This is an introductory course in mineral processing, designed for students with no prior training in this area. Mining Engineering students are not expected to become expert practitioners in this field, but to learn enough about the concepts and processes to work effectively with metallurgists and to manage projects that include metallurgical operations or mineral processing.
The course begins with an overview of minerals and how they are formed. Topics covered include ore handling, comminution, physical separation, flotation, leaching, dewatering treatments, material balance and accounting, and tailings disposal. There will be material on the interfaces between the mining department and the mill and smelter.
Laboratory activities are also integrated in the course where students will perform comminution processes like crushing, grinding, and pulverizing. Activities on size analysis is also included and some method of separation in a laboratory scale.
- Teacher: Kathleen Ranay