Ore Distribution Research Articles

Interpretable prediction of sinter particle size distribution based on multi-task learning and bidirectional gated recurrent unit

The particle size distribution of sintered ore is the key indicator reflecting the quality of sintered ore products. Aiming at the problems of low accuracy and lack of interpretability of the existing sinter ore particle size distribution prediction models, this paper proposes a multi-task learning prediction model that uses the bidirectional gated recurrent unit as an information sharing layer to predict the particle size distribution of sinter ore. Firstly, features with high correlation with different particle size ranges (<5 mm; <10 mm) are selected as model inputs by the feature selection method. Secondly, a bidirectional gated recurrent unit is used as the information-sharing layer to construct a multi-task learning model, and the information sharing between two tasks is used to obtain their coupling information to consider the correlation between different particle sizes and improve the prediction accuracy of the model. Additionally, the Shapely interpretation method is introduced to analyse the interpretability of the important features of the model to enhance the predictive model interpretability. Finally, the model proposed in this article is compared with the rest of the combined models, and the results show that the proposed model has high prediction accuracy. This method provides a new direction for the high-quality production of sintered ore.

LTFM: Long-tail few-shot module with loose coupling strategy for mineral spectral identification

In recent years, deep learning methods have exhibited superior performance in mineral identification when especially compared with conventional machine learning methods such as Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Partial Least Squares (PLS). Nevertheless, almost all of these deep learning methods pay more attention to improving and designing network structures, while neglecting the phenomenon of long-tail distribution in spectral data due to the inconsistency of ore distribution and the scarcity of several natural minerals. To alleviate the interference of majority categories on minority categories, we propose Long-Tail Few-shot Module (LTFM) which is inspired by rethinking the fashionable decoupling strategy that conducts primary representation learning and further classifier retrained on mineral spectral data. In particular, LTFM serves as a multi-expert mode, where these experts are respectively specialized in improving feature representation learning, mitigating the long-tail effect, and alleviating the interference of few shots. Additionally, the loose coupling learning strategy is introduced to facilitate primary representation learning and the subsequent additional experts to inherit this knowledge. Experiments on two publicly available spectral datasets show that the proposed LTFM significantly outperforms existing methods. In the end, extensive ablation studies are conducted to investigate the effectiveness, correctness, and robustness of our proposal.

Lithophysical characteristics of productive strata of cupriferous sandstone within Zhezkazgan ore district in the Central Kazakhstan

Purpose. The paper concerns additional geological appraisal and identification of extra localization criteria of cupriferous mineralization of a stratiform type. The research is intended to define physical and geological factors influencing sandstone distribution within the north-end of Zhezkazgan synclinal in the Central Kazakhstan. Methods. A complex analysis of geological and mineralogical, geophysical, and geochemical data was carried out relying upon the information obtained from deep-hole wells. Modern methods to process and interpret the field data were applied. The analysis involved lithological dismemberment of the productive Taskuduk suite as well as determination of sulfide mine-ralization zone boundaries. Findings. The research has shown that the productive levels reach down to 1500-m depth. The data interpretation has helped specify the geological structure and develop a model of ore-promising bodies of cupriferous sandstones at great depth. The applied complex data analysis has increased potential to prospect new loci of productive cupriferous sandstone deposits of Zhezkazgan type. Originality. The research has contributed significantly to understanding of the physical and geological factors influencing the copper ore distribution in deep layers. New physical and geological criteria, determining deep copper mineralization localization, have been identified which were not considered by earlier similar studies. Practical implications. The obtained new data as well as the developed methods are important while deep drilling planning and implementing to identify promising copper mineralization sites. The findings may be used to optimize exploration within the north-end of Zhezkazgan synclinal, and other districts having analogous geological conditions.

Test Method for Mineral Spatial Distribution of BIF Ore by Imaging Spectrometer

The spatial distribution characteristics of iron ore components are important when measuring the difficulty of their beneficiation. Polarized light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy are traditional methods with some shortcomings, including complicated operation and low efficiency. Most of the laboratory hyperspectral imaging techniques that have emerged in recent years have been focused on the field of mineral resource exploration. In contrast, the mineral distribution and tectonic characteristics of iron ores have been relatively poorly studied in the field of beneficiation. To address the issue, 11 experimental samples of banded iron formation (BIF)-hosted iron ores were selected and tested using an imaging spectrometer. Then, based on the differences in spectral characteristic of the three main components (quartz, hematite, and magnetite) in the samples, the identification model of the spatial distribution of the iron ore components was established using the normalized spectral amplitude index (NSAI) and spectral angle mapper (SAM). The NSAI and SAM identify minerals based on spectral amplitude features and spectral morphological features of the sample, respectively. The spatial distribution of different minerals in the samples was tested using the model, and the test results demonstrated that the spatial distribution of the three components is consistent with the banded tectonic character of the sample. Upon comparison with the chemical test results, the mean absolute errors (MAE) of the model for quartz, hematite, and magnetite in the samples were 2.03%, 1.34%, and 1.55%, respectively, and the root mean square errors (RMSE) were 2.72%, 2.08%, and 1.85%, respectively, with the exception of one martite sample that reached an MAE of 10.17%. Therefore, the model demonstrates a high degree of accuracy. The research provides a new method to test the spatial distribution of iron ore components.

