Session 3 | Comminution (Part 1)
| Monday, October 19, 2026 |
| 1:05 PM - 2:45 PM |
| Hall L |
Speaker
Dr Richard Bearman
Director
Bear Rock Solutions Pty. Ltd.
Pebble crushing in AG/SAG circuits: Operation, dynamics and solutions
1:05 PM - 1:20 PMBiography
Richard (Ted) Bearman first operated a crusher in 1985 and has since developed a career spanning comminution, mine-mill systems, flowsheet design and innovation across the mining value-chain. After spells with an equipment vendor, research organizations and Rio Tinto (comminution, innovation, simulation and general management), Ted established BRS in 2009. Over the last 16 years' BRS has worked on a wide range of operational projects and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge regarding the practicalities of delivering full value from equipment and systems. Innovative and energy effective approaches are central to many of the projects undertaken and this includes novel technology, including microwave methods, but also optimization of existing milling circuits. To ensure project objectives are met, BRS utilizes an extensive network of professionals. Ted is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, a Fellow of the AusIMM, a Chartered Engineer and has authored a wide range of peer reviewed papers. He also authored the crushing chapters of the 2019 SME Mineral Processing & Extractive Metallurgy Handbook, was a Keynote Speaker at the IMPC 2024 and is an Honorary Professor in Mineral Processing at the University of Nottingham.
Dr Rajiv Chandramohan
Director & Head Of Process Optimisation
Ausenco
Issues with determining the SAG mill specific energy – Key drivers influencing mill selection
1:20 PM - 1:35 PMBiography
Rajiv Chandramohan is a globally recognised leader in process optimisation, comminution, and geometallurgy, serving as Director & Head of Process Optimisation at Ausenco. With 23 years of experience spanning operations, engineering, research, and project management, he leads a team of technical specialists to deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that redefine mineral processing efficiency. His expertise in SAG-based circuits, HPGR, mine-to-mill integration, and AI-driven analytics drives high-value outcomes across gold, copper, base metals, graphite, phosphate, and polymetallic projects.
With over 50 peer-reviewed publications, Rajiv provides technical guidance to study and project teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence. He peer-reviews optimization initiatives, champions non-standard approaches, and oversees equipment selection, flowsheets, process models, and technical studies from concept to commissioning. As a key innovator, he developed several applications for the mining industry, driving advancements in sustainable, ESG-aligned process technologies.
Mentoring global talent, Rajiv delivers feasibility studies and consultancy services, setting industry benchmarks with low-cost, efficient designs and cutting-edge solutions that balance economic value with environmental and social responsibility.
Mr Bjorn Dierx
Director Hpgr And Process Engineering
Weir
Success factors in HPGR circuit ramp-up and operation
1:35 PM - 1:50 PMBiography
Ivka is a Chartered Professional of the AusIMM and holds degrees in both Chemical Engineering and Law. She brings 15 years of experience in the mining industry, with a strong background in magnetite processing, comminution circuit consulting, and process engineering.
Her expertise spans comminution circuit test work management, modelling, design, commissioning, and optimisation. Ivka has contributed to more than 50 comminution circuit designs, third-party reviews, and plant optimisation projects, with several case studies featured in industry conference proceedings.
She is a recognised specialist in HPGR (High Pressure Grinding Rolls) circuit design, modelling, ramp-up, and optimisation, having worked on over 10 operating HPGR circuits across Australia, North America, and West Africa.
Ivka is passionate about eco-efficient comminution and was awarded the CEEC Medal in 2024 for her contributions to improving energy efficiency in the resources sector.
Aidan Giblett
Director
Black Swan Metallurgy Pty Ltd
Evaluating grinding circuit efficiency metrics at the Newmont Tanami Operation
1:50 PM - 2:05 PMBiography
Ethan James is the Plant Metallurgist at the Newmont Tanami Operation.
Shawn Chan
Gold Fields
Reinstating regrind for recovery: Spiral technology and sulfide circuit upgrade at St Ivese
2:05 PM - 2:20 PMBiography
Shawn Chan is current a project metallurgist at Gold Field's St Ives Gold Mine operations. Shawn has 5 years of experience in the mining industry, spanning from design of greenfield and brownfield gold processing plants to process and metallurgical experience with operations.
Session Chair
Q&A with Session Chair (Session 3)
2:20 PM - 2:45 PMBiography