A proprietary control unit, the “Alcotech TC” can be provided to optimise the flocculant dose rates in the thickening processes. These units are designed and developed by BASF Australia (formerly Ciba Specialty Chemical, Allied Colloids). Originally developed for use within the coal preparation industry, this unit has subsequently been successfully applied to other mineral processing plants including gold, uranium, diamond, aluminium, paper and sludge clarification.