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By A. C. Maffei, M. V. Lins Gonçalves

Ore concentration processes are a function of the respective particle size distribution; however, most of them do not use an efficient operational method to determine it. From a practical point of view, the surface area can be calculated for any size analysis. The physical principles for determining the size distribution in each method are different, for the results will not be compared directly. During the development of the research project of the sulfide ore flotation method using inert gas, different methods for calculating the specific surface area have been used, such as sieving, sedimentation/X-ray, laser diffraction and BET, i.e. specific techniques to determine the specific surface area of copper and gold ore concentrates. The statistical method of minimum squares was used to achieve practical correlation equations among them. Regarding these two ores, if one knows a specific surface area value using one of the methods above, one can predict the result of the others. Diminution of the reagent consumption was so controlled and it could be even decreased by using inert gas.

Jan 1, 2003

By Briony C. Ruse, David V. Boger, Fiona Sofra1

"The sustainability of the mining industry must be addressed through improving tailings management. The use of thickened tailings and pastes stems from a paradigm shift towards designing tailings disposal sites to suit their surrounding environment, rather than manipulating the environment to accommodate the tailings. Thickened tailings and pastes usually exhibit non-Newtonian behaviour, so a thorough understanding of the rheological characteristics of the material is required in order to determine the disposal plant operating conditions.As environmental factors translate into economic issues, minimising waste production using dry disposal methods is gaining popularity. The use of rheological information is of high importance in evaluating the spreading characteristics, the transportation and the dewatering of thickened mineral tailings. The principles outlined may be applied to many industries encompassing a wide range of waste materials. The main obstacle to the widespread implementation of dry disposal methods has been the high initial capital cost of the methods due to the dewatering step, and the high cost of pumping thick suspensions across any great distance. Proper and thorough costing of tailings disposal activities combined with an accounting approach that shows closure and post-closure care costs on a per tonne basis of tailings disposed throughout the life of the tailings facility will show that dry disposal methods are more favourable than they might seem on initial appraisal."

Jan 1, 2003

By Zhou Junwu, Sun Chuanyao, Wang Fuli

"In this present paper, the authors introduce the artificial neural networks into the modeling of the industrial flotation process, integrating information technology, control theory and intelligent optimizing method to flotation technology. The new idea gives a new way to solve the difficulty in this field, and therefore brings the study on the automatic control of flotation process in China into a new start.The Radial Basis Function (RBF) network, featuring a quick learning speed, is one of the feedforward neural networks. It has attracted much attention from automatic control recently for its implementing the nonlinearity mapping through adjusting the parameters of the nonlinearity transfer function. One of the online adaptive learning algorithm—the nearest neighbor-clustering algorithm, which can automatically determine the number of hidden units, has been implemented in the MATLAB programming language in this paper, laying the foundation for the flotation models.The relation model between ore pulp characteristics and reagents consumption has been proposed using the RBF networks based on the industrial lead rougher flotation of lead & zinc ore, and the simulation has been conducted in the laboratory with the results matching the samples data very well. The Xilin Lead & Zinc Mine Flotation Process Intelligent Consultation System of Reagents Consumption, which suitable for industrial process, has been developed. The reagents consumption advised by this system would stabilize the flotation process, and increase the recoveries. It could be used for providing the technological consultation to flotation operators in site, and for training new operators."

