MINING INDUSTRY MOURNS THE LOSS OF AN ICONIC FIGURE, BYRON KNELSON PASSES AWAY AT THE AGE OF 80.

Langley, British Columbia August 29, 2011.  Byron Knelson founder of Knelson Concentrators (Knelson) has passed away at the age of 80. Byron succumbed to complications arising from his battle with cancer.

Byron is well known for his contributions to the gold mining industry, which began with his quest for a better means to recover fine placer gold in the mid 1970's. His pursuit would ultimately revolutionize the application of gravity separation and lead him on an exciting and passionate journey resulting in the development and widespread commercialization of the Knelson Concentrator.

Over 30 years later, the Knelson Concentrator has become a fixture in many of the world's most prominent gold mines and the Knelson name is synonymous with gravity separation. With corporate offices in Langley, Canada and Irkutsk, Russia Knelson has over 130 employees in addition to a global representative network covering 42 countries.

Byron leaves behind a proud legacy. An inventor and a salesman through and through, he was widely known and admired for his charismatic personality, sharp sense of humour and his endearing trademark laugh.

Learn more about Byron. Read the interview conducted for Knelson's 25th year anniversary - click here.