Spirals are used for gravity concentration of minerals and of late these have been extensively and effectively used for iron ore processing. Their widespread use is mainly due to lower capital cost and higher efficiency to treat feed material in the size range of 3 mm to 45 mu m. Although operating a spiral is quite simple its design is quite challenging for specific applications. Here we have made an attempt to develop a simulation tool based on the discrete element method (DEM) to understand the separation process in spiral and later use it for design purpose. We report preliminary results of simulation as to the splitter position on the spiral trough for maximum separation efficiency. It is observed that separation efficiency is maximum corresponding to a specific radial position and height of the splitter location. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.