In parallel with this work, the Cell was tested for the recovery of fine coal at the Newlands coal mine, also owned by MIM Holdings Limited. This fines stream was cyclone overflow, which contained 15–50% ash and was previously discarded. The particle size of this stream was less than 25 μm. Pilot plant testing showed that it was possible to achieve greater than 90% recovery of coal, with less than 10% ash in the product.
Subsequently, a full-scale plant was commissioned at Newlands in the 1988–89 financial year, with six rectangular Cells (1.5 m × 3.5 m) installed in a two-stage arrangement. The cells in the first stage had seven downcomers, while those in the second had six.
These cells were in continuous operation at Newlands for 15 years until a new washing plant was built to replace the old one in 2006.
Two additional Cells were installed at MIM Holdings' Collinsville Coal operations in 1990. These had 10 downcomers each.