Program Overview

Introduction to Mineral Processing

The Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining at Queen's University offers a professional development course in Introduction to Mineral Processing. This course provides a practical overview of unit operations and mineral separation fundamentals, introducing students to the theory and practice of mineral processing.

Course Description

The course covers topics such as the role of mineral processing in the mining value chain, the importance of mineralogy in the design and operation of mineral processing circuits, comminution, particle size classification, mineral concentration techniques, and dewatering. Process calculations, including mass and mineral balancing, are also introduced as a tool for evaluating process efficiency.

Course Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a firm understanding of ore characteristics, particle size analysis, and the need for efficient separation of minerals for the production of value-added products.
2. Carry out process calculations to determine efficiency in the separation of minerals and to determine equipment size required in selected processes.
3. Describe methods for estimation of energy requirements for various size-reduction stages and assess processes used in industrial practice.
4. Describe options for comminution and classification with respect to ore characteristics.
5. Describe methods of mineral separation from ores of various complexity.

Course Evaluation

The course features two forms of assessment:

• Knowledge Check Questions: Graded quizzes at the end of each module, designed to check understanding of the materials as students progress. Students must achieve a grade of 65% to pass each quiz, with three attempts allowed per quiz.
• Problem Sets: Ungraded assignments designed as submission-only tasks, given at the end of each module, with solution sets provided as feedback for assignment submissions.

Module Course Outcomes

The course is divided into 11 modules:

• Module 1: Mineralogy and Particle Size Analysis
• Module 2: Comminution - Crushing
• Module 3: Comminution - Grinding
• Module 4: Particle Size Classification
• Module 5: Gravity Separation Theory
• Module 6: Gravity Separation - Sluice, Shaking Tables, and Centrifugal Concentrators
• Module 7: Gravity Separation - Dense Media Separation
• Module 8: Magnetic & Electrostatic Separation
• Module 9: Flotation - Mineral Hydrophobicity and Reagents
• Module 10: Flotation - Equipment
• Module 11: Process Calculations

Program Requirements

This course is designed for learners with little to no knowledge or experience in mining and is ideal for professionals who want to expand their knowledge of the mining sector.

Time Commitment

The course represents a study period of approximately 20 hours, spanning across 11 modules, with an average time commitment of 2-3 hours per module. Learners have 12 weeks to complete the course at their own pace.

Course Fees

The course fee is C$ 1,950.00.

Course Offering Schedule

The next offering of the course will commence from November 30, 2026, to February 22, 2027, with learners able to complete the course at their own pace within that time frame.