Jan 1, 2003

By G. Belardi, N. Shehu, L. Passeri

"This paper illustrates the possibilities of applying what is essentially a physical soil-washing technique for treatment of soil contaminated by semi-volatile hydrocarbons in order to reduce the level of pollution to that permitted by Italian regulations.The ground around a factory producing lubricating-oil additives consists of silty-sandy soils which have long been contaminated by heavy hydrocarbons, especially branched alkyl benzenes and naphthalene derivatives. Pollution is particularly marked in some zones (hot-spots) where Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) values are as high as 7000 ppm. The hydrogeological characterization showed the presence of a gravely soil in a sandy/silty matrix, with big stones making preferential paths to the water circulation. The permeability is 10-5 m/s and the water-table occurs at about 3 m below ground level.After laboratory and pilot-scale studies on representative samples of in-situ soils with TPH between 2700 and 7000 ppm a flow-sheet is proposed for reducing TPH values below the acceptable limits in Italy, namely 700 ppm for hydrocarbons with more than 12 carbon atoms and less than 250 ppm for those with fewer.On the basis of indications provided by laboratory tests a mainly physical treatment process of soil washing has been developed. This is used to clean-up soil from a site polluted by non-volatile hydrocarbons with a high TPH value. The process involves a high-density attrition stage followed by wet screening at 0.5 mm and then wet-gravity separation of the minus 0.5 mm fraction in the centrifugal field.The gravity separation products consist of a light fraction with particle size finer than 15 micron which contains most of the pollutants, and a heavy coarse fraction with TPH values conforming to the limits set by Italian regulations (less than 700 ppm hydrocarbons whose structure contains more than 12 C atoms, and less than 250 ppm of hydrocarbons with less than 12 C atoms)."

Jan 1, 2003

By A. F. Raschenko, Y. A. Golodcov, V. V. Elshin

"The autoclave noble metal desorption in apparatuses with a dense stationary sorbent layer is perspective for the technology of sorption gold and silver extraction from solutions and pulps by carbon sorbents. The study of the mechanism and optimization of the autoclave desorption process involve some difficulties. To overcome them it is necessary to use mathematical and quantum-chemical modelling. The given paper deals with a mathematical model for the dynamics of gold and silver desorption from active carbons by alkali solutions based on the physical-chemical notions of the process. The kinetics and the mechanism of the process were investigated using the mathematical model for gold and silver desorption.The calculation of the efficient mass-transfer coefficient (ße) for various initial and intermediate noble metal concentrations in carbon (Cy) made it possible to find that the dependence of ße on Cy in case of gold desoprtion shows a clear extreme character. The value of the initial metal concentration in carbon therewith does not influence the character of the curve the inflection point of which is changed essentially at elevated process temperatures only. The revealed characteristic property, in the author's opinion can only be indicative of the change in the mechanism of gold desorption under autoclave desorption conditions. The assumed [Au(CN)(OH)]- type intermediate that has a higher diffusion coefficient in comparison with the adsorbed complex [Au(CN)2]- can be considered as an intermediate compound in the process of gold desorption."

Jan 1, 2003

By Jury P. Nazarov

"At present the traditional study of crystal lattices of nmerials in a topic “flota tion mineralogy ” is used up. The present investigation is development of the a sclsical approaches to t he analy sis of ideal crystal lattices and f ormation on the basic obtained results of consultation, having practical chara cter.The strategy of develop ment floatation reagents i s offered, which basic pr inciple – complementary assembling m olecules forming surface co mpounds so thatth e steric charact eristic of the “visitor "" (of a polar gro up of molecule SAS) corresponded to the st er ic requirements of the ""o wner"" (elementary cell of a mineral), or coincided inter molecular cavities). In itsh case process of for mation of surface com pounds ca n be considered(a first approximation) as a realization of a principle of the design er "" LEGO "".The approach, which basic idea consi deration actioonf reactant ions and ions of ele mentary cell as three-di mensional objects is developed. And at suchp paroach the laws of a ster eometry - laws describin g spatial effect s are applicable. Thus it is possible toconsider a miner al surface as a mat r ix - basis for formation of the requirem ents to polar group of a molleec cuollector, and or (it is possible) depressant. As a whole approach represents a generalized principle double com plementation, enveloping both power, and geometric asp ects (concept ""lock "" and “key "" - spatial conform ity. Figure 7 (left). Fragment of a crystal lat tice of ap atite. Oleic acid ions interact on ly with th e calcium cations locate d on a long axi s of an elementary c ell. Magenta colour represe nts the calciu m cations, which are n ot particip atin g in interactio n, as th e degree of screening by ions neighbours exceeds 1.Figure 2. (right)The illustration of space complementary. “Afterbuilding” an elementary cell of apatite (radical PO4) related molecules of the visitor – alkyl phosphate (polar group PO4). Cations of calcium are not shown."

