Flotation '25 Programme Released: The Strongest Line-Up Yet

I have known Jim Finch, Emeritus Professor at McGill University, Canada, for nearly 50 years. Over that time, we’ve developed a close and productive working relationship. Jim is a natural consultant to MEI’s flotation conferences and served as my co-editor for the 8th (and probably final) edition of Wills’ Mineral Processing Technology.

Jim and I signing books in Phoenix at the 2016 SME Meeting

Signed copies of the new edition will be awarded as prizes for the best oral and poster student presentations at Flotation '25, which takes place this November.

And what a conference it’s shaping up to be, featuring around 110 oral and 100 poster presentations. Jim and I spent a great deal of time working on this packed programme, and Jim finally remarked: "The programme looks excellent- nice grouping of topics, and such a range."

We are extremely satisfied with the groups and the breadth of topics covered across the four days. The schedule, now published on the conference website, reflects the ongoing evolution of flotation and its expansion into a wider array of commodities.

Day 1 opens with a keynote lecture, “From comminution to flotation: bridging the gap”, delivered by Chris Greet of Magotteaux, Australia. The rest of the day will explore flotation circuit design and the increasing role of AI and digital twins in operational management.

Day 2 focuses on flotation reagents, starting with Liza Forbes (JKMRC, Australia), who will present her keynote, “Beyond reagent trials – new directions in flotation chemistry research.”

Day 3 continues the reagent theme, kicking off with Jim Finch’s keynote, “Frothers: from fundamentals to practice.” Later that morning, the spotlight will shift to innovations in flotation machines, both mechanical and pneumatic. Leading manufacturers will be present in the exhibition during the extended coffee and lunch breaks to discuss these developments in depth.

On Day 4, we turn to the processing of critical metals such as lithium and rare earth elements, topics rarely addressed in earlier conferences but now taking centre stage. The morning begins with Charlotte Gibson, of Queen’s University, Canada and her keynote, “Lithium mineral flotation: the past, present, and future.” The day concludes with sessions on flotation fundamentals, control, and simulation, followed by the presentation of student prizes.

This 12th MEI flotation conference promises to be the most exciting in the series. As always, there will be ample opportunities for networking during long breaks, evening sundowners, and the informal conference dinner at the Gold Restaurant in central Cape Town. The event ends with a farewell function in the hotel gardens, with rumours of a special birthday celebration.

Registration is now open, so be sure to book your flights and accommodation early.

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