Mineral Processing – Do we know what is happening? - Professor Kristian Waters

Mineral processing is one of the most important fundamental industries globally, accounting for a significant proportion of Canada’s GDP.  Without mineral processing, we would not have the base metals required for hi-tech operations.  However, for all the importance, the fundamentals are still not as well understood as they could, or rather should, be.  The majority of mineral processing techniques are a combination of the physico-chemical properties of mineral particles, and the fluid mechanics of the system such as those found in froth flotation.  Unfortunately, the answer to the question “Why do you do this?” invariably comes with the answer “It works” or "because we’ve always done this”.

This seminar shows techniques recently utilized in order to attempt to improve the understanding of mineral processing.  The emphasis will be on positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) in froth flotation, a technique that has significant potential for use in a wide range of mineral processing systems, along with other materials engineering areas.

Professor Waters will also introduce other areas in which his research will evolve over the years at McGill University.