CEEC International Hosts Exclusive Collaboration Breakfast at IMPC 2024
CEEC International kicked off the 34th International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC) by hosting the CEEC International Collaboration Breakfast at The Westin Washington National Harbor. This exclusive event, held at the Sauciety restaurant, brought together CEEC’s Directors, Advocates, Sponsors, and key industry stakeholders. It provided a vital opportunity for networking, idea exchange, and discussions on driving eco-efficient solutions in mineral processing
The breakfast served as a platform for CEEC to update attendees on its latest initiatives, particularly the Global Water Initiative (GWI), which has seen increased momentum with recent support from the Grantham Foundation. CEEC Director Priscila Esteves and Advocate Laurie Reemeyer spoke on the importance of fostering collaboration and how CEEC is working to tackle some of the mining industry’s biggest sustainability challenges. The GWI, designed to address the crucial issue of water management in mining, was highlighted as a key area of focus for CEEC in the coming year.
Director, Priscila Esteves said, "The CEEC International Collaboration Breakfast was a remarkable gathering of minds, focused on driving eco-efficient mineral processing. It’s these moments—when industry leaders, advocates, and sponsors come together—that we build the relationships and shared vision needed to advance sustainable mining practices across the globe."
Attendees, which included a broad spectrum of industry leaders, sponsors, and advocates, praised the breakfast for facilitating meaningful connections and insightful conversations. CEEC’s ongoing commitment to eco-efficient mining practices was well received, particularly the organisation's efforts to advance water conservation and reduce environmental impacts. The event also featured discussions around the importance of continued collaboration to shape the future of sustainable mineral processing.
IMPC 2024 Conference Highlights and CEEC Presentations
The breakfast set the tone for CEEC’s strong presence at IMPC 2024, which featured a series of high-profile presentations that aligned with the organisation’s mission of promoting eco-efficient solutions.
One of the key presentations came from CEEC Advocate Laurie Reemeyer, titled “The World of Water in Mining.” Reemeyer opened his presentation by stating “water is life, water is essential for mining”. He delved into the critical importance of water management in mining, outlining how mining operations must navigate the challenges of sourcing, conserving, and managing water across various operational phases. He emphasised that water is a far more complex utility than energy due to its variable quality and quantity requirements and the impact of geographical factors. Reemeyer highlighted CEEC’s water wheel concept and shared insights on how mining’s water needs, and impacts on local communities, require sustainable and innovative solutions.
Laurie stated, "Water issues in mining are complex and solutions require innovation and collaboration. At IMPC 2024, we’ve introduced the Global Water Initiative and are seeking partners to help addressing these issues, fostering solutions that not only conserve water but also lead to better environmental and social outcomes from mining operations."
In addition to Reemeyer’s talk, the conference also featured a presentation by CEEC Advocate Peter Radziszewski, “Determining Water Loss in Mineral Processing – A Thermodynamic Approach.” His presentation explored new ways to measure and mitigate water loss in mineral processing, aligning with CEEC’s broader efforts to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint.
The IMPC program also saw CEEC mentioned during the Leosche presentation, which compared plant designs for Southdown Ore, showcasing the potential of dry vertical roller mills plus magnetic separation. As a 2023 CEEC Medal High Commendation recipient, Leosche's continued research highlighted the significant energy and water savings achievable through dry processing technologies. This comparison illustrated CEEC’s ongoing involvement in fostering more energy-efficient and water-conscious mineral processing solutions, reinforcing the industry’s shift towards sustainable practices.
CEEC International encourages all authors and attendees who presented innovative ideas at IMPC 2024 to consider submitting their work for the CEEC Medal 2024. The CEEC Medal recognises outstanding published research that contributes to the enhancement of energy and water efficiency in mineral processing. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain international recognition for your contributions to the future of sustainable mining.
CEEC’s active participation at IMPC 2024 underscored its role as a leader in advancing sustainable mineral processing practices. Through events like the Collaboration Breakfast and its ongoing initiatives, CEEC continues to drive conversations and actions that shape the future of the industry, ensuring a more sustainable and eco-efficient future for mining.