Abstract: A dry milling process for separating a mineral values bearing component from the sand grains or gangue materials of sedimentary formations. The ores are crushed, ground and screened until the bulk of material is of a size corresponding to or slightly larger than the predominant size of the sand grain particles embedded in the deposit. After or before complete sizing the ore charge may be heated and dried if required before being directionally impelled and abraded. Further applied forces and guidance components distribute the materials to provide a curtain type flow pattern of directed movement that may be at least partially dependent on a primary fluid flow pattern.