THE LEADER VOLUME 18 • NUMBER 9
A sustainable future for comminution
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It ’ s almost time for another SAG Conference , coming this September 24-28 in beautiful Vancouver , British Columbia , Canada . The 2023 conference is the eighth in the series of Vancouver-hosted conferences that started in 1989 .
Back then , the focus was on autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding ( AG / SAG ) and highpressure grinding rolls ( HPGR ). In the years that have passed , this has expanded , with the Technical Program at this year ’ s event featuring developments and applications for stirred mills , insights into microwave assisted comminution , presentations on machine-learning solutions and more .
This targeted conference has evolved in line with the industry developments shaping the comminution sector .
SAG draws from a wealth of world-leading technical experts specialising in the art and science of comminution . It has grown significantly over the years , now approaching 1,000 attendees from every corner of the globe , making it one of the largest global mineral processing conferences .
In 2019 , the SAG Conference moved to the brand-new venue at the JW Marriott Parq in Vancouver . This allowed the conference to grow and become a must-attend event for mineral processing professionals – all proceedings , tradeshow , salons , poster sessions and peripheral amenities are located on a single floor , allowing for ease of movement and networking .
This conference takes pride in the fact that it is heavily operator influenced and oriented , which is mandated in the organisation ’ s goals . At SAG 2023 we have centred the conference around a theme of “ Liberating a Sustainable Future ” and we will bring together the latest insights on ecoefficient comminution , improvements in comminution design and operation , environmentally driven initiatives and other emerging advances and technologies . A core focus of the discussion at SAG 2023 will be on Environmental , Social and Governance ( ESG ) issues , specifically as it relates to comminution and related aspects . Targeted environmental initiatives will be discussed , as well as how operators can improve the economic and social wellbeing of the communities where they mine .
As usual , this year ’ s event has garnered significant speaking interest with over 200 abstracts submitted , of which 87 papers have been selected for presentation .
In addition to four full days of technical presentations , there will be two Master Class panel discussions hosted in the evenings – one on Measuring and Reducing Carbon Footprints , presented by Ausenco , and the other on Extended Reality for Comminution Circuits , presented by Vale . During the day concurrent with the presentations , will be poster sessions and , continuing from the past conference , a sold-out trade show with vendor salons showcasing technologies and consultants who work in the world of comminution .
Outside of the venue , attendees can combine their attendance at SAG 2023 with visits to three of the province ’ s best-known mining operations after official event proceedings end . Tours of Copper Mountain Mining ’ s mill facility and Teck Resources ’ Highland Valley Copper mill facility will take place on September 29 , followed by a tour of New Gold ’ s New Afton mill facility on September 30 .
At SAG 2023 , we will bring together mineral processing professionals with a focus on evolving comminution towards a sustainable future .
Some of our sponsors and presenters are featured on the pages that follow in International Mining ’ s September issue , with the comminution and crushing feature paying reference to this goal in particular .
Attendance at SAG is predicated on expanding your knowledge base , finding new perspectives and connections and being part of the discussion on how innovation in comminution can help reshape the mining industry of the future .
Relevant to this is how the proceeds from the SAG conferences are distributed via the SAG Conference Award Foundation , through scholarships or indirectly through giving agreements , to post-secondary students .
We at SAG understand the importance of fostering the new generation of mineral processing personnel , with the SAG Foundation awards having totalled more than C $ 1 million ($ 739,194 ). This includes C $ 957,000 in scholarships and awards up to the 2022 academic year .
We will continue to provide such funding , recognising that it plays a crucial role in ensuring there is a pipeline of graduates coming into the comminution space , all of whom are ready to bring new ideas to a sector that will play a vital role in the world ’ s energy transition .
Paul Staples , VP & Global Practice Lead , Ausenco & Chair , SAG 2023
SEPTEMBER 2023 | International Mining 3