Eddy current separation aims to recover non-ferrous metals from non-metals utilizing electromagnetic interactions. In order to describe the separation process, a representative model is needed that can accurately calculate the induced forces. Such a model can be used to optimize the efficiency of current equipment as well as designing ones that can offer new capabilities. Models proposed so far for the separation process, using traditional approaches to calculate forces, had limited success due to complex nature of electromagnetic interactions. In this dissertation, a novel method for calculating the magnetic force acting on non-ferrous metal particles was developed. By this method, force calculations can be carried out accurately using intrinsic parameters of particles such as size and shape, as well as its orientation within the field. The method also takes into account the operating parameters of the equipment such as the rotational speed of the magnetic element and the speed of the belt. In order to verify this method and collect empirical data, a novel data acquisition and interpretation approach was developed. A computer simulator was also developed that can calculate trajectories of particles based on operating parameters of the eddy current separator and characteristics of the material being processed. The accuracy of the simulator was verified using empirical data obtained by the novel data acquisition method. This contribution provides a viable option for reducing the cost of analyzing; optimizing and designing eddy current separators. / PHD