Emeritus Professor Malcolm Powell

Emeritus Professor

Sustainable Minerals Institute

Overview

Malcolm has applied fundamental comminution research to design and process improvement on over 70 mines worldwide during 35 years at Mintek, UCT, and then as Professor of comminution at the JKMRC in Australia. His work is published in over 200 papers and has been presented in as many conferences worldwide. Malcolm collaborates extensively, with close compatriots on 5 continents forming the Global Comminution Collaborative (GCC) – providing an expert research and consulting base covering the full comminution process chain. Malcolm provides on-site experiential training and site reviews to empower mine staff to upgrade the productivity and their skills. This is supplemented with formal training workshops on liner design, comminution and Advanced Mine to Mill. Malcolm’s research vision is of integrated total process simulation as a tool for innovation – linking geology, mining, energy and size reduction, gangue rejection and recovery into flexible process design and process optimisation.

Malcolm supervises research students and runs three companies dedicated to advancing cutting edge technology into the mining industry. These focus around operation-relevant training; advanced mill liner design using DEM modelling; mechanistic mill modelling; introducing the latest tools into daily process control; operationalising advanced mine-to-mill implementation; and development of step-change reduction in comminution energy.

Research Interests

  • Flexible circuits
    “FlexiCircuits leverage ore variability to maximise resource utilisation”. The focus of flexible circuits is to investigate processing options that provide extra capacity through sophistication rather than scale. This requires a combination of smart ore characterisation, economic modelling and innovative processing plant design. Flexible mineral processing circuits can respond to variations in feed characteristics (competence, size distribution, grade and deleterious components) and processing requirements by varying the processing route in order to maximise recovery within energy usage limitations. The application is via utilising today’s equipment while enabling the uptake of tomorrows technology.
  • Applying fundamental research to applied outputs
    Applied outputs are based on the development of mechanistically correct but practical and robust process models. Interests cover: mill liner design; SAG mill modelling and control; the unified comminution model (UCM); ore characterisation for multi-component modelling; applied comminution process review, modelling and improvement.

Research Impacts

An H index 23 with about 150 article downloads per week.

Malcolm places a strong emphasis on presenting at conferences, as a pathway to connectingresearch outcomes to other researchers, and importantly to encourage industry uptake of the latest technology arising from research.

Recent process reviews: In 2019 demonstrated and provided the technical pathway to increase production by between 10 and 20% on three mines (Las Bambas, Peru; New gold and Voisey’s bay, Canada). At the Barrick Cortez demonstrated a 16% increase in mill throughput capacity (Powell et al. AusIMM mill operators conference 2018 and SAG conference 2019), and again in 2020 for a new ore body. Anglo American Platinum Mogalakwena crushing circuit: capacity increased by 20% based on recommendations of a GCC review and simulations, worth about $100M per annum (Powell et al, SAG conference 2011). Increased mill throughput at Cadia of 10% over a period of liner life, translating to 3% over liner life, a value of over $20M per annum (Bird et al., SAG conference, 2011). Navachab Ball scats removal: a step change of 9% in mill throughput (Powell and Smit, SAG conference 2001), which drove an industry-wide upgrade to grinding ball quality in Southern Africa.

Liner design: Increases in liner life of over 50% on many mills, worth $0.3-1.5M per annum on single mills. Liner redesign Pustynnoye mine, Kahzakstahn: increased liner life by 50% and mill throughput by 20% (Powell et al, AusIMM.MillOps, 2018).

MillTraj liner design software: with over 200 licences with half the world liner suppliers the use of this software has propagated liner life and mill performance improvement worldwide.

Qualifications

  • Doctor of Philosophy, University of Cape Town
  • Bachelor of Science, University of Kwazulu Natal

Publications

  • Li, Xilin, Powell, Malcolm and Horberry, Tim (2012). Human factors in control room operations in mineral processing: Elevating control from reactive to proactive. Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making, 6 (1), 88-111. doi: 10.1177/1555343411432340

  • Powell, M. S. and Mainza, A. N. (2012). Step change - a staircase rather than a giant leap. XXVI International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2012, New Delhi, India, 24-28 September 2012. New Delhi, India: International Mineral Processing Congress.

  • Bird, Matt, Powell, Malcolm, Robertson, Jason, Hilden, Marko and Franke, Jochen (2011). Adapting mill control to account for liner wear on the Cadia 40ft mill.. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Weerasekara, Nirmal, Powell, Malcolm, Franke, J. and Favier, J. (2011). Integrating liner profile evolution and mill performance with 3D DEM modelling. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Powell, Malcolm, Benzer, Hakan and Mainza, Aubrey (2011). The strengths of SAG and HPGR in flexible circuit designs. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Weerasekara, Nirmal and Powell, Malcolm (2010). Exploring the breakage environment in mills with discrete element methods. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Powell, M. S., van der Westhuizen, A. P. and Mainza, A. N. (2009). Applying grinding curves to mill operation and optimisation. Minerals Engineering, 22 (7-8), 625-632. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2009.01.008

  • Powell, M. and Bye, A. (2009). Beyond mine-to-mill: Circuit design for energy efficient resource utilisation.. Tenth Mill Operators' Conference, Adelaide, SA, 12-14 October, 2009. Carlton, VIC: AusIMM.

  • Powell, M. S. and Morrison, R. D. (2007). The future of comminution modelling. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 84 (1-4), 228-239. doi: 10.1016/j.minpro.2006.08.003

  • Powell, M. S. and Valery, W. (2006). Slurry pooling and transport issues in SAG mills. International autogenous and semiautogenous grinding technology, Vancouver, Canada, 24-27 September, 2006. Vancouver, Canada: University of British Columbia, Dept. of Mining Engineering.

