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The interaction and synergic effect of particle size on flotation efficiency were investigated by a comparison study between laboratories (size-by-size flotation modes) and industrial scale operational data (whole mixed size fraction). For this purpose, sampling was done from the feed, concentrate, and tailing of the flotation rougher cells of the Sungun copper processing complex (located in the northwest of Iran). In the size-by-size flotation mode (lab scale), the sample was first subjected to different size fractions, and then flotation tests were performed for each fraction. On an industrial scale, the particle size distribution of feed, concentrate, and tailing of flotation of the rougher stage have been analyzed. According to the results, in the case of industrial flotation mode (whole mixed size fraction), the particles with d80=84 μm were more likely to reach the tailing of flotation, and the particles within the size range of +63-180 μm constituted the highest amount of concentrate particles. In lab flotation mode (size-by-size), the maximum recovery was in the size fraction of +40-60 μm. By comparing the two flotation modes of industrial (whole mixed size fraction) and lab (size-by-size), for fractions 125 μm, the recovery trend was reversed and the lab flotation recovery was greater than the industrial flotation recovery. Coarse particle flotation has significant economic and technological benefits. By improving the recovery of coarse particles during the flotation process, the amount of grinding requirements will be reduced and consequently, it will considerably decrease the amount of energy consumption. Interakcija i sinergijski učinak veličine čestica na učinkovitost flotacije istraženi su usporednom studijom laboratorijskih (model flotacije po veličini) i operativnih podataka na industrijskoj razini (cijela frakcija miješane veličine). S tom svrhom uzorkovanje je obavljeno iz sirovine, koncentrata i ostataka iz grubih ćelija flotacije u kompleksu Sungun za preradu bakra (koji se nalazi na sjeverozapadu Irana). U načinu flotacije po veličini (laboratorijsko mjerilo) uzorak je najprije podvrgnut razdvajanju po veličini frakcija, a zatim je za svaku frakciju obavljeno ispitivanje flotacije. U industrijskim razmjerima analizirana je granulometrijska raspodjela čestica u sirovini, koncentratu i jalovini grubljih faza flotacije. Prema rezultatima, u slučaju industrijskoga načina flotacije (cijela mješovita frakcija) veća je vjerojatnost da će čestice d80 = 84 μm dospjeti do ostatka flotacije, a čestice unutar raspona veličine od +63 do 180 μm činile su najveću količinu čestica u koncentratu. U laboratorijskome načinu flotacije (po veličini) najveće iskorištenje bilo je u frakciji veličine od +40 do 60 μm. Uspoređujući dva načina flotacije – industrijske (cijela frakcija miješane veličine) i laboratorijske (po veličini), za frakcije 125 μm trend iskorištenja bio je obrnut, a iskorištenje laboratorijskom flotacijom bilo je veće od iskorištenja industrijskom flotacijom. Flotacija grubih čestica ima bitne ekonomske i tehnološke prednosti. Poboljšanjem iskorištenja grubih čestica tijekom procesa flotacije smanjit će se potreba za mljevenjem, a posljedično će se znatno smanjiti količina potrošnje energije. Validerad;2023;Nivå 2;2023-04-17 (hanlid)

The main advantage of X-ray microcomputed tomography (µCT) as a non-destructive imaging tool lies in its ability to analyze the three-dimensional (3D) interior of a sample, therefore eliminating the stereological error exhibited in conventional two-dimensional (2D) image analysis. Coupled with the correct data analysis methods, µCT allows extraction of textural and mineralogical information from ore samples. This study provides a comprehensive overview on the available and potentially useful data analysis methods for processing 3D datasets acquired with laboratory µCT systems. Our study indicates that there is a rapid development of new techniques and algorithms capable of processing µCT datasets, but application of such techniques is often sample-specific. Several methods that have been successfully implemented for other similar materials (soils, aggregates, rocks) were also found to have the potential to be applied in mineral characterization. The main challenge in establishing a µCT system as a mineral characterization tool lies in the computational expenses of processing the large 3D dataset. Additionally, since most of the µCT dataset is based on the attenuation of the minerals, the presence of minerals with similar attenuations limits the capability of µCT in mineral segmentation. Further development on the data processing workflow is needed to accelerate the breakthrough of µCT as an analytical tool in mineral characterization. Validerad;2019;Nivå 2;2019-03-18 (svasva)

The 58 Mt Lappberget Zn-Pb-Ag-(Cu-Au) ore body represents one of the largest and most significant polymetallic base metal sulfide deposits in Sweden. The complex mineralogical characteristics of the ore body pose particularly tough challenges for successful production forecast because of the mixed Zn-Pb-Cu base metals, the complex association of the beneficial Ag and Au, and the presence of influential elements such as Sb, Mn and Mg. Thus, a detailed mineralogical characterization study was conducted, focusing on the deportment of trace and minor elements (including credit and penalty elements). Mineral chemistry data derived from electron microprobe and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses reveal the complexity in the composition and associations of the ore minerals, consisting of textural and chemical varieties of sphalerite, galena, chalcopyrite, iron sulfides, antimonides and sulfosalts. Recrystallization, re-mobilization and re-concentration of sulfide minerals, compositional banding, and ductile and brittle deformation textures (i.e. deformation twins on sphalerite, brecciation, bent cleavage planes, etc.) are observed throughout the deposit. The mineralogical and textural complexity and heterogeneity of the sulfide ore are reflected in the variability in grades and recovery from the processing plant. MetalIntelligence Project

The main objective of OPTIMORE is to optimize the crushing, milling and separation processing technologies for tungsten and tantalum. Optimization is realized by means of improved fast and flexible fine tuning production process control based on new software models, advanced sensing and deeper understanding of processes to increase yield and increase energy savings. The results explained in this work show this fulfilment with developed or simplified models for crushing, milling, gravity, magnetic and froth flotation separations. A new control system has been developed in this last part of the project, using the developed process models and advanced sensor systems. Validation of models in the simulation environment has been carried out. A pilot plant and real plant validation is planned for the end of the project. Knowledge transfer throughout the project between the Tungsten and Tantalum industry and the project partners has resulted in a strong relation between both which will continue to grow as the project concludes.

Includes bibliographical references., Although heap leaching is by now a well-established technology choice in the mining industry, the process remains limited by low recoveries and long extraction times. It is becoming increasingly clear that the successful application of heap leaching technology will ultimately depend on having a comprehensive understanding of the underlying fundamental processes for optimisation to take place...The subject of this research was, therefore, to understand more clearly the diffusion reaction phenomena of reagents through large particles and to provide true and reliable physical parameters to formulate the relevant modelling approaches to large particle leaching. A combination of standard optical microscopy, SEM, QEMSCAN and X-ray CT techniques has been used for the characterization of crack networks and mineral dissemination in the ore particles, which are important characteristics that determine the diffusion of reagents into and out of particles and the reactions within.