subject: Base Metal Mining [print this page] Base Metal mining Base Metal mining
Concentration of copper, lead, zinc, and nickel ores is possible because the metal of interest generally occurs as a supplied mineral disseminated in non-supplied gangue, and uses a process known as froth flotation. Variations in ore texture such as grain size of the ore minerals, determine the grinding requirements and the extent to which liberation is achievable. These parameters can all be quantified by FEI's Automated Mineralogy technologies. For a plant manager, liberation is a far better indicator than a chemical assay of what can be achieved in mineral processing.( Ore Crusher For Sale ).
Problems for metallurgists occur when run-of-mine ore has been geologically modified, whereby the original primary sulphides are changed to secondary oxides, carbonates or sulphides. If these ore parcels pass through the plant in an unplanned way it can impact severely on metal recovery. It is for this reason that modern mining operations practice geometallurgy, which is the detailed study of future ore, ahead of mining, and the prediction of metallurgical response of these future ore parcels. Automated Mineralogy solutions such as MLA and QEMSCAN are used every day to provide inputs into these geometallurgical models and mine planning schedules.
Recent developments in grinding technology, whereby particles of an ore can be economically reduced to particle diameters measuring less than 10 microns, has allowed many polymetallic deposits to become economical mines. It is in these situations that having a detailed knowledge and understanding of the behavior of each economic mineral by liberation class, on a size-by-size basis makes a real difference to an operations' viability, especially in these times of fluctuating commodity prices. Only Scanning Electron Microscope and EDS-based solutions, such as those provided by Automated Mineralogy, can deliver quantification of such fine-grained materials to the process engineer.( Cone Crusher For Sale )
For those deposits which contain economic minerals in a form that is not amenable to flotation, such as copper oxides and carbonates, an alternative method needs to be employed, and this is typically chemical leaching. In this case, creation of ore particles with optimal surface area exposure is of greatest interest, rather than liberation, as well as a thorough knowledge of all acid-consuming minerals (carbonates, or acid-resistant minerals). Automated Mineralogy is used routinely now by the world's largest copper producers to plan, run, monitor and optimize their heap leach operations.
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