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By L. S. Bicalho, W. J. Rodrigues, P. M. A. Rollo, P. R. G. Brandão, W. C. da Silva

Quadrilátero Ferrífero is an important mineral province located in Minas Gerais state, responsible for a substantial amount of iron production in Brazil. Among the concentration methods for iron ore practised by the mining companies in this region, the most important is the reverse cationic flotation. Dolomite iron formations, with the presence of hematite, quartz and dolomite, occur in several areas of mining and, with the deepening of the deposits, this type of ore, with low iron content and more complex mineralogy occurs frequently. Carbonaceous minerals, mainly dolomite, present a technological challenge for the concentration of iron ore by flotation. In the present study, the concentration of iron ore with 6% of dolomite content was evaluated. Bench flotation trials indicated that conventional iron ore flotation is not selective to float dolomite, thus compromising the iron content in the final concentrate. Alternative flotation routes were evaluated, and a selective condition was reached to float both quartz and dolomite using the combination of the cationic collector Flotigam 16424 with an anionic collector Flotinor 16551. It was demonstrated that the flotation of dolomite was improved with the combined use of both collectors in the cleaner stage, and by a previous quartz flotation in the rougher stage. Zeta potential analysis indicated specific adsorption as the adsorption mechanism between Flotinor 16551 and dolomite, confirming the high selectivity observed in the bench flotation tests. Keywords: Flotation, iron ore, dolomite

Jan 1, 2020

By H. Jiang, W. Wang, Y. Zhao, Q. Jinpeng, C. Duan

Dry deep screening is an important method of classifying moist fine mineral. The rigid-flexible coupled elastic screening technology can simultaneously solve the problem of traditional screen surface plugging and the low service life of a screen surface in the process of deep screening. In this paper, two kinds of rigid-flexible coupled elastic screen surfaces were introduced. The structural characteristics of a screen surface were studied. The mechanism of a rigid flexible coupled elastic screen surface to overcome hole blockage was revealed. Finally, 3 mm and 6 mm screening experiments were carried out. When the external moisture content was below 12.79% for the 6 mm dry screening experiment of elastic rod screen surface, the screening efficiency was above 81%. When the external moisture content was below 11.31% for the 3 mm dry screening experiment of elastic screen surface based on ball hitting, the screening efficiency was above 83%. Keywords: Moist fine mineral, rigid-fexible coupled, elastic screening

Jan 1, 2020

By S. Mohanta, I. D. Behera, B. Sahoo

"Run-of-mine coal contains particles of different sizes with different specific gravities, and when this coal is crushed, the amount of material present in a particular density class changes. This alters the washability characteristics of the coal, which affects the quantity, quality, and separation efficiency of the gravity-based coal washing process. The degree of difficulty in washing a typical coal at a particular specific gravity depends mostly on the amount of material occurring within ±0.1 specific gravity range, which is known as ‘near-gravity material’ at that particular specific gravity of separation. In this paper, two numerical indices, namely ‘near-gravity material index’ and ‘index of washability’, are used to quantify the distribution of near-gravity material in different density classes and to evaluate the degree of difficulty involved in the washing process. The results of this preliminary investigation indicate the uniform distribution of near-gravity material in all density classes for finer size fractions, whereas for coarser size fractions more near-gravity material is present in the lower density classes, making the washing process more difficult at a lower specific gravity of separation. IntroductionThe prime objective of coal beneficiation is to remove physical impurities as effectively and economically as possible. The beneficiation process includes various operations on the asmined coal to make it more suitable for enduse application without destroying the physical identity of the coal. There are several coal beneficiation processes, but gravity-based separators remain the most efficient unit operation for removing the undesirable gangue material from run-of-mine coal. These separators exploit the difference in density between coal particles and gangue particles to effect a separation. The feed is introduced into an aqueous suspension of ultrafine magnetite with a particular density. The feed particles with a relative density less than that of the suspension (clean coal) float to the top surface of the suspension, whereas particles denser than the suspension density (gangue material) sink to the bottom. When the difference in density between the particle and the aqueous suspension is large, the separation is easy, but when this difference is less the separation becomes much more difficult since the settling velocity of the particles is very low. This lower settling velocity increases the probability that particles that should report to floats report to sinks, and vice versa, hence increasing the amount of misplaced material. Therefore, the degree of difficulty in beneficiating a typical coal at a particular specific gravity depends on the amount of material occurring within ±0.1 specific gravity range. This is known as ‘neargravity’ material, also termed ‘near-dense’ material, at that particular specific gravity of separation."

