This course provides a description of the fundamentals of mineral processing, metallurgy and coal preparation. It will include the principal unit processes and their applicability, and of the mineral properties and characteristics of mined materials on which they are based. On completion, you will be able to carry out calculations relating to the characterisation of mined materials, carry out materials balance calculations for simple mineral processing circuits, and nominate appropriate processes for their beneficiation. For many of those processes you will also be able to determine equipment sizes for specified duties. Topics include: Rocks, minerals and ores. Grades, recoveries. Materials balances. Liberation. Comminution (crushing and grinding). Screening. Size classification. Dry and water-based separation processes. Dense media separation. Surface properties of liquids and solids. Froth flotation. Leaching processes. Screens and centrifuges. Flocculation and thickening. Filtration. Tailings disposal. A series of laboratory investigations forms part of the course. Commodities include coal, gold, copper, base metals, iron ore, mineral sands.