Concentrator operational modes in response to geological variation. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Navarra, A.; Alvarez, M.; Rojas, K.; Menzies, A.; Pax, R.; Waters, K.
• Is Part Of: Minerals engineering. Volume 134(2019)
• Page Start: 356
• Page End: 364
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Modes of operation -- Stockpile management -- RQ problem -- Multiobjective optimization -- Mine-to-mill dynamics -- Geometallurgical modelling; Mines and mineral resources -- Periodicals; Ressources minérales -- Périodiques; Mines and mineral resources; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 622
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mineng.2019.01.028
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0892-6875

Abstract

Highlights: Ore stockpile management is related to the RQ problem. Operational modes are related to the concepts of Pareto optimality and stockout risk. Computational tools for the RQ problem can be applied to solve ore stockpiling problems. Sample computations demonstrate the evaluation of alternate modes of operation. Abstract: Geological variation may be managed by alternating between modes of operation. These modes provide an integrated response to changes in feed mineralogy, and other operational conditions within the mineral value chain. The decision to alternate between modes depends on current and forecasted stockpile levels. Moreover, the optimization of stockpile thresholds that would trigger a mode change is related to the classical RQ problem from inventory theory. Particularly for concentrators that are designed for blended feeds, there may be production intervals in which a particular ore class is at risk of stockout. Indeed, geological uncertainty causes stockout risk, which should be balanced with other key performance indicators, including throughput and recovery, and is a context for multiobjective optimization. Computations are presented in which a concentrator that had originally been designed for a certain ore blend, after years of successful operation, now requires alternate modes to realign its operations with geological forecasts.