EIGHTEENTH BALKAN MINERAL PROCESSING CONFERENCE
“MINERAL PROCESSING IN THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE”
The 18th Balkan Mineral Processing Congress (BMPC) warmly invited scientists, researchers, specialists, and industry professionals in the field of mineral processing from the Balkan region, across Europe, and beyond to participate in the congress titled “Mineral Processing in the Global Challenge.” The event was held from May 23 to 26, 2019, in the coastal town of Durrës, Albania.
Congress participants had the opportunity to present scientific papers, establish new professional contacts, and engage with esteemed colleagues. They shared experiences related to innovative mineral processing technologies, the application of scientific research in industry, and the crucial role mineral processing plays in the economies of the Balkan region and the wider world.
Attendees also became acquainted with Albania’s experience and practices in mineral processing, particularly in the chromium deposits of Bulqiza and Kalimash, as well as the copper deposits of Munella and Spaç. In addition, they explored the touristic and historical attractions of the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, as well as the cultural heritage of Durrës, Tirana, Krujë, and the historic Berat Castle.
TOPICS
- Material Analysis and Mineral Characterization
- Comminution and Classification
- Physical Concentration Methods
- Flotation and Surface Chemistry Processes
- Hydrometallurgy, Pyrometallurgy, and Bio-processing
- Processing Of Industrial Minerals
- Coal Processing, Agglomeration, and Briquetting
- Dewatering, Waste Water Treatment
- Management of Mineral Processing Tailings
- Soil Remediation
- Conservation, Rehabilitation, and Recycling in Mineral Processing
- Plant and Process Design and Operating Practice
- Modeling, Simulation, Control, and Automation in Mineral Processing
- Education, Sustainability in Mineral Processing
- Health & Safety Issues in Mineral Processing
- Mining Operations (Open-pit, Underground, In situ) related to Mineral Processing
The history of mineral processing engineering in Albania dates back to the late 1930s, when Professor Petraq Qafoku, the country’s first mineral processing engineer, returned from La Sapienza University in Rome. In the early 1950s, Professor Avni Kaltani, a graduate of the University of Ostrava in Czechoslovakia, emerged as a prominent engineer and scientific researcher in the field. In the early 1960s, Professor Menella Hido led Albania’s first mineral enrichment plant in Kurbnesh—the country’s first copper-processing facility—and developed the first lectures and courses on mineral processing at the Faculty of Geology and Mining.
The 18th Balkan Mineral Processing Congress, held under the theme “Mineral Processing in the Global Challenge,” represented the most significant scientific event of 2019 for the Faculty of Geology and Mining, the Department of Mineral Resources Engineering, and the Association of Mineral Enrichment Technology Engineers. A total of 69 scientific papers were presented by researchers from the Balkans and beyond. The congress attracted wide international participation, including representatives from Brazil, Russia, Poland, Kazakhstan, Australia, and Iran.
Our faculty members contributed 19 high-quality scientific papers addressing key issues in mineral processing. Notable figures such as Prof. Dr. Vasil Jorgji, Dean of the Faculty of Geology and Mining; Prof. Dr. Güven Önal, President of the International Scientific Committee of the Balkan Mineral Processing Congress; guest of honor Prof. Dr. Suna Atak; Prof. Dr. Avni Kaltani; and Prof. Dr. Genc Demi and Prof. Dr. Kimet Fetahu, Co-Chairmen of the Executive Committee for the upcoming 19th BMPC, delivered welcome speeches and extended their best wishes for the success of the congress.
Over the course of the three-day Congress, a total of nine moderated panels were held, featuring eight Albanian and ten international professors from across the Balkans. In total, 69 presentations were delivered –19 by Albanian participants and 50 by representatives from other countries-across both plenary and parallel sessions.
The plenary session featured 10 presentations. The remaining sessions included:
Surface Chemistry and Flotation Processes – 9 presentations
Raw Materials Analysis, Mineral Composition, Heating and Classification – 7 presentations
Hydrometallurgy, Pyrometallurgy, and Bio-enrichment – 9 presentations
Physical Concentration Methods – 4 presentations
Coal Processing, Agglomeration, and Briquetting – 8 presentations
Conservation, Rehabilitation, Recycling, and Wastewater Treatment – 8 presentations
Mining and Its Links to Mineral Processing – 9 presentations
Modeling, Simulation, Control, and Automation in Mineral Processing – 6 presentations
(including 1 by Albanian authors and 5 by foreign contributors)
In the plenary session there were 10 references, in the session of Surface Chemical and Flotation Processes, 9 references, in the session of Raw Materials Analysis and Mineral Composition & Heating and Classification 7 references, in the session of Hydrometallurgy, Pyrometallurgy and Bio-enrichment 9 physical Reference Concentration session 4 References, Coal Enrichment, Agglomeration and Briquetting session 8 References, Conservation, Rehabilitation and Recycling session and wastewater treatment 8 References, Mining and links session with 9 Enrichment Minerals and in the Modeling, Simulation, Control and Automation Enrichment session 6 references, 1 reference with Albanian authors and 5 references with foreign authors.
In conclusion, the XVIII Balkan Mineral Processing Congress saw the active participation of 41 Albanian professors and scientists and 140 foreign professors and researchers, marking a highly collaborative and internationally diverse scientific event.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Rector of the Polytechnic University of Tirana, Prof. Dr. Andrea Maliqari, and the Dean of the Faculty of Geology and Mining, Prof. Dr. Vasil Jorgji, for their invaluable support in facilitating the organizational infrastructure of the Congress and for encouraging departmental participation in this important event.
The Congress also received significant support from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania, along with its affiliated institutions such as the National Agency of Natural Resources and the Albanian Geological Survey. The enthusiasm and commitment of mineral processing technologists from the chrome and copper industries were commendable, as was the active participation of students from the Faculty of Geology and Mining.
Mining companies involved in the extraction, processing, and smelting of chromium, copper, iron-nickel, coal, and non-metallic minerals also provided strong backing for the successful organization of the XVIII Balkan Mineral Processing Congress, held in Albania.
In conclusion, following the closing of the Congress, held on May 23–26, 2019, at Hotel Premium, Golem, Durrës, Albania, we would like to express our deep appreciation for the outstanding efforts of the organizing and executive committees, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kimet Fetahu and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Genc Demi.
