The role of magnetic separation in the development of critical and strategic metal recovery flowsheets

This will be the theme of a keynote lecture at next year's Physical Separation '22, to be given by Prof. Neil Rowson, Emeritus Professor, University of Birmingham and Laboratory Manager at Bunting-Redditch, UK.

Neil will give a brief overview of recent developments in magnetic and electrostatic separation technology available to primary and secondary processors and an overview of current applications for this type of separation in the mineral processing and metal recycling sector. Case studies on the role of physical separation (magnetic, electrostatic and gravity separation) in the recycling of rare earth magnets and lithium ion automotive batteries will be presented, comparing complexity, environmental impact and commercial viability to the equivalent primary processing flowsheets, and the current status of these recycling options in the UK will be discussed.

Neil Rowson worked in the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham for over 30 years before retiring in 2018. He now lectures part-time at the University in design studies and project management as well as being Laboratory Manager at Bunting-Redditch – a major global manufacturer of magnetic and electrostatic separation equipment.

In the past decade he has worked on major research projects investigating the technology for recycling rare earth magnets from secondary waste, such as computer hard drives and automotive scrap. He was also took part in the ReLiB  research project funded by the Faraday Institution and led by the University of Birmingham, looking at the physical, chemical and bio-chemical processing options and safety implications of recycling lithium ion automotive batteries.

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