Learn how by harnessing geological 'style' characteristics and focusing on the common performance drivers of different deposit styles, one predicts metallurgical outcomes before mining even begins.
This approach ensures efficient resource management and offers a roadmap to address unique challenges within a deposit, all while minimising the need for costly metallurgical tests.
Duncan Bennett presented on the topic at the Mill Operators Conference 2024, where his paper (paper 1) was inspired by James Carpenter, who originally presented his paper (paper 2) on the topic at the Tenth International Mining Geology Conference 2017.
Paper 1 - Practical geometallurgy – and let there be light
Abstract
Mining and processing operations that do not understand the characteristics of their deposits survive as did J R R Tolkien’s Gollum; in the dark until a metallurgical crisis drags them out to search for a precious solution. Geometallurgy is about knowing metallurgical and production outcomes before ore is mined and processed and requires that the key drivers of these outcomes are attributes in the mine block model. Practical geometallurgy is the use of deposit geological ‘style’ characteristics and the common drivers of performance for that deposit style to generate these attributes. This allows the common features of the deposit with others of the same style with operating history to be ‘banked’ while focusing attention on differences discovered during a geometallurgical program. Mineralogy controls metallurgy, so a practical geometallurgy program is about measuring the important characteristics of the basis lithology, alteration, and weathering units in the deposit such as mineralogy, mineral associations, mineral liberation, and mineral texture before embarking on extensive and expensive metallurgical test programs. This paper describes the general outline of a practical geometallurgy program from sampling and retaining the characteristics of ore in 3D mineralised space to typical analysis and test programs and using the results of these programs to develop geometallurgical models to populate the block model. Geometallurgy case studies for some common deposit styles are included to give examples of the consistent drivers of performance inherent in each style.
Authors
1. Duncan Bennett, FAusIMM, Principal Consultant, Mineralis Consultants Pty Ltd, Taringa Qld 4068. Email: dbennett@mineralis.com.au
2. Peter Munro, FAusIMM, Principal Consultant, Mineralis Consultants Pty Ltd, Taringa Qld 4068. Email: pmunro@mineralis.com.au
First presented at Mill Operators 2024
Paper 2 - Empirical mill throughput modelling and linear programming for blend optimisation at the Phu Kham copper-gold operation, Laos
Abstract
PanAust’s Phu Kham copper-gold operation in Laos faces throughput limitations in its SAG mill, making accurate throughput prediction crucial for forecasting production. In late 2016, an increase in hard unweathered rocks led to lower-than-expected throughput, prompting a study to find a solution.
The study developed an empirical model based on actual SAG mill throughput rates, optimized by linear programming to determine the ideal feed blend for maximum throughput. The initial focus was on rock strength, linked to throughput, but data was insufficient for detailed modeling.
Operational changes further complicated predictions. A self-learning empirical model was created, incorporating rock properties and operational practices, using the SAG mill as an analytical tool. This method effectively accounted for unmodeled influences like blasting and mill settings, proving successful due to the observable impact of lithology and weathering on throughput.
Authors
1. James Carpenter, MAusIMM(CP), Resource Geologist, PanAust Limited, Fortitude Valley Qld 4006.
2. Blake Saunders, MAusIMM, Mine Geology Superintendent, Phu Kham Operations, Phu Bia Mining Limited, Vientiane Laos 5559.
First presented at the Tenth International Mining Geology Conference 2017