  • Govender, I., McBride, A. T. and Powell, M. S. (2004). Improved experimental tracking techniques for validating discrete element method simulations of tumbling mills. Experimental Mechanics, 44 (6), 593-607. doi: 10.1177/0014485104048333

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Grants

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Supervision

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Available Projects

  • Steppping modelling of mineral processing into the digita era, by utilising high-end computing to enable dynamic process simulation in real time.

    The models are built on a foundation of sund physics including: rock fracture for a continuum of ore strength properties adn matching the modes found in comminution devices, material transport, diffusive flow in a packed bed of particles, collision energy spectra, pulp and solids discharge functions. Computational tools of CFD and DEM are used to study the internal grinding enviroment adn provide the 'experimental' data upon which to claibrate analytic solutions that can be solved in real-time with numerical techniques. These are calibrated to pilot tests and ultimately large-scale production equipment.

    The outcome will be a dynamic, mechanistic model, that can be used for desiogn, optimisaton studies, and to support on-line control. Such an outcome will be trasnformative to the mining industry in terms of advaning the processing efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of mining while ensuring its continued viability in providing essential resources to society.

    An applicant should be inspired by science being applied to industry, be strong in applied mathematical modelling and computing, and willing to develop a comprehensive set of new skills.

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Publications

Featured Publications

Book Chapter

  • Powell, M. S., Smit, I., Radsizewski, P., Cleary, P., Rattray, B., Eriksson, K. and Schaeffer, L. (2006). The selection and design of mill liners. Advances in comminution. (pp. 331-376) edited by S . Komar Kawatra. Littleton, CO, United States: Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration.

Journal Article

Conference Publication

  • Ali, S., Powell, M. S., Yahyaei, M., Weatherley, D. K. and Ballantyne, G. R. (2022). A standardised method for the precise quantification of practical minimum comminution energy. IMPC Asia-Pacific Conference 2022, Melbourne, VIC Australia, 22–24 August 2022. Carlton, VIC Australia: AusIMM.

  • Ye, Ziming, Yahyaei, Mohsen, Hilden, Marko and Powell, Malcolm (2019). A method to evaluate the impact of stockpile size segregation on the performance of SAG mills. SAG Conference 2019, Vancouver, Canada, 22–26 September 2019.

  • Powell, M. (2019). How our clients will drive the need to slash energy use in mining. 26th International Mining Congress and Exhibition of Turkey, Antalya, Turkey, 16-19 April 2019. Antalya, Turkey: Baski.

  • Ye, Ziming, Yahyaei, Mohsen, Hilden, Marko and Powell, Malcolm (2019). A dynamic model for materials storage to model size segregation. 13th International Conference on Bulk Materials Storage, Handling and Transportation, Surfers Paradise, QLD Australia, 9-11 July 2019. Barton, ACT Australia: Engineers Australia.

  • Powell, Malcolm, Bozbay, S., Kanchibotla, S., Bonfils, B., Musunuri, A., Jokovic, V., Hilden, M., Young, J. and Yalcin, E. (2019). Advanced mine-to-mill used to unlock SABC capacity at the Barrick Cortez mine. International Conference on Autogenous Grinding, Semi-autogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Roll Technology, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 22-26 September 2019.

  • McElroy, Adam, Powell, Malcolm, Tillberg, Jan, Hilden, Marko, Yahyaei, Mohsen, Linna, Matti and Johansson, Anna (2019). An assessment of the energy efficiency and operability of the world's largest autogenous grinding mills at Boliden's Aitik mine. SAG CONFERENCE 2019, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 22 - 26 September 2019.

  • Ye, Ziming, Yahyaei, Mohsen, Hilden, Marko and Powell, Malcolm (2019). Development of a laboratory test to quantify the size segregation in stockpiles. 16th European Symposium on Comminution & Classification (ESCC 2019), Leeds, United Kingdom, 2-4 September 2019.

  • Bonfils, B. and Powell, M. S. (2019). Initial applyication of a dynamic, mechanistic mill model. 29th International Mineral Processing Congress, IMPC 2018, Moscow, Russia, 15-21 September 2018. Montreal, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.

  • Yahyaei, Mohsen and Powell, Malcolm (2019). Production improvement opportunities in comminution circuits. 14th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2018, Brisbane, Australia, 29-31 August 2019. Carlton VIC Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Esteves, Priscila, Mazzinghy, Douglas, Hilden, Marko, Yahyaei, Mohsen, Powell, Malcolm and Galery, Roberto (2019). Qualitative evaluation of the grinding efficiency of a gravity induced stirred mill using the size specific energy approach. 16th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification (ESCC 2019), Leeds, United Kingdom, 2-4 September 2019.

  • Powell, M. S., Bonfils, B., Ballantyne, G. R., Yahyaei, M. and Hilden, M. M. (2019). The new suite of breakage characterisation tests. 29th International Mineral Processing Congress, IMPC 2018, Moscow, Russia, 17- 21 September, 2018. Montreal, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.

  • Powell, Malcolm, Kanchibotla, Sarma, Jokovic, Vladimir, Hilden, Marko, Bonfils, Benjamin, Musunuri, Anand, Moyo, Pamela, Yu, Samuel, Young, Jace, Yaroshak, Paul, Yalcin, Emrah and Gorain, Barun (2018). Advanced mine to mill application at the Barrick Cortez mine. The 14th AusIMM Mill Operator’s Conference, Brisbane, QLD Australia, 29-31 August 2018. Brisbane, QLD Australia: AusIMM.