Jan 1, 2003

By Matti Kongas, Kari Saloheimo, Antti Remes

"The paper studies the control performance of the flotation process as a function of the measurement accuracy and sampling frequency of an on-stream XRF analyzer, using a simple dynamic model. An additional aim is to assess how the economical result of a mineral flotation process depends on the quality of process control based on the on-line elemental assays.An on-stream XRF analyzer measures the concentrations of slurry lines in a continuous cycle from several process points. The control performance depends on the analytical accuracy and sampling frequency of the concentration measurement. With a long cycle time, the state of the process changes before a new measurement becomes available. With short measurement times the statistical variance of the counted Xray pulses increases, increasing the random error in the analysis. In addition, the measurement accuracy depends on the concentration of the component to be measured from the slurry.To quantify the effect of analysis error and frequency to process control, a simple dynamic process model is created in the Matlab environment. Data from a copper flotation circuit is used as a test case. The process model comprises a first order reaction equation and the grade-recovery -relationship estimated from process data. The control was modeled using the control strategies implemented into a rule based advanced control system. The economical performance of the control was studied by calculating the overall net smelter return at various analyzer parameter combinations."

Jan 1, 2003

By James Y. Oldshue

"Very seldom is it possible when contacting a gas with a slurry to measure the dissolved gas concentration in the slurry, and even were it possible, seldom are equilibrium data available with a suitable Henry’s law constant.In general, by assuming a reasonable value for the dissolved gas concentration in the slurry and a corresponding equilibrium gas partial pressure P*, Kga values can be calculated for the pilot plant and scaled up. Then, with the same P* value at various reaction conditions, a mixer can be designed which is quite satisfactory, having a reasonable design factor for full-scale performance.We will take as an example a slurry of a known solids composition and use a continuous 4 tank system. By assuming a percentage saturation of the dissolved gas in the first tank, the dissolved gas concentration can be obtained in the other three tanks. It usually is possible to measure the off-gas composition in each of the 4 tanks. If the top of the tanks is connected in the form of a multi-compartmented horizontal autoclave, then a modified top off-gas composition in each compartment must be used."

Jan 1, 2003

By David Morrow

Fly ash is a by-product from coal-fired power stations that is captured from the exhaust gas stream by electrostatic precipitators (ESPs) or bag houses. It is mainly derived from the inorganic components in coal but also contains residual carbon from unburnt fuel (measured as LOI). In the past, nearly all fly ash was sent to landfills or tailings ponds by power generators but this trend is quickly changing due to landfill costs, sustainability requirements and the inherent value in correctly processed fly ash. The main property that makes fly ash suitable for recycling is its use as a pozzolan. Pozzolans exhibit cementitious properties that make them suitable for partial cement replacement, and that can have beneficial properties for concrete mix designs. Fly ash can be used to replace up to a third of the of the Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) requirement. Suitable fly ash nearly always requires the removal of the less reactive coarser fraction from the finer fraction. Due to the pozzolanic nature of fly ash, it must be processed dry and separation is normally required at 45 micron. In response to the increasing demand from a range of dry classification applications, Metso purchased an established air classification technology suitable for both mining and construction applications. The classifiers intelligent design efficiently utilizes the air flow which keeps power requirements low whilst including a scrubbing/recirculating function within the classifier that allows extremely efficient separations even at very fine sizes. This technology is of global interest to Fly Ash processors, but should be of particular interest in India which is both the second largest cement producer in the world as well as producing 80% of its power from thermal sources. This paper is intended to give a brief overview of fly ash and requirements for use as a pozzolan, air classification of fly ash and a case study from an established and experienced fly ash producer. Keywords: air classifier, fly ash, pozzolan, fineness, cement, cholla, salt river materials group

