Profile
Dr Robert Fitzpatrick
Senior Lecturer in Minerals Processing
Telephone: 01326 254141
Summary:
Rob is a lecturer in Mineral Processing within the Camborne School of Mines, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences. He received his BEng(Hons) in Mining Engineering from the University of Exeter (2004) and was awarded a PhD in Earth Resources from the same institute.
His main area of research is in the physical separation of minerals. With a particular interest in modelling and simulation, including fundemental modelling using techniques such as CFD-DEM. Rob has published on the use of CFD-DEM modelling to simulate the ejection of particles in a sensor-based sorter and currently has an EPSRC case student investigating the use of CFD and DEM to model ultra-fine gravity separation equipment to increase mine recovery and reduce environmental impact. Rob has expertise in modelling gravity separation equipment and is a work package leader and principle investigator for University of Exeter on the H2020 funded OptimOre project which aims to improve modelling of gravity separation equiipment through the use of automated mineralogy. As a part of this project he is also developing novel methods of modelling and controlling gravity separation equip[ment.
Professional Qualifications:
- Professional Graduate Instutute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (ProfGradIMMM)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Current Reesearch projects:
OPTIMORE (H2020) Optimize the crushing, milling and separation ore processing technologies for Tungsten and Tantalum mineral processing.
IMP@CT (H2020-SC5) Integrated Modular Plant and Containerized Tools for Selective, Low-impact mining of Small High-grade Deposits.
SOSRARE (NERC&EPSRC) Improving understanding rare earth elements (REE) concentration in natural systems to develop efficient and environmentally friendly methods of extraction.
CERES (H2020) Co-processing of coal and electronic mine waste.
SLOPES (RFCS) Smarter Lignite Open Pit Engineering Solutions.