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In memoriam: John Starkey

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In memoriam: John Starkey

21 January 2025

Above: John Starkey with CIM Past President Michael Winship

A distinguished mining engineer who graduated from the University of Toronto in 1961, John Starkey dedicated his career to advancing the field of mineral processing. He began his career with 12 years of experience in Canadian mills, honing his skills at Kam Kotia, Kidd Creek, and INCO in Sudbury. Subsequently, he spent three years at INCO mines, including a year as Mine Engineer at Levack, where he oversaw mine planning, stope surveying, and other critical engineering functions.

Following his tenure at INCO, Starkey joined Kilborn Engineering, where he spent 12 years specializing in concentrator design, including the development of all process equipment. In 1989, he established his own consulting firm, Starkey & Associates Inc., focusing his expertise on SAG mill grinding design. His innovative contributions include the development of the SPI and SAGDesign tests for measuring ore hardness and, most notably, the patented continuous Mini Pilot SAG Mill (MPSM), successfully commissioned during a lithium pilot plant project at SEPRO in British Columbia.

Starkey was a passionate educator, mentoring countless aspiring engineers on the intricacies of SAG and AG mill design. He presented over thirty papers describing his work and progress in ore testing, and was a frequent lecturer globally at universities, teaching the fundamentals of AG/SAG grinding mill operation and design. He was a respected figure within the mining industry, renowned for his expertise and unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and best practices.

His professional accomplishments include:

  • CIM Distinguished Lecturer (2017)
  • CIM Fellow (2017)
  • Member, Canadian Mineral Processors Board of Directors (2008-2018)
  • Chair, Canadian Mineral Processors (2007)
  • 1st Vice-Chair, Canadian Mineral Processors (2005)
  • Art MacPherson Award (2004) for significant contributions to comminution
  • Chair, CMP Toronto Branch (2002-2004)
  • Member, CMP Toronto Board (2005-2018)

He will be deeply missed by his colleagues, friends, and the entire mining community. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family during this difficult time.