Sep 1, 2012

By Volker Vogt, Wolfgang Sand, Eberhard Gock

"For about 20 years, the use of bacteria to control the flotation process for the production of raw material concentrates has been the subject of worldwide scientific and engineering efforts. The objective is to reduce the consumption of biologically non-degradable toxic reagents. The principle idea is to use the activity of bacteria in natural leaching processes – known since the middle of the last century – for controlling flotation processes.It was discovered that the selective activity of bacteria during the extraction of raw material concentrates by means of flotation could also be achieved with extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), excreted by bacteria. EPS, which is extracted by means of centrifuging bacterial cultures, can help to significantly reduce the use of cyanides, approximately 200,000 t/a are used for ore dressing today.The bacterium used was Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. In order to identify the bandwidth of the oxidation activity, 21 bacterial strains of the strain collection of the University of Hamburg were attracted to iron(II) sulfate and pyrite under defined conditions. All strains oxidized iron(II) sulfate ten times faster than pyrite.EPS has so far been derived from four strains. In general, EPS extracts are divided into a hydrophilic and a hydrophobic fraction. The hydrophilic fraction is composed of e.g. fucose, rhamnose and glucose; fatty acids such as dodecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid and nonadecanoic acid were found in the hydrophobic fraction. Pure mineral phases and mineral mixtures were used for the flotation tests. The outcome was reproducible results with technical flotation machines. The research results known so far are mainly based on investigations with micro flotation devices, which are usually used for the characterization of reagents and which do not allow a direct translation to the technical scale."

Jan 1, 2003

By Nicholas Enraght – Moony, Alvin Johns, Zhonghan Zhang, Zhang Xianhua, T. Choo

"The tungsten (WO3)-rich ores from King Island Scheelite (KIS) Mine, Australia, containing scheelite(CaWO4) were previously recovered by gravity separation and flotation of fine scheelite (1978-92) with an overall recovery of 76% when both circuits were operating. Recently extensive test work has been conducted both in China and in Australia on KIS ores, assaying from 0.50%-1.34%WO3, and tailings assaying 0.2%WO3(GZRINM 2009; 2011a; 2011b). A new approach, which aimed at improving both recovery and grade of concentrate by means of an innovative all flotation route WOF (Whole Ore Flotation), achieved excellent results: 90%-92% recovery to concentrate grade of 66%-70%WO3for the ores. The process is characterized by the use of selective reagents in flotation, including a newly developed collector for scheelite, GYWA. The WOF process also embraces the "Improved Petrov Method" in the cleaning of scheelite rougher concentrate. Earlier investigations found that the removal of sulfides by flotation prior to scheelite flotation was not necessary. It was also found that recycling of process water did not influenceresults. Two main ore types were tested as well as tailings from 2009to 2001(0.20%WO3). In addition a flow sheet using wet high gradient magnetic separation (WHGMS) in tandem with flotation was also investigated for the tailings."

Jan 1, 2014

By C. A. C. Sequeira, G. N. Anastassakis

Electrochemical processes occur on nano-, micro- and macro- scale in numerous applications such as fuel cells, batteries, hydrogen production, mineral extraction, water treatment, electrotherapy, sensors and many others. In most of these applications, gases evolve either at one or both electrodes due to electrolysis. These gases form bubbles play a crucial role in electrochemical systems. For example, in electrowinning (EW) that is used to extract and refine metals such as Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, and Cd from their solutions, in most cases the solution is acidic and oxidation of water molecules at the anode is the common counter reaction, which results in the liberation of oxygen bubbles. This generally requires a high overpotential and accounts for a considerable percentage of the energy consumed in metal EW electrolytic cells, apart from producing acid mist that is very corrosive for other cell equipment and building structures. The behaviour of bubbles in electrochemical systems is still a complex challenging topic which requires a better understanding of gas bubbles hydrodynamics and their interactions with electrode surface and bulk liquid, as well as between the bubbles themselves. The objective of the current paper is to briefly review the fundamental hydrodynamics of both gas bubbles on the electrode surface and gas bubbles interaction with the liquid bulk solution. The current work also investigates the impact of gas bubbling and some operating parameters in copper EW, such as current density (100-500 A/m2), temperature (25-75ºC), acidity (50-300 g/L) and a typical chemical mist suppressant (<50 ppm). The results clearly show that both suppressant and temperature reduced the overall surface tension of the solution. Also, chloride concentration and applied current improved electrolyte flow and copper quality at higher current densities. The current paper contributes to the development of mineral processing (specifically to copper hydrometallurgy), as it deals with fundamental hydrodynamics and interactions of gas bubbles that formed during copper EW and play a crucial role in copper electrochemical systems.