  • Weatherley, D. K. and Powell, M. S. (2017). Bivariate population balance equations for progressive weakening and fragmentation of base metal ores in tumbling mills. 9th Australasian Congress on Applied Mechanics, ACAM 2017, Sydney, NSW Australia, 27-29 November 2017 . Barton, ACT, Australia: Engineers Australia.

  • Frausto, J. J., Ballantyne, G. R., Runge, K., Powell, M. S. and Cruz, R. (2017). The Impact of Classification Efficiency on Comminution and Flotation Circuit Performance. AusIMM Metallurgical Plant Design and Operating Strategies (MetPlant) Conference, Perth, Australia, 11-12 September 2017. Carlton South, VIC Australia: AusIMM.

  • Yu, Ping, Xie, Weiguo, Liu, Lian X., Weerasekara, Nirmal, Bonfils, Benjamin and Powell, Malcolm (2016). A generic dynamic model incorporating a 4D appearance function for tumbling mills. 28th International Mineral Processing Congress, IMPC 2016, Quebec City, Canada, 11-15 September 2016. Westmount, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.

  • Ballantyne, Grant R., Powell, M. S., Clarke, N., Di Trento, M., Kock, F. and Putland, B. (2016). Energy curve case study (AngloGold Ashanti). 2016 SME Annual Meeting & Exhibit (SME 2016), Phoenix, Arizona, 2016.

  • Ballantyne, Grant, Powell, M. S. and Radziszewski, P. (2016). Extension of the comminution energy curves and application to stirred milling performance. Canadian Mineral Processing (CMP) Conference, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, 19-21 January 2016. Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: Canadian Mineral Processing (CMP) Conference.

  • Saeidi, Fatemeh, Yahyaei, Mohsen, Powell, Malcolm and Marcelo Tavares, Luis (2016). Understanding single particle breakage event to evaluate the effect of applied strain rate. XXVIII International Mineral Processing Congress Proceedings, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, 11-15 September 2016. Canadian Institute Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.

  • Ballantyne, G. R. and Powell, M. S. (2016). Using the comminution energy curves to assess equipment performance. Comminution '16: 10th International Comminution Symposium, Capetown, South Africa, 11-14 April 2016. Capetown, South Africa: International Comminution Symposium.

  • Yahyaei, M., Weerasekara, N. and Powell, M. (2015). A study of the effect of particle size on surface breakage in a pilot mill. 14th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification, Gothenburg, Sweden, 7-10 September 2015. Gothenberg, Sweden: Chalmers University of Technology.

  • G. R. Ballantyne, N. Clarke, P. Elms, A. Anyimadu and M. S. Powell (2015). Application of research principles to identify process improvement at Sunrise Dam Gold Mine. MetPlant 2015: Plant Design & Operating Strategies - World's Best Practice, Perth, Australia, 7-8 September, 2015. Melbourne, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Ballantyne, G. R. and Powell, M. S. (2015). Development of the comminution 'energy curve'. 6th International Conference on Semi-Autogenous and High Pressure Grinding Technology, Vancouver, Canada, 20 - 24 September, 2015. Vancouver, Canada: SAG Conference.

  • Reja, Y., Ballantyne, G. R., Bonfils, B. and Powell, M. S. (2015). Double Impact Breakage: Comparison and Extension of Size Specific Energy Methodology. European Symposium of Comminution and Classification (ESCC), Gothenburg, Sweden, 2015.

  • Powell, Malcolm S., Mainza, Aubrey N., Hilden, Marko H. and Yahyaei, Mohsen (2015). Full pre-crush to sag mills – the case for changing this practice. The 6th International Conference on Semi-Autogenous and High Pressure Grinding Technology, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 20-24 September 2015. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM).

  • Ballantyne, Grant R., Foggiatto, B., Carrasco, C., Hilden, M. and Powell, M. S. (2015). Improving SAG mill performance and controllability by leveraging the modified size distributions from Grade Engineering®. 6th International Conference on Semi-Autogenous and High Pressure Grinding Technology, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 20-24 September 2015. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM).

  • Yahyaei, Mohsen, Limpus, Andrew, Russell, John, Toor, Paul and Powell, Malcolm (2015). Improving liner design for efficiency. The 6th International Conference on Semi-Autogenous and High Pressure Grinding Technology, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 20-24 September 2015. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM).

  • Masuret, C., Yahyaei, M., Weerasekara, N. and Powell, M. (2015). Measuring shear abrasion breakage of rocks using a novel characterisation experiment. 14th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification, Gothenburg, Sweden, 7-10 September 2015. Gothenberg, Sweden: Chalmers University of Technology.

  • Saeidi, Fatemeh, Marcelo Tavares, Luis, Yahyaei, Mohsen and Powell, Malcolm (2015). Modelling single particle breakage as a multi-stage process. 14th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification, Gothenburg, Sweden, 7-10 September 2015. Gothenberg, Sweden: Chalmers University of Technology.

  • Ballantyne, Grant, Powell, M. S., Bonfils, B. and Yahyaei, M. (2015). Simple energy measures for assessing total circuit efficiency. 6th International Conference on Semi-Autogenous and High Pressure Grinding Technology, Vancouver, Canada, 20 - 24 September 2015.

  • Bonfils, Benjamin, Powell, Malcolm and Tello, Sebastian (2015). Simulations of expansion scenarios of a standard SABC circuit. International Conference on Semi-Autogenous and High Pressure Grinding Technology, Vancouver, Canada, 20-24 September 2015.

  • Engelhardt, Dieter, Seppelt, Joe, Waters, Tom, Apfelt, Andy, Lane, Greg, Yahyaei, Mohsen and Powell, Malcolm (2015). The Cadia Hpgr-Sag Circuit – from design to operation – the commissioning challenge. The 6th International Conference on Semi-Autogenous and High Pressure Grinding Technology, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 20-24 September 2015. Vancouver, BC, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM).