Jan 1, 2016

By F. P. Janse van Rensburg, P. J. Le Roux

"There are numerous factors that affect open stope stability and often result in falls of ground. These falls of ground can be attributed to factors such as beam failure due to a larger than normal roof area (hydraulic radius too large), adverse ground conditions, seismicity, the stress-strain environment, absence of support, and poor drill-and-blast practices. The effect of time on the stability of open stopes is sometimes underestimated and is relatively unknown, especially on Target Mine. Actual data was collected from open stopes at Target and analysed to show the effect of time on open stope stability. The benefits of this analysis will include improved understanding of time-dependent failure, which can assist in reducing dilution and the risk of sterilization of future mining blocks. IntroductionTarget Mine is situated adjacent to the town of Allanridge, some 20 km from Welkom in South Africa’s Free State Province, and is the most northerly mine in the Welkom Goldfields area (Figure 1). The mine consists of a single surface shaft system with a sub-shaft (Target 1C shaft) and a decline. Ownership was attained by Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited in May 2004 (Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, 2010). Before discussing the selection of open stopes for the back-analyses, a brief explanation of open stoping as practiced at Target Mine will be given. The orebody is some 180 m in thickness and 270 m wide and comprises multiple reefs overlying one another. The 180 m thick reef package is termed the Eldorado Reefs, as shown in Figure 2. The Eldorado Reefs suboutcrop against the Dreyerskuil Reefs, as shown in Figure 3. The dip of the reef varies from as low as 10° in the west to 75° in the east.Compared with most Australian and Canadian open stoping mining operations, Target Mine is unique. In most Australian and Canadian mining operations the hangingwall and footwall of the open stopes comprise waste rock, and the orebody dips relatively steeply. Due to the depth of Target Mine, some 2300 m to 2500 m below surface, a destress slot (Figure 4) is mined to create an artificial, shallow mining environment whereby the field stress is managed and kept at values of around 60 MPa. The destress slot comprises a narrow tabular stope with an average width of 1.5 m, and is mined on the Dreyerskuil Reefs.At Target Mine the hangingwall, sidewalls, and footwall of the open stopes all comprise reef of different grades, except for the EA1, where the EB footwall is waste rock. If a stope, for example, is mined alongside an existing old stope, the western sidewall of this stope will consist of backfill. The general mining direction of open stopes is from the lowest position of the reef on the west, progressing up towards the east as shown in Figure 5."

Apr 1, 2019

By H. Möller, L. Mashigo, C. Gassmann

Wire-arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) is a directed-energy deposition technology that uses arc welding procedures to produce computer-aided designed parts, such as three-dimensional printed metal components. A challenge of additive manufacturing is the anisotropy. Interstitial elements play a significant role in the mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V of different grades. In this research, the mechanical properties of Grade 5 and Grade 23 Ti6Al4V were compared for this application. Samples were extracted from WAAM-produced Ti6Al4V walls in different directions (horizontal and vertical) and at different positions (top and bottom). The samples were subjected to optical microscopy and tensile and hardness tests. Grade 5 Ti6Al4V samples were found to have greater strength, greater hardness, and lower ductility, owing to the higher content of interstitial elements compared with Grade 23. The bottom samples had higher strength than the top samples, which is attributed to thermal cycling during manufacturing, resulting in different microstructures.

Jul 1, 2021

By X. Zhang, Z. T. Yuan, C. Zhang, H. M. Zheng, X. M. Wang, L. X. Li, N. Li

In metal mines, comminution is commonly used to liberate minerals for subsequent mineral concentration processes, such as flotation, magnetic separation and gravity separation. However, ores are aggregates of valuable minerals and their disseminated gangue minerals, and these minerals exhibit diverse comminution behaviours. In carbonate-bearing iron ores, hematite, siderite, and quartz are the predominant minerals, of which hematite is the objective recoverable mineral. In this regard, the present study aimed to identify the imperfections in siderite minerals by X-ray computed tomography (XCT), and thus quantitatively characterise their size and shape in terms of Feret diameter and aspect ratio, as well as other parameters. XCT images indicated the protogenetic ubiquity of pores <5 μm in diameter and cracks of 7-8 μm inside siderite particles. In the ground product of artificially mixed siderite and hematite, siderite particles were smaller than hematite particles. Siderite particles had a larger surface area and greater surface roughness than hematite particles of the same volume, which was attributable to the intrinsic holes and cracks in siderite particles. This study provides an insight into the relationship between the inherent imperfections of minerals and their comminution properties. Keywords: Siderite; X-ray computed tomography; particle imperfections; grinding behaviour; sliming

