Flotation '17: Day 3

MEI's Jon Wills opened the Applications Symposium this morning, after which we were pleased to welcome Bill Johnson, of Mineralis Consulting, Australia, making his debut at an MEI Conference, and presenting a keynote lecture on existing opportunities for increasing metallurgical and energy efficiencies in concentrators.

Of the 24 new delegates registered today I was particularly pleased to see Chris Magombedze, an ex-student of mine, who is the first representative from the newly formed Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) to attend an MEI Conference. The vision of the NUST is to become the premier centre in Southern Africa for Resource Engineering. This will enable the nation to lever its natural advantages by embracing the science, engineering and digital revolution, adapting, exploiting and developing unique technologies and capabilities that will enable sustainable development of Namibia’s natural resources.

Chris Magombedze with the MEI team

The weather in the morning was much more as expected in November, and the poster presentations in the outdoor marquee proved very popular during the morning's long coffee break.

We already have dates for Flotation '19, which will be held at the Vineyard again from November 11-14, 2019, and we thank our regular sponsor Magotteaux for coming in as the first early sponsor of the event.

The Magotteaux exhibit booth

As ever, the lunches at the Vineyard are outstanding, and today's lunch fortified everyone in readiness for a very long afternoon session of 10 fascinating presentations.

The overflow room proved very popular today. This room is remote from the main conference room, allowing delegates to move freely in and out of sessions to see and hear the presentations.

The weather changed nasty again in the afternoon, so the "Happy Hour" was held in the exhibition area, and was well attended. I assume that after the very long day, and, speaking personally, a few glasses of South African wine were much appreciated.

Twitter @barrywills