Technical Evaluation of Associated Tin Minerals Processing at Bidang Pengolahan Mineral (BPM) Unit Metalurgi Muntok, PT Timah Tbk

Abstract

Since 2017 PT Timah Tbk has been processing residual ore (SHP) with low tin content of ± 10-30% wt. In order to increase tin grade and associated mineral products to be high grade (> 70% wt), an evaluation and optimization process is needed on High Tension Roll Separator processing equipment. The evaluation and optimization process was carried out on conductor products, especially index of separation efficiency of cassiterite. Sampling of the feed and the product based on the parameter settings. The feed rate is set at 250, 630 and 2100 gr/10s. The splitter opening is set at 13, 16, 20 cm of magnetic rollers. While the electric current is set at 1, 2 and 3 miliamperes. Mass and grade data are then analyzed by regression and variance statistical methods and optimized by the response surface method. The evaluation results show that only the splitter opening parameters and electric current strength are significant in explaining the product results obtained with a level of hypothesis error of 5%. The results of HTRS optimization show that the best parameter conditions are in the <1.5 ampere of electric current and <14 cm of splitter openings with schulz’s efficiency capable of >90% in second order of central composite design.