Jan 1, 2020

By Y. G. Zhu, G. B. Zheng, X. X. Hu

Reverse flotation by cationic collectors is the classical method to reduce the silicon content in magnesite. But because of the low selectivity, there is a large loss of magnesite in the reverse flotation froth. To improve the efficiency of the collector, a novel collector named BK433 was developed in this paper. In order to determine the performance of the BK433 collector, a systematic experimental study was carried out with a high silicon magnesite in China. The suitable pH environment of slurry was confirmed, the depression effect of different depressants was investigated, and the flotation effect was compared with commonly used traditional collectors. The results show that the BK433 shows remarkable good selectivity and collection ability. After the 4 stages reverse flotation, the SiO2 content decreased from 3.76% to 0.25%, SiO2 impurity removal rate reached 94.69%. Meanwhile, the MgO content increased from 45.06% to 46.73%，the recovery of obtained concentrate (calculated by MgO) was 82.79%. Keywords: Magnesite, Desilicication, Reverse flotation, Collector

Jan 1, 2020

By А. Klemyatov, T. Vologdina, U. Gordeeva, S. Zbinets, А. Kalugin, N. Rozhdestvenskiy

The plants integrated in the PhosAgro group of companies perform processes from scientific research to the project, from ore mining to shipment of fertilisers and feed additives to consumers. An extensive process chain maintains smooth interaction at all stages from research to production. As an example, the paper shows the revamp of two beneficiation plants (ANOF-2 and ANOF-3), requiring a comprehensive approach to task solving. The intention of the revamp was to increase the total yield of apatite and nepheline concentrate, taking into account the gradual decline in the quality of ore being processed and ensuring the yield stability of final products during re-equipment of the plants. At ANOF-3, the crushing and grinding cycle was modernised, the production of nepheline concentrate was implemented, and the capacity of apatite flotation, dehydration, and drying was increased. At ANOF-2 a new process chain was implemented for the production of apatite concentrate in workshops previously used for the production of nepheline concentrate. The main building was withdrawn from operation, where ore grinding, apatite flotation and apatite concentrate thickening had been carried out. The total increase in apatite concentrate yield at two beneficiation plants was 1.3 times. A further increase in concentrate production is planned. Keywords: Apatite, nepheline, fertilisers, beneficiation, flotation, column flotation machines, revamp, fine screening

Jan 1, 2020

By P. Sebola, S. Rasmeni, K. Seripe, D. Chetty

"South Africa’s Northern Cape Province hosts semi-precious and gemstone occurrences that are sporadically mined on a small scale by local communities. Tiger’s eye, a gemstone known for its chatoyancy properties, is found in important deposits located near the town of Prieska, where is it intermittently mined. Challenges faced by small-scale and informal mining include mining without proper permits, risky mining practice in dangerous terrain, and illegal export of raw material without concerted effort at domestic beneficiation. As part of a study aimed at job creation and social upliftment in the region, tiger’s eye deposits in the Prieska area were assessed to assist small-scale miners to understand tiger’s eye grades and their distribution. This will allow not only more efficient and safer mining of these deposits, but also beneficiation of the raw product into tumbled stones, cabochons, jewellery, and other small artefacts for sale. A hub established in Prieska by Mintek trains locals in the beneficiation of tiger’s eye. Supply to the hub must make use of a consistent grading system, which is discussed in this paper. Together with proper mine licensing, such an approach will develop mining and beneficiation skills, and create and sustain employment for the local community. IntroductionTiger’s eye is a semi-precious stone known for its chatoyancy property, which is caused by parallel, silicified asbestos fibres that impart a silky lustre to specimens. Deposits of tiger’s eye in the surrounds of the town of Prieska, Northern Cape Province, formed the focus of a study aimed at small-scale mining and beneficiation of this commodity. The Prieska tiger’s eye deposits are located along the N10 route to Upington (Figure 1). Tiger’s eye is unevenly distributed and occurs as lenses of various sizes, interbedded in gently folded metasedimentary rocks of mostly banded iron formation (BIF). The tiger’s eye occurrence in the Northern Cape Province, especially in the Prieska area, has not been extensively researched. There is thus limited information available in the public domain. The lack of knowledge on tiger’s eye distribution has resulted in local small-scale miners adopting a trial-and-error method of mining. Basic geological mapping and field evaluation of the deposit, coupled with professional judgement, are important aspects of any small-scale mining operation and can contribute significantly to the formulation of various acceptable and equally viable mining methods and practices."

