Mechanical activation of solids in processing of minerals and wastes

Recently, there has been an increasing interest in mechanical/mechanochemical activation of solids for developing new materials and metallurgical processes. In this paper, a brief overview of our research in this area is presented. Select applications of mechanical activation are discussed with emphasis on characterisation of activated materials, and the prospects and possibilities of developing improved/novel processes. The main applications covered include the Bayer process of alumina production, and blended cement manufacturing.