  • Toor, Paul, Powell, Malcolm, Hilden, Marko and Weerasekara, Nirmal (2015). Understanding the effects of liner wear on SAG mill performance. MetPlant 2015, Perth, Australia, 7-8 September 2015. The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Ballantyne, G. R., Mainza, A. and Powell, M. S. (2015). Using comminution energy intensity curves to assess efficiency of gold processing circuits. World Gold 2015, Johannesburg, South Africa, 29 September - 1 October, 2015. Johannesburg South Africa: Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Foggiatto, B., Hilden, M. M. and Powell, M. (2014). Advances in the simulation of flexible circuits. 12th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2014, Townsville, Australia, 1-3 September 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Ballantyne, G. R. and Powell, M. S. (2014). Benchmarking comminution energy consumption for improved efficiency. 12th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2014, Townsville, Australia, 1-3 September 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Liu, L. X., Saeidi, F. and Powell, M. S. (2014). Breakage characterization of multicomponent ore. Comminution '14: 9th International Comminution Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-10 April, 2014.

  • Engelhardt, D., Lane, G. and Powell, M. (2014). Cadia expansion - the impact of installing high pressure grinding rolls prior to a semi-autogenous grinding mill. 12th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2014, Townsville, Australia, 1-3 September 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Yahyaei, M., Vos, F., Powell, M., Siliezar, J. and Perkins, T. (2014). Challenges in developing integrated process models based on industrial survey data. 12th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2014, Townsville, Australia, 1-3 September 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Francioli, Daniel, Yahyaei, Mohsen, Taveres, Luis Marcelo and Powell, Malcolm (2014). Characterizing attrition of rock under incremental low- energy impacts. XXVII International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2014, Santiago, Chile, 20-24 October 2014. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digital Publications.

  • Ballantyne, G. R., Shi, F., Bonfils, B. and Powell, M. S. (2014). Comparison of single particle, Bond and bed tests for fine particle ore breakage characterisation. Comminution '14: 9th International Comminution Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-10 April, 2014.

  • Yu, Ping, Xie, Weiguo, Liu, Lian and Powell, Malcolm (2014). Development of a dynamic mill model structure for tumbling mills. XXVII International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2014, Santiago, Chile, 20-24 October 2014. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digital Publications.

  • Yahyaei, Mohsen, Weerasekara, Nirmal and Powell, Malcolm (2014). Impact of mill size on low-energy surface damage. XXVII International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2014, Santiago, Chile, 20-24 October 2014. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digital Publications.

  • Weerasekara, Nirmal, Yahyaei, Mohsen and Powell, Malcolm (2014). Interpreting low energy attrition behaviour in a pilot mill using numerical modelling. XXVII International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2014, Santiago Chile, 20-24 October 2014. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digital Publications.

  • Shi, Feng N., Weiguo Xie and Powell, Malcolm (2014). Modelling particle size reduction in a batch grinding ball mill. Comminution '14: 9th International Comminution Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-10 April, 2014.

  • Saeidi, Fatemeh, Yahyaei, Mohsen and Powell, Malcolm (2014). New insights into comparison of breakage testing techniques. XXVII International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2014, Santiago, Chile, 20-24 October 2014. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digital Publications.

  • Powell, Malcolm, Foggiatto, Bianca and Hilden, Marko (2014). Practical simulation of FlexiCircuit processing options. XXVII International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2014, Santiago, Chile, 20-24 October 2014. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digital Publications.

  • Morrison, R. D., Powell, M., Cleary, P. W., Delaney, G. W., Cummins, S. and Loveday, B. (2014). Predicting the evolution of rock size distribution, throughput and product size in AG and SAG mills by incremental damage, chipping, rounding and abrasion. Comminution '14: 9th International Comminution Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-10 April, 2014.

  • Liu, L. X., Palaniandy, S. and Powell, M. S. (2014). Technical gaps and challenges for fine grinding. Comminution '14: 9th International Comminution Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-10 April, 2014.

  • Powell, Malcolm, Hilden, Marko, Ballantyne, Grant, Liu, Lian and Tavares, Luis Marcelo (2014). The appropriate and inappropriate application of the JKMRC t10 relationship. XXVII International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2014, Santiago, Chile, 20-24 October 2014. Santiago, Chile: Gecamin Digital Publications.

  • Palaniandy, S., Powell, M., Hilden, M., Allen, J., Kermanshahi, K., Oats, B. and Lollback, M. (2014). VertiMill®: preparing the feed within floatable regime at lower specific energy. Comminution '14: 9th International Comminution Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-10 April, 2014.

  • Palaniandy, S., Powell, M. S., Hilden, M. M., Allen, J., Kermanshahi, K., Oats, B. and Lollback, M. (2014). Vertimill® performance updates in secondary and regrind duties at Cannington Mine, BHP Billiton.. 12th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2014, Townsville, Australia, 1-3 September 2014. Carlton, VIC, Australia: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Yahyaei, Mohsen, Weerasekara, Nirmal and Powell, Malcolm (2013). Characterisation of abrasion breakage using multi size pilot mills. 13th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification, Braunschweig, Germany, 9-12 September 2013. Gottingen, Germany: Sierke Verlag.

  • Bonfils, B. and Powell, M. S. (2013). Developments in incremental rock breakage testing methodologies and modelling. ESCC2013: 13th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification, Braunschweig, Germany, 9-12 September, 2013. Göttingen, Germany: Sierke Verlag.

  • Powell, Malcolm (2013). Facing the challenges of new low-grade orebodies with new economic circuit designs. II International Meeting on Metallurgy Peru 2013: Plants and Processes, Lima, Peru, 1-3 November, 2013.

