TUNRA Bulk Solids Handling Research Associates (TBS) was formed in 1975 and was the first Division to be established by The University of Newcastle Research Associates Limited, the research and consulting company of The University of Newcastle. The primary function of TBS is to provide a high-level professional consulting and contract research services to the resource, process and manufacturing industries. Essentially, TBS provides a mechanism for technology transfer by commercialising research output and ensuring that expertise gained through research is widely disseminated and utilised in industry, not only in Australia, but world-wide. Over its 45 years of operation, TBS has continued to be highly respected both nationally and internationally for its professional consulting services provided to industry and for its cutting edge research and technological developments in the many areas encompassed by bulk solids handling, processing and conveying. It has successfully completed some 4,000 projects for more than 1000 companies in Australia as well as in 40 countries world-wide. While the work of TBS covers the handling and processing of powders and bulk materials in almost all industries ranging from power generation, chemical processing, agriculture, manufacturing, food production and pharmaceutical, the major thrust has always been towards the "heavy end" such as mining and minerals processing.