Integration of enhanced grade engineering grade by size gangue liberation and more energy efficient comminution

Project completed by CRC ORE: Optimising Resource Extraction which receives allocation of MRIWA funds.

The Challenge

Enhance grade by size responses through use of more selective breakage mechanisms reducing comminution energy intensity through early coarse rejection.

Key Findings

• There is an opportunity for multiple impact breakage to enhance grade by size deportment based Grade Engineering outcomes.
• The Grade Engineering response using equipment that could impart precisely controlled energies such as a Vertical Shaft Impactor (VSI) and JK Rotary Breakage Tester  (JKRBT) is better when compared to jaw crushers.
• Surface abrasion of the ores has the potential to produce fine material with higher copper content than the coarse material however mass and mineral recovery is relatively small.

Benefit to WA

Exploiting inherent rock-property controls on deportment through application of more selective and energy efficient breakage mechanisms offers the opportunity to enhance the benefits of screening-based Grade Engineering outcomes.

This includes generation of higher grade feed streams and step-change improvements in overall comminution energy intensity through development of next generation devices capable of delivering significantly improved breakage efficiency and selective gangue rejection.

Keywords: size deportment, rock breakage, screening, separation