  • Weerasekara, N. S. and Powell, M. S. (2013). Performance characterisation of AG/SAG mill pulp lifters using CFD techniques. Computational Modelling '13, Falmouth, Cornwall, U.K., 18-19 June, 2013. Falmouth, Cornwall, U.K.: Minerals Engineering International.

  • Powell, M. S. (2013). Pushing the boundaries of comminution with mechanistic modelling and multi-component process simulation. ESCC2013: 13th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification, Braunschweig, Germany, 9-12 September, 2013. Göttingen, Germany: Sierke Verlag.

  • Ballantyne, G. R., Yang, A. L., Powell, M. S. and Peukert, W. (2013). Size specific energy (SSE): energy required to generate minus 75 micron material. ESCC2013: 13th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification, Braunschweig, Germany, 9-12 September, 2013. Göttingen, Germany: Sierke Verlag.

  • Hilden, M., Stange, W., Powell, M. S. and Andrusiewicz, M. (2013). The future developments in circuit simulation capability at the JKMRC. ESCC2013: 13th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification, Braunschweig, Germany, 9-12 September, 2013. Göttingen, Germany: Sierke Verlag.

  • Mainza, A., Evertsson, M., Benzer, H., Tavarese, M., Powell, M. S., Rule, C., Plint, N., Lombard, M. and Knopjes, B. (2013). The role of classification in an evolving comminution circuit. ESCC2013: 13th European Symposium on Comminution and Classification, Braunschweig, Germany, 9-12 September, 2013. Göttingen, Germany: Sierke Verlag.

  • Powell, M. S. (2013). Utilising orebody knowledge to improve comminution circuit design and energy utilisation. GeoMet 2013: The Second AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 30 September-2 October, 2013. Carlton, VIC, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

  • Palaniandy, S., Powell, M., Hilden, M., Kermanshahi, K., Allen, J. and Mwansa, S. (2013). VertiMill® - development of circuit survey and performance evaluation protocols. Metallurgical Plant Design and Operating Strategies (MetPlant 2013), Perth, WA, Australia, 15-17 July 2013. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

  • Powell, M. S., Hilden, M. M., Weerasekara, N., Yahyaei, M., Toor, P., Franke, J. and Bird, M. (2012). A more holistic view of mill liner management. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart, Tasmania, 29-31 October 2012. Carlton, Victoria: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Tuazon, D., Corder, G. D., Powell, M. and Ziemski, M. (2012). A practical and rigorous approach for integrating sustainability principles into decision-making processes at minerals processing operations. Life of Mine Conference (AusIMM), Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 10 - 12 July 2012. Carlton North, VIC, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM).

  • Bbosa, L., Govender, I., Mainza, A., Powell, M. and Plint, N. (2012). Comparing power draw predictions in experimental scale tumbling mills using PEPT and DEM. XXVI International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2012, New Delhi, India, 24-28 September 2012. New Delhi, India: Technowrites.

  • Toor, P., Franke, J., Powell, Malcolm, Bird, M. and Waters, T. (2012). Designing liners for performance not life. Comminution '12: 8th International Comminution Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa, 17-20 April 2012.

  • Yildirim, Baris, Bradshaw, D., Powell, M. S. and Clark, A. (2012). Development of an effective and practical alteration index for predicting metallurgical responses of Cu porphyries. Process Mineralogy '12, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-9 November 2012. Minerals Engineering International.

  • Ballantyne, Grant, Hilden, Marko and Powell, Malcolm (2012). Early rejection of gangue - How much energy will it cost to save energy?. Comminution '12: 8th International Comminution Symposium, Cape Town, South Africa, 17-20 April 2012.

  • Bueno, M. P. and Powell, M. S. (2012). How to use hard ore components as grinding media. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart,Tasmania, 29-31 October 2012. Carlton, Victoria: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Powell, M. S., Hilden, M. M., Evertsson, C. M., Asbjornsson, G., Benzer, A. H., Mainza, A. N., Tavares, L. M., Davis, B., Plint, N. and Rule, C. (2012). Optimisation opputunities for high pressure grinding rolls circuits. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart,Tasmania, 29-31 October 2012. Carlton, Victoria: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Ballantyne, G. R., Powell, M. S. and Tiang, M. (2012). Proportion of energy attributable to comminution. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart, Tasmania, 29-31 October 2012. Carlton, Australia: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Foggiatto, B., Hilden, M. M., Powell, M. S., Kay, P. D. and Andrusiewicz, M. (2012). Simulation of flexible circuits. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart, Tasmania, 29-31 October 2012. Carlton, Victoria: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Powell, M. S. and Mainza, A. N. (2012). Step change - a staircase rather than a giant leap. XXVI International Mineral Processing Congress - IMPC 2012, New Delhi, India, 24-28 September 2012. New Delhi, India: International Mineral Processing Congress.

  • Li, X., Powell, M. S. and McKeague, W. (2012). Unlocking processing potential by empowering our operators. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart, Tasmania, 29-31 October 2012. Carlton, Victoria: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Kojovic, T., Hilden, M. M., Powell, M. S. and Bailey, C. (2012). Updated Julius Kruttschnitt semi-autogenous grinding mill model. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart, Victoria, 29-31 October 2012. Carlton, Victoria: AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Tuazon, D., Corder, G., Powell, M. and Ziemski, M. (2011). A practical and rigorous approach for the integration of sustainability principles into the decision-making processes at minerals processing operations. Sustainability through Resource Conservation and Recycling 2011, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom, 10-12 May 2011.

