The role of gravity concentration in modern processing plants

Next to hand picking, gravity concentration is the oldest of all forms of m ineral processing. While, in the twentieth century gravity concentration ha s been partially replaced by other processes, notably flotation and magneti c separation, they have not made it obsolete. That such an ancient and inherently simple process has not only survived bu t thrived, is in part due to its very simplicity. Not only is gravity conce ntration the process of choice in small, remote, artisanal plants, it also continues to play a major role in larger, "modern" plants for the concentra tion of many minerals, literally from A (andelusite) to Z (zircon). This paper will review some of the advances in gravity concentration equipm ent and technology, that has allowed it to keep pace with, and grow, in wha t is becoming an increasingly competitive world. Various examples of modern equipment, and their potential application will be given. The paper will serve to challenge the mineral processing engineer to ask hi mself "can gravity concentration solve my problem too?" (C) 1999 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.