Jan 1, 2018

By Ralph J. Holmes, Victor Sharp, Steven J. Spencer, Kevin J. Davey, Jonathan J. Campbell, Peter L. Phillips, David G. Barker

"Improved measurement tools for monitoring and control of AG/SAG mill performance have a high level of interest in industry. Historically, acoustic emission monitoring has been widely used on SAG/AG/ball mills and hydrocyclones to provide new information on the conditions inside these devices affecting their performance. The current work was focused on a new technique using surface vibration monitoring of a number of pilot-scale and production-scale AG/SAG mills to yield insights into the events occurring in the mills. The development of relationships between signal analysis outputs and mill operating conditions can be used for soft-sensor measurement of mill process variables. The technique used an array of accelerometers mounted on the mill lifter bolts linked to a fast data acquisition system which monitored the surface waves generated during operation. Details of the system are presented. Mill operating variables were adjusted systematically to provide a wide range of operating conditions for surface vibration signal collection. The experimental approach is discussed.The signals acquired during the experiments were analysed using a range of techniques. The results show that strong relationships exist between measured vibration power (both total power and within certain frequency bands) and mill load level/power and mill speed. A new method for extraction of power spectral density and band power information on features of interest in a mill rotation cycle is also presented.These results show that single sensor analysis information from the surface vibration system can be used as soft sensor inputs for monitoring process variables such as mill load that until now, have not been reliably measured. System outputs also show considerable promise in the area of condition monitoring. An example of the signal analysis output is presented showing elevated vibration levels in an area with higher resultant wear. Eventually, it is considered that outputs from this system for process variable and wear condition monitoring will be key new inputs to an online AG/SAG mill monitoring and control system."

Jan 1, 2003

By O. Güven

In recent years, there is an increasing demand on manganese consumption which stems from the important role of manganese in carbon steel production. And the growing need for manganese ores makes the beneficiation of low-grade manganese ores more economical. In this study, the characterization and beneficiation studies were carried out to propose a flow sheet for typical low-grade Turkish manganese ores. For this aim, different gravity separation methods were applied. According to the mineralogical analysis, the major mineral phases are pyrolusite (MnO2) and psilomelane (MnO2) while the major gangue mineral is radiolarite. Gravity separation tests were accomplished by using jigs, shaking table, MGS (Multi Gravity Separator) and in order to obtain products with high Mn ratio, high intensity magnetic separation was also performed. As a result, different combinations of flow sheets were utilized and a concentrate assaying 56.5% Mn with 85 % recovery was obtained.

Sep 1, 2012

By József Faitli, Barnabás Csoke, Károly Solymár, Zoltán Hatvani, Dimitri Papanastassiou

In most cases, the sizing of dry or wet mills for ore processing is primarily based on the determination of the Bond grindability index, using the Bond-Kjos-Rowland relations. In several cases, grinding takes place under conditions different from these and the grinding conditions have a great influence on the postgrinding process. This is particularly true for the grinding of bauxites where grinding takes place in alkali, often in higher temperature in alkali Liquor. So it is necessary to develop a testing method providing a reliable grindability index even under these special circumstances and allowing a more precise mill sizing. Therefore we surrounded the grinding crucible of the Hardgrove mill with a crucible furnace to heat it. The new heated mill is suitable to determine the grindability index under temperature-controlled circumstances, in liquids (water and alkali) with different temperatures. The required heating power is 2000 W. In the implemented equipment we installed four 230V/500W electric heating wires made from heat-resistant alloyed material and surrounded by ceramic insulators. The temperature and temperature-gradient are measured by four PT100 platinum thermal resistors. The data acquisition and control program written in the C language in the Lab Windows CVI program environment measures the voltage proportional to the temperature. Determining the grindability indices of hungarian and greek bauxites experimentally, first dry grinding tests were carried out under standard conditions. During wet and alkaline grinding, to 50 g of dry bauxite 85.5 g of industrial alkali with a concentration of about 200 g/l was added. As grinding aid 2 g of CaO (4 % of dry bauxite) was dosed. From the data it can be concluded: - The tested bauxites show a similar behaviour against temperature change. However, the extent of grindability change is different for different bauxites. - Soft Hungarian boehmitic bauxite can be ground in a high-temperature alkaline medium better than hard Greek one. The increase of grindability according to the high-temperature Hardgrove indices: (kHT = Dry o HT,alkaline H /H ): for hard Greek and soft Hungarian boehmitic bauxites: kHT = 1.7 and 2.4 respectively; according to estimated Bond indices (kB,HT =Wi,dry/Wi,HT, alkaline ): kB,HT = 1.6 and 2.1. - The increase of grindability is the most important factor the reaction of kaolinite with caustic liquor and lime and the loosing of the textural structure at 80 ºC and especially at 100 ºC.

