Increasing efficiency by selective comminution. (April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hesse, Max; Popov, Oleg; Lieberwirth, Holger
• Is Part Of: Minerals engineering. Volume 103/104(2017)
• Page Start: 112
• Page End: 126
• Publication Date: 2017-04
• Subjects: Selective comminution -- Quantitative microstructural analysis -- Impact comminution -- Pre-concentration -- lead, zinc, ore; Mines and mineral resources -- Periodicals; Ressources minérales -- Périodiques; Mines and mineral resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2016.09.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-6875

Abstract

Highlights: Quantitative Microstructural Analysis (QMA) quantifies the ore characteristics. Only the right combination of material and technology allows selective comminution. The parameter selectivity S quantifies differences of the components in the material. A suitable separation cut can be calculated for a selectively comminuted material. Abstract: Lower ore grades and rising competition require new, more efficient approaches in ore processing. Instead of blending different ore varieties into a homogeneous feed for processing plants, selective comminution may be a solution for certain mining operations to increase recovery at lower costs. Selective comminution exploits selected ore characteristics to achieve an enrichment of valuable minerals in certain fractions. A simple classification step will already produce a pre-concentrate in this case, while other fractions can be discarded or processed separately. Quantitative Microstructural Analysis (QMA) provides valuable information on the behaviour of an ore in the comminution process.