek Kolacz (centre) at Physical Separation '24

Registration is open for Physical Separation '26 and one exhibition booth is still available for rental.

Full programme details, including abstracts, can be found on the conference website and a timetable is available in pdf format.

#PhysicalSeparation26

February Cornish Mining Sundowner with visitors from far afield

A tremendous turnout last night for the February sundowner at Falmouth’s Chain Locker, helped by a welcome break in the relentless rain.

Camborne School of Mines alumni were out in force, with visitors from outside the county, and two from as far away as Malaysia and Kazakhstan.

There is usually a good student presence at the Chain Locker, as it is only a few miles from the Camborne School of Mines in Penryn.  This week, however, they were involved with other activities, as CSM has been holding an International Student Week, with Mining and Geology students from across Europe coming here to explore the School of Mines, gain insight into the projects currently underway in Cornwall and experience the overground and underground activities our region has to offer. Students have been at CSM from International Federation of Mining & Metallurgical Students member institutions in Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands and Finland. The visits have been organised by Harry McTiernan, an Engineering Geology and Geotechnics student at CSM, who provided this photo taken early in the week in Falmouth.

Welsh company Maelgwyn Mineral Services (MMS) has been involved with MEI Conferences, particularly comminution and flotation, for many years and are sponsors of next year's Comminution '27 and Flotation '27. It was great to catch up with Chairman Mike Battersby and General Manager Steve Flatman last night. They are down from Cardiff to visit GT Jones in St Austell, specialists in designing, engineering and manufacturing process equipment, to look into the manufacture of the MMS Ro-Star ultra-fine grinding laboratory and pilot mills. The USA patent has now been granted for the Ro-Star mill concept, and in conjunction with Ersel, a Turkish mill manufacturer, MMS has just completed the construction of a 500kW Ro-Star mill for an industrial application. Mike and Steve are also meeting with Cornwall based Simon Bailey, of Comminution '27 sponsor Global Met Tech, who is helping with testing and scale-up of the Ro-Star, together with advice on the best ceramic grinding media to use.

With Mike and Steve

Finally, it takes big money to start up a mine so very good news that Cornish Metals has received a non-binding Letter of Interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States outlining potential financing support of up to US$225m for the South Crofty tin project.

The next sundowner is at the Chain Locker on Thursday March 19th, from 5.30pm.

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The SME Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City is only a week away

The MEI blog began in February 2009. That same month, Jon and I attended the Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) Annual Meeting in Denver, with snapshots from the event appearing in the February blog posts.

Jon and I at the Elsevier booth in Denver, 2009

The following year in Phoenix, I started writing annual reports on the SME meetings and have covered every one since, up to last year’s meeting in Denver (MINEXCHANGE 2025). That event may mark my final visit to the USA, and at next week’s Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City Jon was hoping to represent MEI, but unfortunately due to a recent sports injury he has had to pull out.

So I regret that there will be no MEI report and photos from this year's meeting but if you have news and photos that would be of interest to mineral processors, I would be grateful if you could pass them on. I particularly regret that we won't be able to photograph the Mineral Processing Division Award Winners this year:

Antoine Gaudin Award: Jan Cilliers
Milton E. Wadsworth Award: Ronel Kappes
Robert H. Richards Award: Rob McIvor

or the AIME's Frank Aplan Award winner James Gebhardt

The nearest I can get is photos from previous SMEs:

Jan Cilliers (2024), Ronel Kappes (2024), Rob McIvor (2022), Jim Gebhardt (2022)

Congratulations to you all. 

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The crucial importance of process mineralogy

It should go without saying that all mineral processors should be interested in the mineralogy of their ore because mineralogy directly controls how the ore behaves during processing. The type of minerals present, their grain size, associations, and degree of liberation determine the choice and efficiency of comminution, separation, and extraction methods. Mineralogy influences recovery, concentrate grade, reagent consumption, energy use, and the generation of deleterious elements or penalties. A sound understanding of ore mineralogy allows processors to predict processing challenges, optimise plant design and operating conditions, and respond effectively to ore variability, ultimately improving metallurgical performance and economic outcomes.

