MagoPulp
Process optimisation for improved metallurgical performance
Background
Ernest Henry Mining wanted to alter the pulp chemistry to improve the flotation performance in its plant.
As base metal ores become increasingly more complex, there is mounting pressure to improve concentrator productivity. Traditional mineral processing plant control relies heavily upon operator experience and overly generalised mineralogical data to represent a constantly changing, heterogeneous mineral assemblages. But, what if there was a way to tailor plant parameters, such as reagent additions, based on real time mineralogical information.
Solution
After a series of promising laboratory test work, the decision was taken to convert the ball mill media charge from forged steel to high chrome media.
Results
The improvements in the pulp chemistry resulted in an increase in copper and gold recovery of at least 1.3% and 1.0%, respectively. The additional copper in concentrate production reached up to 1430 tpy and 2840 ounces of gold per year, representing a $12.8 million USD increase in gross profit. Additionally, laboratory test work also indicated that the use of high chrome media could lead to reductions in pH during rougher, which would see no negative impact on the plant’s performance. In fact, once applied, this strategy realised an annual cost saving of $700,000 USD by reducing lime consumption.
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