Pneumatic flotation units are fast replacing conventional flotation cells in both scavenging and cleaning duties. One such unit that has received wide acceptability in industry is the flotation column. While many consider column flotation to be a recent development, its roots date back to the mid-1910s where it was first commercially tested at Inspiration Copper … Read more
The process design emphasizes maximum recovery of phosphates in the anionic flotation stage to eliminate further processing of the underflow. The flotation performance of phosphate ore in the anionic flotation stage is determined to a large extent by anionic conditioning, the unit operation prior to flotation where the reagents (collector) and phosphate slurry are mixed … Read more
It is common industrial practice to add polymeric flocculants directly into slurry streams during flow through pipes. However, very little information is available on the specific requirements for such polymer addition systems and their design and operation appear to be largely intuitive. In-Line Pipe Flocculant Mixer Test The flocculation tests were performed in a Kenics … Read more
Mineralogy unique to the Lone Tree deposit allowed for the design of a partial oxidation process that takes advantage of the heterogeneous nature of the pyrite morphology. Partial oxidation has resulted in an autoclave plant that is able to achieve low operating unit costs. Process Description The oxidation circuit consists of one autoclave, two stages … Read more
Fly ash is classified as a natural pozzolan and finds significant use as a cement additive. It has been found to increase the plasticity of the cement mixture while lowering the amount of mix water needed. In addition to improving leveling and finishing properties, fly ash improves pumpability as well as decreases the heat of … Read more
In mineral processing, segregation means a non-uniform distribution of particles with different size, shape and density among the various streams exiting a process plant or a generic operation unit. This term is generally applied with reference to the physical characteristics of particles that are of little or no interest in the separation, or may even … Read more
LIGHTNIN pioneered impeller developments in the early 1980’s that allowed axial flow impellers (A310) in the auxiliary mix boxes of SX plants to reduce shear and entrainment while providing good contacting of the aqueous and organic phases. However, the mixing technology of the primary pumper has not changed since its introduction. LIGHTNIN has studied the … Read more
Lupin is located on the shores of Contwoyto Lake at lat. 65° 48’N, Long. 111° 15’W and lies about 80 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. Since start up in 1982 the mine has produced over 2.15 million ounces of gold from 6.66 million tonnes of ore grading 10.63 gm/tonne. Total remaining reserves at 1993 … Read more
Opportunities for maximizing corporate revenues through plant-wide process control strategies are being sought in virtually all industries. The mining industry, in particular, can realize tremendous benefits through implementation of systems that simultaneously monitor, model and optimize unit processes and their interactions. The tendency to downsize the corporate structure, improve productivity while decreasing manpower, and increase … Read more
Location Cerro Colorado lies on the eastern edge of the Atacama desert in the foothills of the Andean Cordillera of northern Chile. One hundred and twenty kilometers east of the port city of Iquique, the mine site is accessed by 30 km of paved highway and 70 km of upgraded road. The mine site is … Read more