Some 30 years ago exposure to dense-medium separation in South Africa, culminated in the adaptation of the process for the treatment of -0.5 mm fines. The first commercial plant at Greenside Colliery apparently operated for some 18 years. Three further plants followed, including one treating tin ore. It is gratifying to learn, therefore, that there is renewed interest. The objective of making the process easier to operate ('more practical'?) is commendable but the cumbersome technical approach could be counter productive. Perhaps a brief outline of the original thinking might be helpful when analyzing the problem.
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