This, the 3rd International Computational Modelling Symposium (Computational Modelling '11) is organised by Minerals Engineering International (MEI).

Computational modelling is the use of fundamental physical equations to predict the behaviour of complex systems. Techniques include Discrete Element Modelling (DEM), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Finite Element Methods (FEM). Due to rapid increases in computing power, it is now possible to carry out highly sophisticated and realistic simulations of scientific and engineering processes. Computational modelling has become an indispensable adjunct to the traditional modes of investigation via theory and experiment, and is increasingly viewed as ‘a peer methodology to experiment and theory’.

Computational modelling has been used in the mineral and metallurgical process industries to simulate charge motion in mills, mixing in flotation cells, heat transfer in furnaces and the kinetics of heap leaching. Computational modelling has been applied to improve mill liner design, compare flotation cell impellers, improve thickener performance and optimise furnace layout and geometry. Many of these applications have resulted in significant advances in equipment design and operation, at relatively low cost.