  • Tuazon, D., Corder, G., Powell, M. and Ziemski, M. (2011). A practical and rigorous approach for the integration of sustainability principles into the decision-making processes at minerals processing operations. Fifth International Conference for Sustainable Development in the Minerals Industry 2011, Aachen, Germany, 14-17 June 2011.

  • Bird, Matt, Powell, Malcolm, Robertson, Jason, Hilden, Marko and Franke, Jochen (2011). Adapting mill control to account for liner wear on the Cadia 40ft mill.. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Engelhardt, Dieter, Robertson, Jason, Lane, Greg, Powell, Malcolm and Griffin, Paul (2011). Cadia expansion - from Open Pit to Block Cave and beyond. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Powell, Malcolm, Perkins, Tom and Mainza, Aubrey (2011). Grindcurves applied to a range of SAG and AG mills. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Dundar, H., Benzer, H., Aydogan, N. A., Powell, Malcolm and Mainza, A. N. (2011). Importance of the feed size distribution and recycle on the HPGR performance. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Weerasekara, Nirmal, Powell, Malcolm, Franke, J. and Favier, J. (2011). Integrating liner profile evolution and mill performance with 3D DEM modelling. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver, BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Bueno, Marcos, Niva, Erik, Henriksson, Marcus, Philips, Doug, Powell, Malcolm, Kojovic, Toni, Shi, Feng N., Durant, Braam and Plint, Neville (2011). Multi-component autogenous pilot trials. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Toor, Paul, Franke, Jochen, Powell, Malcolm, Perkins, Thomas, Bird, Matt and Robertson, Jason (2011). Quantifying the influence of liner shape and mill filling for performance optimization. Fifth International Conference on Autogenous & Semiautogeneous Grinding Technology, Vancouver, Canada, 25-28 September 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • van Drunick, W. I., Wilhelm, H., Smit, I. and Powell, Malcolm (2011). The Navachab optimisation history: Exceeding SAG performance benchmarks.. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Bueno, Marcos, Powell, Malcolm, Kojovic, Toni, Worth, Jonathan, Shi, Feng N., Niva, E., Adolfsson, G., Henriksson, M., Partapuoli, A., Wikstrom, P., Tano, K. and Fredriksson, A. (2011). The dominance of the competent. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Chandramohan, R., Powell, Malcolm, Holtham, Peter N., Lane, G. and Daniel, M. J. (2011). The effect of blends of rock shape in AG/SAG mills and comminution circuits. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver, B.C. Canada, 25-28 September 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Toor, P., Perkins, T., Powell, M. S. and Franke, J. (2011). The influence of liner wear on milling efficiency. MetPlant 2011, Perth, Australia, 8-9 August 2011. Doncaster East, VIC, Australia: The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Powell, Malcolm, Benzer, Hakan and Mainza, Aubrey (2011). The strengths of SAG and HPGR in flexible circuit designs. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Powell, Malcolm, Benzer, Hakan, Mainza, Aubrey, Evertsson, Magnus, Tavares, Marcelo, van Drunick, Wayne, Potgieter, Mani, Davis, Barry, Plint, Neville and Rule, Chris (2011). Transforming the effectiveness of the HPGR circuit at Anglo Platinum Mogalakwena. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Kojovic, Toni, Powell, Malcolm, Bailey, Chris and Drinkwater, Diana (2011). Upgrading the JK SAG mill model. International Autogenous Grinding, Semiautogenous Grinding and High Pressure Grinding Rolls Technology 2011, Vancouver BC, Canada, 25-28 September, 2011. Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Powell, Malcolm and Weerasekara, Nirmal (2010). Building the unified comminution model. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Weerasekara, Nirmal and Powell, Malcolm (2010). Exploring the breakage environment in mills with discrete element methods. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Li, Xilin, Horberry, Tim and Powell, Malcolm (2010). Human control in mineral processing plants: An operator centered investigation. Human Factors and Ergnonomics Society 54th ANNUAL MEETING - 2010, San Francisco, CA, U.S.A, 27 September - 1 October 2010. San Francisco, U.S.A.: Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. doi: 10.1518/107118110X12829369201151

  • Bueno, Marcos, Shi, Feng N., Kojovic, Toni and Powell, Malcolm (2010). Investigation on multicomponent semi-autogenous grinding. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Weerasekara, N. S., Powell, M. S., Cole, S. and Favier, J. (2010). Modeling breakage environment in tumbling mills using DEM and analyzing the outputs. DEM5: The Fifth International Conference on Discrete Element Methods, University of London, 25-26 August, 2010. University of London, London, United Kingdom: Queen Mary.

  • Buffler, A., Govender, I., Cilliers, J. J., Parker, D. J., Franzidis, J.-P., Mainza, A., Newman, R.T., Powell, M. and Van Der Westhuizen, A. (2010). PEPT Cape Town: A new positron emission particle tracking facility at iThemba LABS. IAEA International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Research Applications and Utilization of Accelerators, Vienna, 4-8 May 2009. Vienna: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA.

  • Chandramohan, Rajiv, Holtham, Peter N. and Powell, Malcolm (2010). The influence of particle shape in rock fracture. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 6-10 September, 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Govender, I., Morrison, A. J., Mainza, A., van der Westuizen, A., Franzidis, J.-P. and Powell, Malcolm (2010). Using positron emission particle tracking (PEPT) to investigate industrial systems. International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, QLD, Australia, 6-10 September 2010. Carlton, VIC, Australia: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Powell, M. and Bye, A. (2009). Beyond mine-to-mill: Circuit design for energy efficient resource utilisation.. Tenth Mill Operators' Conference, Adelaide, SA, 12-14 October, 2009. Carlton, VIC: AusIMM.