MEI’s Process Mineralogy ’26 is important because it brings together mineral processors, mineralogists, researchers, and equipment suppliers to focus on the critical link between ore mineralogy and processing performance. The conference provides a platform to share the latest advances in process mineralogy tools, techniques, and case studies that demonstrate how detailed mineralogical understanding can solve real plant problems. By highlighting how mineralogy influences recovery, efficiency, sustainability, and risk management across the mining value chain, the conference helps bridge the gap between geology and metallurgy, supports better decision-making, and promotes more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible mineral processing operations.

Process Mineralogy ’26 is relevant to a wide range of professionals who are involved in, or influenced by, ore characterisation and processing, including:

• Mineral processing engineers and metallurgists seeking to improve recovery, grade, and plant performance.
• Process mineralogists and geometallurgists working to link mineralogical data with processing behaviour.
• Geologists and exploration professionals interested in understanding how ore characteristics affect downstream processing and project value.
• Plant operators and technical managers responsible for managing ore variability and operational risk.
• Researchers, academics, and students focused on mineral processing, mineralogy, and related disciplines.
• Equipment manufacturers and technology providers offering analytical tools, software, and processing solutions.
• Consultants and project developers involved in flowsheet design, feasibility studies, and optimisation

Process Mineralogy '26 is followed by Critical Minerals '26 and there is likely to be a fair amount of overlap between the two conferences. One of the keynotes at Process Mineralogy '26 will deal with process mineralogy for critical metals in mineral processing and extractive metallurgy and the two conferences have an advisor in common, Prof Alan R. Butcher of ButcherGeologica.

#ProcessMineralogy26
#CriticalMinerals26
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Hydrometallurgy '27

Hydrometallurgy is at the heart of sustainable mineral processing, driving innovation in the recovery of critical metals, resource efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Hydrometallurgy '27 is the 2nd in the MEI series, the first being in Adelaide in 2000. It aims to bring together researchers, industry leaders, and technology developers in hydro and biohydrometallurgy, to explore the latest advances in leaching, solvent extraction, ion exchange, electrowinning, process design, and waste management. 

Dr Frank Crundwell, Director of CM Solutions Metlab, South Africa, a globally-recognised authority on mineral dissolution and leaching, has been appointed as advisory lead for the conference. "CM Solutions is delighted to contribute to this prestigious event" says Ben Knights, CM Solutions CEO. "The CM Solutions team has a reputation for its hydrometallurgy expertise, and Frank’s pioneering work has earned him international recognition. Frank’s guidance of the technical direction of this event will help contribute to the future of hydrometallurgy"

In 2021 Frank received the SME's Milton E. Wadsworth Metallurgy Award, which recognises distinguished contributions that advance understanding of the science and technology of non-ferrous chemical metallurgy and he was nominated on the basis of his work in hydrometallurgy, leaching and the development of the theory of dissolution. 

Through keynote presentations, technical sessions, and networking opportunities, participants at Hydrometallurgy '27 will gain insights into emerging technologies and the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of hydrometallurgy.

Abstracts are invited for presentation at Hydrometallurgy '27 via the online portal by December 31st 2026.

#Hydrometallurgy27
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Artificial Intelligence in Mineral Processing '27

MEI's inaugural conference AI in Mineral Processing '27 is an international forum dedicated to exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven technologies in the field of mineral processing. AI is set to revolutionise mineral processing, as did the computer revolution of the 1980s.

As the global mining industry adapts to increasing demands for efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility, AI is emerging as a key enabler of innovation. From advanced process control and real-time monitoring to ore characterisation, energy optimisation, and predictive maintenance, AI technologies are reshaping the future of mineral resource development.

The conference aims to bring together a diverse community of researchers, industry professionals, technology developers, and policy makers to:

• Present the latest research findings and industrial applications.
• Discuss challenges and opportunities in deploying AI solutions.
• Foster collaboration between academia, industry, and technology providers.
• Highlight pathways toward a more sustainable and intelligent mineral processing industry.

AI '27 will not only be a platform for sharing knowledge but also an opportunity to build networks and partnerships that will define the next generation of mineral processing technologies.

Abstracts are invited for presentation at AI in Mineral Processing  '27 via the online portal by December 31st 2026.

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