Jan 1, 2016

By A. G. Journel, CH. Huijbregts

"Centre de Morphologie MathématiqueSpecial problems arise in the evaluation of lateritic-type orebodies (Ni-Co, bauxite) or, more generally, orebodies affected by surface weathering. In this type of orebody, the vertical grade distribution shows, from the hangingwall downwards, a systematic increase followed sometimes by a certain decrease, or vice-versa. These trends appear together with irregular variations from one drill bole to the other.The problem is to characterize a vertical structure that is representative not only of the drill hole but of an entire panel or zone of influence, in order to define mineable thicknesses for given cut-off grades. The vertical grade distribution observed on the drillhole is replaced by a new curve, called &apos;derive&apos; (drift), which is computed by &apos;universal kriging&apos;.Once the vertical study is completed, new &apos;service-variables&apos; are defined in the horizontal plane, such as mineable thickness and the corresponding average grade, economical functions (combination of the grades of several minerals). The local and global estimation of these variables can then be performed by a simple bi-dimensional kriging plan. The global estimation is summed up by several tonnage-cut-off grade curves.The practical valuation according to the above scheme of a New Caledonian lateritic nickel orebody is presented."

Jan 1, 2014

By F. Sundqvist, B. Skawina, J. Greberg, A. Salama, M. Astrand, P. Ekbeck

Today’s mining operations require fast reporting and rapid rescheduling based on updated information. An automatic mine scheduling system could not only quickly reschedule but also propose alternative solutions. To avoid the financial and physical risks associated with testing such a system directly in operation, it could be first evaluated via discrete event simulation models. This would offer a safe environment to evaluate different operating rules and algorithms. In this study, this is achieved by integrating automatic scheduling software with a discrete event simulation model.

Jun 1, 2021

By C. Snyman, M. Le Roux, Q. P. Campbell, S. Engelbrecht

Due to the ultrafine particle size required for effective processing of chromite ores, dewatering of the concentrates presents a challenge. It is not uncommon for the ore to have elevated moisture contents even after dewatering, which must be reduced to required levels of between 8% and 10% by mass for further processing. Contact sorption drying has shown promise in test work on fine coal. This method was used to study the dewatering of chromite on a laboratory scale using 3 mm spherical activated alumina ceramic beads as a sorbent. Three different sorbent-to-chromite mass ratios, namely 0.5:1, 1:1, and 2:1, were tested with different process conditions, including dewatering in a stationary and a rotatingl bed. The experimental work showed that it was possible to achieve the target moistures in less than 10 minutes, irrespective of the sorbent-to-chromite ratio used. Ratios of 1:1 or higher, however, proved to be the best. The sorbent reusability at mass ratios of 1:1 and 2:1 were therefore tested. With a 1:1 mass ratio, the sorbents could be reused for three cycles, while with 2:1 ratio, the number of cycles increased to six. The sorbent-to-chromite mass ratio used had a significant influence on the required contact time and the reusability of the sorbents.

Oct 3, 2023

By M. Le Roux, Q. P. Campbell, M. Fofana

The determination of densimetric information to predict coal washabilities is an important step in characterising the feed material, as well as the performance of operating plants. However, traditional methods like float-and-sink analysis are hazardous and time-consuming. This is especially true for finer particle size ranges, where very long settling times are required in a medium. De Beers Technologies recently developed a density analyser, known as the RhoVol, for use on diamondiferous kimberlite. Operating over size ranges from 25 mm down to 3 mm, it can determine the mass, volume, density, size and shape of all the particles in a given population and is thus able to provide information about the densimetric distribution on a single particle basis. A study was carried out to compare uncalibrated and calibrated RhoVol results to densimetric and size data obtained using traditional zinc chloride float-sink procedures, for three different coal samples in the size range 3 mm to 8 mm. The results indicate that the RhoVol can be used to provide simple, rapid and safe size-by-washability information for coal, provided proper pre-calibration is done, mainly to account for the effects of particle porosity in the density determination. Keywords: Coal washability determination, RhoVol, densimetric curve

