Mineral Processing Course | IIT Kharagpur | Prof. Arun Kumar Majumder
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 59 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Metallurgy and Material science & Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Minor in Metallurgy |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Introduction To Mineral Processing: A Foundational Course for the Extractive Industries
Mineral processing is the critical bridge between mining the natural resource and extracting the valuable metals and materials that power our world. It is the first and most crucial step in transforming raw, mined ore into a concentrated product suitable for metallurgical operations. For students and professionals in mining, metallurgy, chemical engineering, and geology, a solid understanding of these principles is indispensable.
We are pleased to highlight a comprehensive educational resource: a 12-week course titled "Introduction to Mineral Processing" offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. This course is meticulously designed to provide a deep dive into the science and engineering behind modern mineral processing plants.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Arun Kumar Majumder
The course is led by Prof. Arun Kumar Majumder, an Associate Professor in the Department of Mining Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Prof. Majumder brings unparalleled expertise and industry relevance to the curriculum.
- Academic Excellence: Holds a PhD in Mineral Processing from the University of Queensland, Australia.
- Industrial & Research Pedigree: Served at AMPRI (CSIR), Bhopal for 20 years before joining IIT Kharagpur in 2010.
- Modeling Pioneer: Known for extensive, fundamental modeling of complex coal and mineral processing operations with strong industrial applications.
- Accomplished Scholar: Author of one book, over 100 publications, editorial board member for three international journals, and holder of international and Indian patents.
- Award-Winning Contributions: Recognized with 12 awards from professional bodies for his work in coal and mineral processing.
- Laboratory Development: Instrumental in setting up a new mineral engineering laboratory at IIT Kharagpur with industry support.
Course Overview and Objectives
This course is structured to move from fundamental concepts to specific unit operations, providing a holistic view of the mineral processing circuit.
ABOUT THE COURSE: The course begins by establishing the importance of mineral processing. It then delves into the core operations, starting with particle characterization and the essential size reduction processes (comminution). Following this, it covers key concentration methods like gravity separation and froth flotation, alongside vital auxiliary operations such as screening, classification, slurry transport, and bulk material handling. The curriculum is designed to be both theoretically sound and practically relevant.
INTENDED AUDIENCE: Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of Mining, Chemical, Metallurgical Engineering, and Geology. It is also suitable for professionals seeking a refresher or deeper understanding.
PREREQUISITES: A background in +2 Science (basic physics and chemistry) is recommended.
INDUSTRY SUPPORT: The course content is highly relevant to major public and private sector companies in India and globally, including:
- Mining Companies: NMDC, CIL, SAIL, IREL, UCIL, HZL, HCL, GMDC, APMDC, MPSMC, RSMML, HINDALCO.
- Equipment Manufacturers: Weir Minerals, Tega Industries, METSO, FL-Smidth, AllMinerals.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
| Week | Topic | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Importance of Mineral Processing | Role in the mining value chain, economic significance. |
| Week 2 | Particle Characterization | Size, shape, and composition analysis of ore particles. |
| Week 3 | Comminution 1 | Principles of crushing and grinding (size reduction). |
| Week 4 | Comminution 2 | Advanced topics and equipment in comminution. |
| Week 5 | Industrial Screening | Separating particles by size using screens. |
| Week 6 | Movement of Solids in Fluids | Fundamentals of sedimentation and classification. |
| Week 7 | Hydrocyclone | Design, operation, and application of hydrocyclones. |
| Week 8 | Gravity Concentration | Separating minerals based on density differences (e.g., jigs, spirals). |
| Week 9 | Flotation | Froth flotation process for separating hydrophobic minerals. |
| Week 10 | Bulk Material Storage and Handling | Systems for storing and conveying ores and concentrates. |
| Week 11 | Slurry Transportation | Pumping and pipeline transport of mineral-water mixtures. |
| Week 12 | Iron Ore Washing | A practical case study applying course principles. |
Recommended Textbook
The course aligns closely with the seminal text in the field: "Wills' Mineral Processing Technology" from Elsevier Publications. This book is considered the definitive guide for students and practitioners, covering theoretical and practical aspects of all major mineral processing operations.
Why Enroll in This Mineral Processing Course?
This course offers a unique blend of academic rigor and industrial application, curated by one of India's leading experts. Whether you are a student aiming to build a career in the extractive industries or a professional looking to solidify your technical foundation, this 12-week journey provides:
- Comprehensive Knowledge: From core concepts to detailed unit operations.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: Content directly applicable to major mining and equipment companies.
- Expert Instruction: Learn from an award-winning professor with deep research and industry connections.
- Structured Learning Path: A week-by-week progression ensures a logical and complete understanding.
Mastering mineral processing is key to enabling efficient, economical, and environmentally responsible resource extraction. This course from IIT Kharagpur is your gateway to that essential knowledge.
Enroll Now →