Abstract
The paper discusses organizing online ore monitoring on process conveyor belts at the operations of Kazakhmys Corporation LLC using EDXRF method implemented as an ore-controlling station (OCS) targeting ore size of -300 mm. OCS is supposed to achieve the objective of providing reliable silver detection measurements in the range of 1+ ppm. Objects of monitoring: copper-containing polymetallic ores delivered to Zhezkazgan, Balkhash and Karagaily processing plants for treatment (target elements include copper, zinc, lead, silver, cadmium, and iron) as well as ores transported by the main underground feeder belt at Nurkazgan Mine (copper, zinc, lead, silver, molybdenum, and iron). The ultimate of the studies was to produce an online report on quality and quantities of ore and metals delivered from each of ore suppliers; to adjust the tonnages dispatched by the various shafts and open pits in the online mode; obtain reliable proof for unbiased redistribution of metals back to the mining operations. Equipment used during the studies: EDXRF OCS RLP21T. Key features of the unit are also discussed. The results of bench-scale testing as well as industrial application of OCS RLP-21T are discussed leading to the conclusion of successful online monitoring of silver in ores sized from +1 ppm to -300 mm. The photographs were provided by S. A. Yefimenko.
Highlights
Pertinent issues in minerals mining include integrated mineral resource mining, underground resource reproduction, and maximum recovery of useful components during ore processing
This stage helped identify the true scope of ore-controlling station (OCS) RLP-21T capabilities in terms of sustainable performance on low silver and cadmium grades and recommendations were made on improving the hardware, methodology and software for the OCS RLP-21T to guarantee positive performance of the unit in the second stage (BPP, Karagaily Processing Plant (KPP), NIR)
The unit for online grades monitoring of main and related elements in copper-containing polymetallic ores delivered to ZPP-1, ZPP-2, Balkhash Processing Plant (BPP), and KPP was developed, comprehensively tested and commissioned on production scale, and at ore mining facilities
Summary
Pertinent issues in minerals mining include integrated mineral resource mining, underground resource reproduction, and maximum recovery of useful components during ore processing. Implementation of online monitoring of copper and silver grades would be addressing two independent objectives as follows: - online monitoring of ores at the stage of exploration, mining and production; - online monitoring of ores in transit to processing facilities. This study helps achieve this specific objective addressing the issues associated with easing tensions arising between mining and ore processing facilities with regard to cyclone overflow metal redistribution. This objective was being addressed within the framework of the Import Substitution Program administered by the Republic of Kazakhstan in the mining sector and as part of the range of projects aiming to retrofit and expand production at Kazakhmys Corporation LLС in 2017–2025. This conclusion was made according to the results of bench tests on control powder and finely ground samples at ZPP-1 and ZPP-2
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
