31st International ALTA Conference

Nickel-Cobalt-Copper and Gold

Advances in Mining & Metallurgical Processing Methods for Extraction, Recovery & Recycling of Critical Minerals

25-26 May 2027

Surging demand for nickel, cobalt, and copper to power electrification and energy storage, together with record gold prices and renewed investment in precious metals, is placing unprecedented pressure on the global minerals supply chain to deliver more metal from increasingly complex, lower-grade, and refractory ores. This conference brings together metallurgists, operators, project developers, technology providers, and researchers to share how leading projects are overcoming these challenges from mine to refined product. Presentations will examine the market forces and supply-security issues shaping these commodities, the new and expanding projects in the pipeline, and the flowsheet decisions that determine project success. Technical sessions will span the full processing chain—from comminution, ore sorting, and flotation, through pressure, atmospheric, heap, and bio-leaching, to solvent extraction, ion exchange, refining, and impurity control for battery-grade and high-purity products. For gold and precious metals, the program will explore refractory ore treatment, cyanide alternatives such as thiosulfate and glycine, carbon-based recovery, and tailings retreatment. Attendees will also learn how process modelling, advanced sensors, automation, and artificial intelligence are lifting recovery, throughput, and safety, and how emerging resources such as deep-sea nodules and secondary feeds are being brought into production. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear real-world case studies and network with the key players driving the future of nickel, cobalt, copper, and gold production.

Coverage will include, but is not limited to:

• Market Outlook, Supply Security, and New Nickel, Cobalt, Copper, and Gold Projects in the Pipeline
• Flowsheet Development, Plant Design, Commissioning, and Ramp-Up Case Studies
• Comminution, Ore Sorting, Gravity Separation, and Froth Flotation
• Leach Processes—High-Pressure Acid, Atmospheric, Heap, in situ, Bio-Leaching, and Pressure Oxidation
• Refractory Gold and PGM Ore Treatment—Pretreatment, Roasting, and Oxidation Routes
• Gold Recovery and Refining—Cyanide Alternatives (Thiosulfate, Glycine), Carbon-Based Recovery, and Electrowinning
• Solvent Extraction, Ion Exchange, and Impurity Removal to Meet Battery-Grade and Commercial Specifications
• Production of Battery-Grade Nickel and Cobalt Sulphates and Intermediates (MHP/MSP)
• Pyrometallurgical Processing and Advancements
• Process Optimisation and Modelling—Mass/Energy Balances, CFD, and Autoclave Performance
• Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Sensors, Online Analysis, and Automation in Metallurgical Operations
• Deep-Sea Nodule Characterisation and Processing
• Processing of Low-Grade, Secondary, and Recycled Feeds, Including Tailings Retreatment
• Safety Considerations in Metallurgical Processing

The deadline for priority consideration is 6 November 2026.

All proposals are subject to review by session chairpersons and/or the Scientific Advisory Committee to ensure the overall quality of the conference program. Additionally, as per Cambridge EnerTech’s policy, a select number of vendors and consultants who provide products and services will be offered opportunities for podium presentation slots based on a variety of Corporate Sponsorships.

Opportunities for Participation:

• To submit a podium presentation, please click here.
• To become a sponsor, click here.
• To present a poster, click here.