Jan 1, 2003

By M. Brozek, W. Pawlos

"The separation of raw materials in the separator with ferromagnetic liquid occurs due to differences in magnetic and gravitational properties of respective components in relation to each other and to the liquid. In the separator with wedge-shaped pole shoes and the working space axis inclined at a certain angle to the horizontal direction, the paths of grain movement at fixed separation conditions depend on its physical properties. Due to this, the levels of grains outlet from the separator working space are differentiated according to differences in their physical properties. The distance between the levels of outlets from the separator working chamber depends on magnetization of the liquid which is proportional to the liquid density, on the magnetic field intensity and the inclination angle of the separator working passage to the horizontal axis. The separation accuracy is higher the larger is the distance between the outlet levels.The paper will present the methods of visual observation and recording of movement paths of coal grains of different physical properties in the paramagnetic liquid which was the water solution of manganese chloride. The paths were recorded with a video camera in the working chamber by means of a specially constructed device, acting as a periscope, which were then transformed into digital images. Experimental movement paths were confronted to the paths obtained in a theoretical way by means of solving differential equations of movement by a numerical method, achieving good compatibility of experimental and theoretical results. The equations of movement were solved with taking into consideration the drag force, expressed by formula for laminar and dynamic conditions of motion.The course of the path of grain movement depends on grain and liquid physical properties, magnetic field intensity and inclination angle of the working space to the horizontal direction. The two latter parameters can continuously control the process of separation."

Jan 1, 2003

By G. Onal, E. Gock, H. Dincer

"During the conventional chromite dissolution process; chromite ore concentrates were ground to at least <90 µm using the ball mill and after adding Na2CO3 and leaning material (instead of CaCO3 also residues from the leaching process) at a ratio of e.g. 1:0.75:1.2, depending on the specific formulation, follows the digestion e.g. in a rotary kiln, heated in countercurrent. The reaction time is 3 to 8 h. The calcine is comminuted and leached with water or a thin chromate solution. Depending on the type of ore used, the yield is 75-85 %. The disadvantage of the above-described process is that it is impossible, using current technology, to achieve a complete digestion of the chromite ores and that the chromium-containing residues have to be disposed of as special waste, involving a large financial effort.The subject of this study was the investigation of the effect of vibratory milling on chromite dissolution. The impact stress in the vibratory mill causes the mechanical activation of chromite, which is characterised by lattice defects. The degree of mechanical activation can be quantified by measuring the relative X-ray diffraction intensities at the parent lattice planes of chromite. Each relative X-ray diffraction ratio correlates with a certain degree of digestion. As opposed to vibratory milling, a complete digestion of chromite using a ball mill is impossible, even at extremely long grinding times.In this investigation a chromite concentrate from Pulpinar/Kayseri with content of 44 % Cr2O3 and the Eccentric Vibratory Mill was used. In order to verify the effect of the vibrating grinding on chromite dissolution, reaction kinetic investigations on digestion and leaching were carried out."

