Professor Hylke J. Glass of the Camborne School of Mines (CSM), which is part of the University of Exeter in Cornwall (a partner in the Combined Universities in Cornwall initiative) has developed a portofolio of links with industry and academic institutions, both in Cornwall, the UK and the EU.
On the industrial side, links with one of the world's premier UK-based mining companies, Rio Tinto, are significant. A number of research projects are sponsored by Rio Tinto and the company's experts provide input to the delivery of specialist courses, notably related to ore reserve characterisation. Research links have also been forged with mining (Goonvean Ltd) and minerals processing (Wardell Armstrong International Ltd, Holman-Wilfley Ltd, Wheal Jane Services Ltd) companies based in Cornwall. Collaborative projects with Cornish companies are substantially supported through Objective 1 investment.
In other EU countries, Professor Glass collaborates with the Jozef Stefan Institute and National Institute of Chemistry, both located in Slovenia, on research involving characterization of and development of methodologies for contaminated land. The collaboration has led to a series of papers in respected international journals such as Environmental Pollution and X-Ray Spectrometry. Minerals processing involving sensor-based ore sorting is a growing area of research in collaboration with manufacturer CommoDaS (Germany), Delft University of Technology (Netherlands) and RWTH-Aachen (Germany).
Professor Glass' research is focussed on three themes: sampling and geostatistics, oresorting and contaminated land assessment. While these themes cover a broad area, the common thread is the relevance for application in the mining industry. Sampling research has led to the development of a novel theoretical description for the sampling process which enables more accurate dimensioning of the sampling parameters. With many collaborative projects on geostatistics, CSM is at the forefront of applied geostatistics, investigating new estimation methods which incorporate the underlying geology and training students in ore reserve estimation using Isatis, the most advanced geostatistical software in existence.
Following the acquisition of a dual-sensor automated sorter, CSM is investigating its potential for sorting ore. After sorters proved a success in the EU recycling industry, its application for separating mineral ores presents a challenge as particles may contain a host of minerals. Sensor-based sorting of ore offers the potential benefit of performing difficult separations without the requirement of large amounts of moisture. The CSM sorter is set to obtain a unique capability after retrofitting of a near-infrared camera in addition to the existing camera and metal detector. Data from these three sensors is combined to identify individual particles. Where additional or other information is required for identification, the use of alternative sensors fitted at Delft University of Technology and RWTH-Aachen is considered.
Following extraction of valuable metals, waste materials are stored in tailings ponds or spoil dumps. Assessment of the environmental risk presented by the waste materials requires insight into the relevant material properties. Research has focussed on characterization of arsenic-bearing soils and minerals. While arsenic is generally considered to be a toxic chemical, its mobility and bioavailability may vary significantly. Results from this research, published in recognized international journals, aims to influence future environmental legislation to prevent blighting of land where arsenic poses no discernable risk.
