CRC ORE
 Program:

 Program 3: Extract (P3-008)

ORE

 
A free milling gold ore demonstrating
high potential for
coarse particle gangue rejection.

 PhD Topic:

Evaluation of particle breakage mechanisms on preferential coarse gangue liberation and rejection

 Institution:

Curtin University

 Research
 Supervisors:

Prof Jacques Eksteen &
Dr Teresa McGrath

 Expected
 Completion:

December 2018

 Meet Paul Bode:

ORE

Paul Bode is an MPhil student at the Gold Technology Group, Curtin University, Australia. Paul has extensive experience in mining operations and engineering. He was awarded a Bachelor of Applied Science (Metallurgy) before commencing his MPhil candidature in 2017 as part of the AMIRA P420F project.

Paul’s research investigates applying different fine crushing modes of breakage as a coarse particle gangue rejection strategy in mineral processing. This research characterises and evaluates liberation of gangue from a gold-sulfide bearing ore. This project has the potential to deliver significant benefits in reducing comminution power and water consumption.

Upon completion of his MPhil, Paul hopes to apply his knowledge of coarse particle gangue rejection to continue contributing to mining projects in the field of mineral processing. Paul is particularly interested in projects focused on improving energy and water consumption.

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 Focus area:

Evaluation of particle breakage mechanisms on preferential coarse gangue liberation and rejection

This research is focussed on validation and interpretation of a laboratory methodology to determine the extent of preferential grade-by-size by specific gravity deportment responses. It also investigates the influence of fine crushing breakage mechanisms on liberation and amenability of gold-sulphide ore to coarse particle gangue rejection at particle sizes of ≤4.75 mm and a sample mass of ≤50 Kg.

The research applies the Gold Technology Group Gangue Rejection Amenability Test (GRAT) ore characterisation methodology to compare the influence of different crushing modes for coarse particle gangue rejection amenability of a gold-sulfide ore. Crushing modes assessed to date include cone, SELFRAG, High Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR) and Vertical Shaft Impactor (VSI) technologies.

This CRC ORE and AMIRA funded work applies this approach to reduce energy and water consumption, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and minimise the environmental impact of mining.