Jan 1, 2003

By Hermann Wotruba, Lars Weitkämper

"Dry coal dressing was popular during the 1950’s and 60’s in many parts of the world. The devices mainly used were air jigs and air tables.The increase in ash and moisture content of run-of-mine coals due to the wide advanced mechanisation of mining methods during and after this period led to that pneumatic devices being unable to treat run-of mine coals with the desired efficiency. Since the 1960’s almost all new coal preparation plants have been based on wet processes that are highly efficient in terms of coal recovery and their ability to handle damp and sticky run-of-mine coals. (Frankland, 1995)However, water is becoming increasingly costly and the disposal of fine products, containing most of the water, is an environmental concern. There would be significant cost savings and a lower total energy consumption if coal could be cleaned dry. Efficient dry coal treatment would be an interesting solution in desert, arid or cold areas.In Germany one dry coal dressing plant is in operation. This is the last operating dry coal dressing plant existing in Europe. The actual technical standard of dry coal dressing has been analysed during test-work and sampling in this plant (Saar Region in Germany). The process and the advantages and disadvantages are presented. The plants problems are low efficiency in the fine fraction –6 mm and the coarse fraction +30 mm and a low overall throughput as well as the lack of an automatic process control system. The separation results in the medium size fractions between +6 and -30 mm are excellent"

Jan 1, 2003

By Mary Stewart, Jim G. Petrie, Geoff Brent

"Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is gaining increasing acceptance as a decision-support tool by which to evaluate the environmental performance of a product, process or service. This is evidenced by its inclusion in international policy documents (for example in the European Union’s Integrated Product Policy) and in environmental management standards (the ISO 14 040 series of environmental management codes relate to LCA). In response to this, the minerals industry has conducted a number of commodity-specific LCAs. These include studies for global production of a number of commodities including copper, nickel, aluminium and steel. In addition, a number of minerals companies profess to use LCA as part of their suite of project and technology assessment tools. Often, this collected use represents more a situation of “we do this because we’re told it’s good for business” rather than from any demonstrable evidence of this fact. This has led to a situation of much confusion and disillusionment within the industry, exacerbated by the obvious current limitations of LCA to accurately reflect the environmental performance of minerals and metals.Our point of departure here is that LCA, conforming as it does to the tenets of environmental systems analysis, is a valuable starting point, and that there is merit in exploring to what extent the methodology can be enhanced to better reflect the environmental performance of minerals and metals. Specifically, we explore here the further development of LCA to address the following:• Land Use issues• Consumption of Abiotic Resources including metallic and non-metallic minerals, water and soil)• Human and Eco-toxicity issues relating to mobility and bio-availability of metals• Salinityand address these through selected experimental and simulation case studies relating to energy- and base minerals production. Advances resulting from the United Nations Environment Programme/Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Life Cycle Initiative are presented in that they directly affect the application of LCA to mining, minerals and metals. Comments are offered on how best the mining and minerals industry might interface with future developments resulting from this Initiative in order that the Initiative can deliver outcomes which render LCA a useful tool for decision making in mining and minerals processing."

Jan 1, 2003

By ?. ?. Zimin, B. A. Kutlin, X. Baddamsuren

"The ore features of Mongolian fluorspar deposits are shown in the paper. The possibilities of the technological of ore processing on the Bor-Undur combine scheme improvement are analyzed there. Some recommendations are done for scheme development: spare output technologies, the usage large-sized ore separation, flotation by columnar flotation cells, leaching and concentrate agglomeration.New evaluation and usage of mineral sources approach was developed for Mongolian fluoride ores. The conception allows using maximally available mineral resources for getting of metallurgical and acid fluoride concentrates while mining and technological processes: mining (as well as quarrying) -storing, blending-crushing, grinding-combined processing methods-metallurgical using preparation It has been established mining and processing technological schemes should include:• spare blasting technologies providing minimum effect on fluorite crystals which follows ore selective excavation;• large-sized ore separation methods resulted in maximum recovery for these operations in respect to metallurgical fluorite concentrates;• grinding and flotation regimes providing high-quality flotation concentrates getting for their usein chemical industry;• fluorite concentrates agglomeration technologies for providing ability of their use in metallurgical and cement industriesThe results of industrial usage of jugging machines, columnar and pneumomechanical flotation machines for fluospar dressing.The technological approaches implementation in “Bor-Undur” plant maintenance within 1993-2002 years leaded to:• change plant status from just flotation one to gravitational-flotation characterized by technological process stages which are traditional for metallurgical industry and plant capacity increase from 400 to 600 thousand tones of treatment ore as well as concentrate production increase from 120 to 150-170 thousand tones including 120-140 thousand tones of acid grade concentrates with 97% CaF2 ."

Jan 1, 2003