Monday 16 April 2018

Dee Bradshaw calls in at Comminution '18 with some sad news

A very welcome visitor to Comminution '18 this morning was our old friend from the University of Cape Town (UCT), Prof. Dee Bradshaw.
Dee was at Flotation '17 last November, when we were pleased to hear that she was recovering from her breast cancer surgery and treatment. We joked about our similar hair-styles, and the fact that hers would grow back, but mine wouldn't.
With Dee at Flotation '17
The sad news is that, although Dee's hair has grown, so have her tumours, and she is quite open about the fact that she is now terminally ill, and would like all her friends and colleagues in the minerals industry to be aware of this.
Dee is now medically boarded and is retired from UCT as an Emeritus Professor. She remains her usual cheerful self, and as always was chatting this morning to young people at the conference in her inimitable inspirational manner.
Dee with the MEI team
Dee brought with her the book 'Green Mining: beyond the myth' which depicts the provision of minerals and metals in a way that is not only techno-economically viable but also environmentally responsible. She feels passionate about its message and perspectives, which she regards as the culmination of her career, and mirrors the evolution of her own career progression from when we first met in Cornwall in 1992. She was at that time a mature post-graduate student at UCT, and had been offered the chance of attending Reagents '92 in Falmouth by her supervisor Prof. Cyril O'Connor, who has been a huge influence on her life.

That visit to the UK had a big impact on the way Dee thought about travel and conferences, and has led to her initiating and inviting contributions to a travel scholarship called 'Dee Bradshaw and Friends', which will be open to post-graduate students in the minerals sector (more on this later).

It was great to see Dee today and to wish her and her husband Mike our thoughts during these difficult times.

11 comments:

  1. Dee you are such an inspiration, thank you for all your valuable input in the mining industry and for being such a positive person. I really hope that someone will pick up the baton from you and continue with your valued message and perspective. Thinking of you and your family.

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  2. Dear Dee, You have always been a great inspiration to me. I admire your positive spirits, your caring and forward-looking soul, your networking skills, and your big smile. I remember fondly the times we spent together in South Africa, Australia, and here in the USA. You, Mike, and the rest of your family are in my thoughts. A big hug from Golden. Hanna

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  3. Suzy Lynch-Watson17 April 2018 at 04:04

    Dee, you have likewise been an inspiration to me and others I know, as a strong, positive, compassionate leader in the mining research field. Thank you for everything you have contributed, your legacy is a strong one.

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  4. Dee, sorry to hear the news: as Barry notes, our thoughts are with you and Mike at this time.
    Jim and Lois Finch, Montreal.

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  5. Dear Dee. I am verry saddened to hear about your heath issues. I would have liked to see you at some point. I am in Cape Town until Friday morning if you are free at some point. My thoughts are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Hans

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  6. Dee, sorry to hear of your sad news. You may recall the bushwalk we did one sunny day around Binna Burra when you made one of your early visits to JK in 1999 or so. Your work at UCT and JKMRC inspired many Flotation students to become wizards.

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  7. Dee, I am very sorry to hear of your sad news. Our journeys together in doing interesting project work and publishing, especially on mixed collectors in flotation, have been colourful and rewarding, as has our friendship. As Barry has already noted, our thoughts from Canada are with you and Mike.

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  8. I am sad to hear the news Dee, I have greatly appreciated your help and advice over the years. You are an inspiration for all of us.

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  9. I will always remember the day I met you, a week after the Flotation ‘17. What a positive and inspiration person you are. Your work continues to inspire all the young metallurgist. As discussed, I will definitely register for my masters, your team is great and I am sure they will continue with the great work. My thoughts are with you and your family.

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  10. Dee, Bianca Foggatio let me know how ill you are - so sorry, but I admire your courage.
    Alan Riles

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  11. Thank you all for your kind words. The postgraduate travel fund has now been set up, fueling my passion for young people to gain opportunities like I have had. its called the 'The Dee Bradshaw and Friends International Travel Scholarship'. Its aim is to build research and educational capacity in the Minerals Sector at the University of Cape Town. If you would like to know more details or how to contribute as a 'Friend' please contact Mary Hilton at mary.hilton@uct.ac.za.

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