Comminution '27: Welcoming New Sponsors and Celebrating Academic Excellence

Comminution '27 may still be some time away, but preparations are already well underway.

We are pleased to announce the return of Steinert as a sponsor. A leading manufacturer of sensor-based sorting machines, Steinert has a long-standing relationship with MEI, having sponsored both Physical Separation '24 and Comminution '25. The company also confirmed its continued support for Physical Separation '26 earlier this year (posting of 6 January 2025).

We are equally delighted to welcome Naipu Mining to its first MEI conference. Founded in 2005 and based in Shangrao, China, Naipu specialises in heavy-duty mineral processing equipment and wear‑resistant components. The company manufactures rubber and composite liners for ball mills, SAG mills, and AG mills. In 2025, Naipu launched high‑alloy forged composite liners for a 7.5 m semi-autogenous mill in Tibet, doubling service life while reducing liner weight by 30%, cutting both energy consumption and operational costs.

Naipu also supplies slurry pumps for mill circuits, hydrocyclones, and screening equipment. We look forward to meeting representatives from this innovative company in Cape Town.

We are thrilled to share the news that Prof. Aubrey Mainza, our long-standing consultant for the Comminution series, has been appointed Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE) at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

Aubrey is a distinguished academic who has dedicated over two decades to UCT. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from UCT and a bachelor's degree in metallurgical and mineral process engineering from the University of Zambia. His academic journey, from research officer to professor, then head of department, and ultimately acting director of the Centre for Minerals Research, reflects his unwavering commitment to research excellence, student development, and academic leadership.

From 2019 to 2023, Aubrey served as Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering at UCT. His research credentials are globally recognised, with extensive publications in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. He has held leadership roles such as President of the Global Comminution Collaborative and Chairperson of the International Comminution Researchers Association.

Aubrey has also delivered keynote and plenary lectures at major international conferences, including Comminution '18 and Comminution '23. His close collaboration with industry, particularly in designing and optimising comminution plants, further underscores his impact. He is also serving as Chair of next year’s IMPC in Cape Town.

Aubrey (right) at Comminution '23

Congratulations Aubrey, we are honoured to have your continued involvement in MEI conferences.

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