  • de Kretser, R. G., Powell, M., Scales, P. J. and Lim, J. (2009). The water efficient plant of the future: Towards a holistic process chain approach.. WIM 2009, Perth, WA, 15-17 September, 2009. Carlton, VIC: AusIMM.

  • Condori, P., Mainza, A., Govender, I. and Powell, M. S. (2008). A Mechanistic Approach to Modelling Slurry Transport in AG/SAG Mills: Transport through the Charge. XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress (XXIV IMPC), Beijing, China, 24-28 September 2008. Beijing, China: Science Press.

  • Bbosa, L. S., Mainza, A. N. and Powell, M. S. (2008). Analysis of the breakage data of a series of devices. XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress (XXIV IMPC), Beijing, China, 24-28 September, 2008. Beijing China: Science Press.

  • Powell, M., Weerasekara, N., Govender, I. and Khanal, M. (2008). Applying DEM outputs to the unified comminution model. Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing 2nd Annual Conference (CSRP'08), Brisbane, Australia, 18-19 November 2008. Kensington, WA, Australia: Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing.

  • Powell, M. S., Govender, I. and McBride, A. T. (2008). Applying DEM outputs to the unified comminution model. Discrete Element Methods (DEM) 07, Brisbane, Qld, Australia, 27-29 August, 2007. Oxford, England: Pergamon Press. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2008.06.010

  • Cleary, P. W., Powell, M. S. and Morrison, R. D. (2008). Applying computationally intensive techniques to modelling of comminution devices. XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress (XXIV IMPC), Beijing, China, 24-28 September 2008. Beijing, China: Science Press.

  • Powell, M., Govender, I. and McBride, A. T. (2008). Challenges in applying the unified comminution model. XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress (XXIV IMPC), Beijing, China, 24-28 September, 2008. Beijing, China: Science Press.

  • Powell, M., Weerasekara, N., Khanal, M. and Favier, J. (2008). Extraction of DEM collision data for input to breakage models. Comminution 08, Falmouth, Cornwall, U.K., 17-20 June, 2008.

  • Hilden, M. and Powell, M. (2008). Multiple-pass high pressure grinding rolls circuits. Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing 2nd Annual Conference (CSRP'08), Brisbane, Australia, 18-19 November 2008. Kensington, WA, Australia: Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing.

  • Mainza, A. N. and Powell, M. S. (2008). Study of the efficiency of mineral department in the three product cyclone. XXIV International Mineral Processing Congress (XXIV IMPC), Beijing, China, 24-28 September, 2008. Beijing China: Science Press.

  • Weerasekara, N. and Powell, M. (2008). The new energy logging from the discrete element method. Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing 2nd Annual Conference (CSRP'08), Brisbane, Australia, 18-19 November 2008. Kensington, WA, Australia: Centre for Sustainable Resource Processing.

  • Govender, I, and Powell, M. S. (2007). A 3D X-ray Vision System for Studying Discrete Particulate Behaviour. Discrete Element Methods 07, Brisbane, Australia, 27-29 August, 2007.

  • Govender, I, Powell, M S, Chandramohan, R, Parker, D J, Fan, X and Ingram, A (2007). Positron emission particle tracking of charge particles in a scaled industrial tumbling mill. Proceedings of Discrete Elements Methods 07, Brisbane, Aug 27-29, 2007. MEI Online.

  • McBride, A.T. and Powell, M.S. (2007). Using DEM to inform experimental design. Discrete Element Methods, Brisbane, Australia, 27-29 August, 2007.

  • Condori, P. and Powell, M.S. (2006). A Proposed Mechanistic slurry discharge model for AG/SAG mills. International autogenous and semiautogenous grinding technology, Vancouver, Canada, 23-27 September, 2006. Vancouver, Canada: University of British Columbia, Dept of Mining and Mineral Process Engineering.

  • Powell, Malcolm S. and Morrison, Rob D. (2006). A new look at breakage testing. 11th Euro. Symp. Comminution, Budapest, Hungary, 9-12 October, 2006. European Federation of Chemical Engineers.

  • Mainza, N, Powell, Malcolm and Morrison, R. D. (2006). A review of SAG circuits closed with hydrocyclones. SAG 2006, Vancouver Canada, 24-27 September 2006. Vancouver, Canada: CIM.

  • McBride, A. T. and Powell, Malcolm S. (2006). A structured approach to modelling SAG mill liner wear - Numerical modelling of liner evolution. International autogenous and semi autogenous grinding technology 2006, Vancouver, Canada, 24-27 September 2006. Canada: CIM.

  • Powell, M. and Chandramohan, R. (2006). A structured approach to modelling SAG mill liner wear - monitoring wear. International Autogenous and Semiautogenous Grinding Technology 2006, Vancouver, Canada, 24-27 September 2006. Vancouver, Canada: CIM.

  • Govender, I. and Powell, M. S. (2006). An empirical power model derived from 3D particle tracking experiments. Computational Modelling ’05, Cape Town, South Africa, 7-9 November 2005. Kidlington, Oxford, U.K.: Pergamon Press. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2006.03.017

  • Morrison, R., Loveday, B., Powell, M. S., Djordjevic, N. and Cleary, P. (2006). Applying discrete element modelling to different modes of breakage in AG and SAG mills. International autogenous and semiautogenous grinding technology 2006, Vancouver, Canada, 23-27 September, 2006. Vancouver, Canada: University of British Columbia, Dept. of Mining Engineering.

  • Mwansa, S., Condori, P. and Powell, M. S. (2006). Charge segregation and slurry transport in long SAG mills. XXIII International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC 2006), Istanbul, Turkey, 3-8 September 2006. Istanbul, Turkey: Promed Advertising.

