Use of Discrete Element Modelling to Evaluate the Parameters of the Sampling Theory in the Feed Grade Sampler of a Sulphide Gold Plant

Marcus Magalhães,Ana Chieregati,Rodrigo De Carvalho,Homero Delboni,Mariana Lemos,Dusan Ilic

doi:10.3390/min11090978

Marcus Magalhães, Ana Chieregati + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/min11090978

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Abstract

Cross-stream cutters are widely used in the mining and resources industry to obtain representative samples of particulate flows. Discrete element modelling (DEM) and analysis can be used to investigate influences of operational parameters, sampler design and material physical properties in the generation of the Increment Extraction Error (IEE), which when present, results in a frequently biased, non-representative sample. The study investigates the practicality of the rules and recommendations proposed by Dr. Pierre Gy that were developed and established as principles for the correct extraction of samples in industrial sampling equipment. Results validate Pierre Gy’s sampling theory using DEM in a cross-stream cutter of a sulphide gold plant. Importantly, the outcomes indicate that careful consideration must be given to physical ore properties and, consequently, that sampling systems should be developed specifically to each application.

Highlights

AngloGold Ashanti is a mining company and the third biggest gold producer in the world
The repose angle test resulted in angles ranging from 26◦ up to 32◦, while the shear box test resulted in internal friction angles of 57◦ up to 61◦ while presenting similar material profiles inside the apparatus
As an asidecalibration outcome,of use of DoE factorial simulations, which combined the use of literature parameters for the particle–surface calibrate discrete element method (DEM) parameters was demonstrated

Summary

Introduction

AngloGold Ashanti is a mining company and the third biggest gold producer in the world. The Corrego do Sitio Complex (CDS) is located in the city of Santa Bárbara in the state of Minas Gerais and has extracted gold from underground and open pit mines for over 187 years. The theory of sampling (TOS), developed by the French chemical engineer Pierre Gy in the second half of the twentieth century, covers a range of mathematical and statistical principles, besides empirical and practical parameters [1]. This theory is highly used for modern studies in the field of gold sampling and reconciliation [2]

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