Jan 1, 2020

By M. Getz, G. Asbjörnsson, M. Evertsson, E. Clausen

The mining and minerals processing industry is gradually being digitalised to improve efficiency and reduce waste. One aspect of this transition is to ensure that relevant process-data in sufficient quality and quantity is given to the operator in the right format and at the right time to improve decision-making. Augmented reality (AR) can serve as a potential ICT-based support tool for human operators to achieve this goal. With AR, virtual information is combined with the real world in real-time. Therefore, AR technology has the potential to fulfil the need for improved data visualisation in Industry 4.0. This article is the result of a collaborative effort of Chalmers University of Technology and RWTH Aachen University to identify selected state-of-the-art applications of AR that are currently being applied in the mining and minerals industry or selected related industries. This paper aims to show opportunities for the application of AR in the mining and mineral processing industry with selected conceptual applications. This paper concludes with several requirements identified as necessary to implement the conceptual applications of AR in the mining and minerals industry. Keywords: Augmented reality, mining, mineral processing

Jan 1, 2020

By J. Engelbrecht

Understanding the deportment of minerals in size fractions has already led to improvements in the flow sheets for platinum minerals beneficiation. There are, however, more potential changes in the flow sheets that may improve the recovery of platinum group metals or reduce the costs of beneficiation before refining. Based on known technology of pre-concentration, milling, gravity concentration, flotation, and magnetic separation a number of potential alterations or additions can be considered and motivated based on the mineral deportment in size fractions.

Jan 1, 2012

By S. Liaghat, J. Rosenkranz, P. Semsari Parapari, S. Chehreh Chelgani, A. Tohry

It is commonly accepted that the energy consumption for comminution within mineral processing is responsible for around 3% of the global electrical energy usage. However, it was clearly noted that inside mills, less than 1% of this energy efficiency is actually consumed for particle size reduction. Therefore, monitoring of grinding parameters and modelling of product particle size distribution (e.g. characterised by the 80% passing size P80) play an essential role in operating costs of a mineral processing plant. Several empirical models have been introduced for the prediction of the P80. Since in the industrial scale usually a few numbers of grinding variables are monitored, these models cannot identically be used in plants. In addition, these empirical models do not always indicate the magnitude of correlations between milling variables. This study proposes to introduce the Hilbert-Schmidt independence criterion (HSIC) as an intelligent model for exploring linear and nonlinear relationships between grinding variables and P80 for an industrial scale data assessment. HSIC can rank variables based on their importance and help to select the most effective one for the generation of predictive models. HSIC modelling through various monitored grinding variables (ball charge, feed input rate, F80, power draw and work index) of an industrial plant indicated that F80 as a feed property has the highest effect on P80 of the ball mill products. Modelling results highlighted that the P80 can be accurately predicted, based on effective variables by using a HSIC model. These outcomes showed that HSIC as a powerful modelling tool can assess the relationships between monitored grinding parameters, select the most effective grinding parameters and satisfactorily predict the P80. Keywords: Product particle size, variable importance measurement, Hilbert-Schmidt independence criterion, mill charge

Jan 1, 2020

By M. Bryson, G. Marap, M. Ntlhane, M. D. Hlahane

This study investigated flotation of phosphate from a low-medium grade 8-12% P2O5, 65-73% SiO2 sedimentary phosphate ore from Kropz Elandsfontein (herein referred to as Elandsfontein) in South Africa. Quantitative evaluation of minerals by scanning electron microscopy (QEMSCAN) was used to determine apatite grain size distribution, liberation and mineral association in the F2 horizon sample. The mineralogy indicated that apatite was liberated and for the Elandsfontein plant to operate at the design throughput, the flotation feed has to be milled to a coarse grind ranging between 300 μm and 425 μm. Reverse flotation process routes using varying reagent dosages, and flotation feed top sizes that could possibly yield a final product of 31% P2O5,10% SiO2 at a reasonable +70% P2O5 recovery were investigated. Based on the results, a split circuit of coarse (-300+212μm) flotation and fine (-212+20μm) flotation, was mostly preferred as compared to treating the whole ore. A final combined concentrate of 31% P2O5 and 10% SiO2 with P2O5 recovery of 84% could be produced from the reverse split circuit. The robustness of reverse flotation for both coarse and fine fractions was further investigated. Reverse flotation of the fines fraction was found to be robust and produced a final product of 31% P2O5. It was however more challenging to achieve the required product grade and recoveries on the coarser fraction (-425+212μm), suggesting that reverse circuit was not adequately robust at fractions coarser than 300μm. Keywords: Phosphate, sedimentary, reverse flotation, particle size