  • Govender, I., McBride, A. T. and Powell, M. S. (2006). Development of DEM validation tools with 3D X-ray particle tracking system. SEM06, St Louis, 4-7 June, 2006. USA: Society for Experimental Mechanics.

  • Mainza, A. N., Powell, M.S. and Knopjes, B. (2006). Enhancing platinum recovery with the three-product cyclone. XXIII International Mineral Processing Congress, Istanbul, Turkey, 3-8 September 2006. Istanbul, Turkey: Promed Advertising Agency.

  • Sweet, C.G., Sweet, J. A., Harris, M. C., Powell, M. S., Lambert, A. S., Charlesworth, P. and Knopjes, L. M. (2006). Industry taking the initiative in developing high calibre technical staff. The XXIII International Mineral Processing Congress, Istanbul, Turkey, 3-8 September 2006. Istanbul, Turkey: Promed Advertising Ltd.

  • Govender, I. and Powell, M. S. (2006). Investigating SAG model assumptions using laboratory 3D trajectory data. International autogenous and semiautogenous grinding technology, Vancouver, Canada, 24-27 September 2006. Vancouver, Canada: University of British Columbia, Dept of Mining and Mineral Process Engineering.

  • van der Westhuizen, A. P .P and Powell, M. S. (2006). Milling curves as a tool for characterising SAG mill performance. International autogenous and semiautogenous grinding technology, Vancouver, Canada, 24-27 September 2006. Vancouver, Canada: University of British Columbia, Dept of Mining and Mineral Process Engineering.

  • Mainza, A and Powell, Malcolm (2006). RoM Ball mills - a comparison with AG/SAG milling. International autogenous and semi autogenous grinding technology 2006, Vancouver, Canada, 24 - 27 September 2006. Vancouver, Canada: CIM.

  • Powell, M. S. and Valery, W. (2006). Slurry pooling and transport issues in SAG mills. International autogenous and semiautogenous grinding technology, Vancouver, Canada, 24-27 September, 2006. Vancouver, Canada: University of British Columbia, Dept. of Mining Engineering.

  • Powell, M.S. (2006). The Unified Comminution Model - a Conceptually New Model. Proceedings of the XXIII International Mineral Processing Congress, Istanbul, Turkey, 3 - 8 September, 2006.

  • Powell, M., Condori, P., Smit, I. and Valery, W. (2006). The value of rigorous surveys - the Los Bronces experience. International autogenous and semi autogenous grinding technology 2006, Vancouver, Canada, 24 - 27 Septmeber 2006. Canada: CIM.

  • Chandramohan, R. and Powell, M. S. (2005). Measurement of particle interaction properties for incorporation in the discrete element method simulation. JKMRC International Student Conference, Brisbane, Australia, 6-7 September 2004. Oxford, U.K.: Elsevier. doi: 10.1016/j.mineng.2005.06.004

  • Mainza, A., Powell, M. S. and Knopjes, B. (2004). A comparison of different cyclones in addressing challenges in the classification of the dual density UG2 platinum ore. First International Platinum Conference ‘Platinum Adding Value’, Sun City, Rustenburg, South Africa, 3-7 October, 2004. Johannesburg, South Africa: The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM).

  • Sarracino, R.S., McBride, A.T. and Powell, M.S. (2004). Using Particle Flow Code to investigate energy dissipation in a rotary grinding mill. Numerical Modeling in Micromechanics via Particle Methods, Kyoto, Japan, 28-29 October, 2004. Itasca.

  • Powell, M. S., McBride, A. T. and Govender, I. (2003). Application of DEM Outputs to Refining Applied SAG Mill Models. IMPC 2003 Conference, Cape Town, South Africa, 28 September - 3 October , 2003. Marshalltown, South Africa: South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.

  • Mainza, A. and Powell, M.S. (2003). Use of the three-product cyclone in dual-density ore classification. IMPC 2003, Cape Town, South Africa, 29 September- 3 October, 2003.

  • Powell., M. S. (2002). South African progress on closing the design gap between High- and Low-aspect SAG mills. Canadian Mineral Processors, xx, 22-24 January, 2002. CIM.

  • McBride, Andrew, Govender, Indresan, Powell, Malcolm and Balden, Victor (2002). Three Dimensional Validation of Discrete Element Method (DEM) using a laboratory ball mill. Discrete Element Methods 2002, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 23-25 September, 2002. New York: American Society of Civil Engineers. doi: 10.1061/40647(259)37

Other Outputs

Grants (Administered at UQ)

PhD and MPhil Supervision

Completed Supervision

Possible Research Projects

Note for students: The possible research projects listed on this page may not be comprehensive or up to date. Always feel free to contact the staff for more information, and also with your own research ideas.

  • Steppping modelling of mineral processing into the digita era, by utilising high-end computing to enable dynamic process simulation in real time.

    The models are built on a foundation of sund physics including: rock fracture for a continuum of ore strength properties adn matching the modes found in comminution devices, material transport, diffusive flow in a packed bed of particles, collision energy spectra, pulp and solids discharge functions. Computational tools of CFD and DEM are used to study the internal grinding enviroment adn provide the 'experimental' data upon which to claibrate analytic solutions that can be solved in real-time with numerical techniques. These are calibrated to pilot tests and ultimately large-scale production equipment.

    The outcome will be a dynamic, mechanistic model, that can be used for desiogn, optimisaton studies, and to support on-line control. Such an outcome will be trasnformative to the mining industry in terms of advaning the processing efficiency and reducing the environmental impact of mining while ensuring its continued viability in providing essential resources to society.

    An applicant should be inspired by science being applied to industry, be strong in applied mathematical modelling and computing, and willing to develop a comprehensive set of new skills.