Jan 1, 2020

The nature of metallurgical engineering?applying and optimising chemical and physical processing of ores into useful materials?is reviewed. Important trends that shape the context in which metallurgical engineers practise are identified ? increased global production of primary metals, declining prices, environmental constraints, and increased property requirements of materials. A successful department of metallurgical engineering is one which employs a team of academic leaders to develop graduate engineers who are productive across the full range of metallurgical processing. Keywords: metallurgical engineering, primary metals, commodity prices, processing

Jan 1, 2003

By T. Steyn, M. Fofana

"One of the most important performance indicators of a dense medium cyclone (DMC) circuit is the Tromp curve, and by extension the separation density and Ecart Probable (Ep) values. The densimetric profiles of DMC product streams have been traditionally acquired using heavy liquid sinkfloat analysis, which has certain disadvantages, such as the associated safety and health risks. More recently, non-toxic media such as lithium hetero-polytungstates (LST) have been used, with the desired densities being achieved by maintaining the solutions at specific temperatures. However, the high costs of these liquids can be prohibitive. The long turnaround time of the sink-float analysis is a further disadvantage for timeous interventions to the operating set-points of the DMC process.The RhoVol technology can generate the density distribution of a batch of particles in a rapid, accurate, repeatable, and safe manner. Additional data of interest, such as particle size and shape, are also measured and reported on a per-particle basis. Furthermore, samples can be sorted into discrete sorting bins based on any of the measured parameters of the particle, making further analyses of the material possible.This technology has applications across all commodities that use the DMC, particularly in the size fractions –25 +8 mm and –8 +3 mm. To date, laboratory results have proved very encouraging – separation densities are within 5% of traditional sink-float results, and the technology is being introduced to diamond DMC plants. IntroductionDense medium separation is a commonly applied beneficiation technique for the density separation of valuable products from crushed ores. The industrial applications of dense medium separation have been summarized and reviewed by various authors (Scott and Napier-Munn, 2000; Bosman, 2014; Napier- Munn, 2018). Dense medium cyclones (DMCs) are widely used in the coal and diamond industries to produce clean coal or to preconcentrate kimberlitic ores, respectively. Cyclone performance (separation density monitoring) techniques are varied. In the mineral industry. Density tracer tests (Napier- Munn, 1985, 2014; Davis, Wood, and Lyman, 1985) without mineral material, are widely used, although their accuracy in predicting operating cut-points becomes limited once mineral material is introduced. More recently, radio frequency tracers have been also used for the determination of cyclone efficiency (Partition Enterprises, 2017)."

Feb 1, 2019

By E. Bakhtavar, R. Mikaeil, D. Khademi

"Fuzzy-weighted integer goal programming has been developed and used to select the most suitable site to construct a central processing plant for several adjacent small-scale dimension stone quarries, based on the most effective criteria. In the first step of mathematical modelling, the most important goals and decision variables were defined. Accordingly, an objective function was used in the model for minimizing the sum of undesired fuzzy-weighted deviations. Fuzzy weights were determined by a matrix of pairwise comparisons of various expert judgments in this field and the fuzzy geometric mean. The goal and systemic constraints were also modelled. The most suitable site for the construction of the plant was selected after solving the mathematical model in the ExcelR Solver add-in. The selected site had various advantages over the other sites, such as the shortest average distance to the quarries, the shortest distance to power access and workforce, and the lowest land price. IntroductionSelection of the most suitable site of a plant is one of the most important considerations when constructing an industrial project. A suitable site has a significant effect on a company's competitiveness in the market. Selecting a desirable location for constructing plants such as mineral processing facilities is an essential part of the economic planning that will enable a company to meet the needs of related upstream and downstream operations. These units are considered to be best built near the relevant mining sites because of technical difficulties, the cost of transporting minerals, and the traffic hazard caused by the movement of trucks transporting materials. Two main types of research using multiattribute decision-making models have been reported for selection of a processing plant site (Safari et al. 2010, 2012). In that research, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) approach were applied to select the suitable locations for the mineral processing plants for phases 1 and 2 of Sangan iron ore mine."

Jan 1, 2017