Porosity–permeability characteristics and mineralization–alteration zones of the Maoping germanium-rich lead–zinc deposit in SW China

The Maoping superlarge germanium-rich lead–zinc deposit is a typical nonmagmatic hydrothermal deposit that is structurally controlled in the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou lead–zinc polymetallic metallogenic area. The orebodies are distributed in several formations. This paper is based on large-scale alteration mapping combined with porosity and permeability measurements. We delineated the mineralization–alteration zones of different ore-bearing formations, explored the geological significance of porosity and permeability, and proposed prospecting directions. The research results indicate that during the mineralization period, the ore-forming metal fluids migrated from the deep part of the SSW region to the shallow part of the NNE region along the ore-guiding structure (Maoping Fault). Through the ore distribution structure, depressurization boiling occurred in the open space of the NE-trending interlayered sinistral compressive–torsional faults in several ore-bearing formations, resulting in fluid precipitation and the formation of different brecciated hot-melt dolomite lead–zinc mineralization zones. From the orebody to the wallrock, the C2w Formation and D3zg Formation are divided into four different mineralization–alteration zones. Tectonic activity affects the properties, migration, and precipitation of fluids, thereby controlling the alteration characteristics generated during fluid migration and thus changing the porosity and permeability. The porosity and permeability of strata on the NW flank of the anticline are greater than those of strata on the SE flank. On the NW flank, the greater the degree of mineralization–alteration is, the greater the porosity and permeability are, and the porosity of the orebody is lower than that during dolomitization. Finally, we believe that the NW flank of the anticline is an important area for prospecting. The pyrite + striped altered dolomite zone (Zones II–III) in the C2w limestone and the pyrite + strong dolomite zone (Zones II–III) in the D3zg dolomite are important prospecting indicators.

Variations in pore structures and permeabilities of ion adsorption rare earth ores during simulated in-situ leaching: Effect of newly formed clay particles and their swelling

In-situ leaching is essential for mining rare earth elements (REEs) from ion-adsorption rare earth (RE) ores. The efficiency of RE mining is dependent on the permeabilities of ion-adsorption RE ores, and the permeabilities are controlled by their pore structures. However, the current understanding of the pore structures and permeabilities of the RE ores during leaching is limited, particularly their dynamic variations, the controlling roles of different pore structure parameters on the permeability, the roles of the influencing factors and the mechanisms causing the variations. To investigate the above-mentioned issues, we conducted an experimental study of simulated in-situ leaching on undisturbed ion-adsorption RE ore samples under different conditions via constant waterhead permeability tests. The leaching conditions included leaching time, concentration and waterhead of the (NH4)2SO4 solution. Three-dimensional (3-D) pore structures of the RE ores before, during, and after leaching were constructed via X-ray computed tomography, and their pore structure parameters were measured using 3-D image computation. It was observed that the dynamic variations in both the pore structure parameters and permeability coefficients of the RE ores occurred in three distinct stages: rapid reduction, less rapid reduction, and little reduction. The experimental results also revealed that the permeability coefficients of the RE ores were primarily dependent on the average coordination number among the seven pore structure parameters examined, and that the pore throats larger than 30 μm in diameter served as the most effective seepage channels within the RE ores. The waterhead of the leaching solution had a stronger influence on the variations in pore structures and permeabilities compared to that of the concentration. Analysis of the particle/aggregate size distribution and mineralogical compositions of the RE ores before and after leaching indicated that the decreases in the pore structure parameters and permeabilities were largely attributed to clogging of the pore throats and pores by migrated and newly formed clays, as well as swelling of the latter. The newly formed clays were the products of the decomposition of K-feldspar and mica resulting from chemical reactions with the leaching solution. The clays from the two sources occurred in disaggregated and aggregated forms. The results of this study provide an important reference for the mining of RE ores via leaching.

Distribution of Manganese Ore Deposit in Sukaagung Village, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung

Abstract Manganese ore deposits are one of the most widely used metal alloys in everyday life. Generally, manganese ore deposits are present as residual deposits along with iron ore at certain pH and Eh conditions. These deposits can come from the chemical weathering of crystalline schist, limestone, and dolomite rocks or earlier manganese deposits. In Lampung, the presence of manganese ore can be found in Sukaagung Village, Tanggamus Regency, but little research has been done to determine the distribution and potential of manganese ore in this area. Therefore, this study aims to determine manganese ore distribution and enrichment process in the study area using field data and petrography. In general, manganese ore deposits in Sukaagung Village are present as veins that fill fractures and nodules. Manganese ore deposits that were present as fracture fillers were found intersecting marble, quartzite, and mica schist of the Complex of Gunungkasih Tak Terpisahkan, tuffaceous siltstone from Menanga Formation, and the lapilli tuff and andesite of the Hulusimpang Formation. These deposits are present in manganese as botryoidal and dendritic forms in rock fractures. Meanwhile, manganese ore deposits in the form of nodules are present in submarine volcanic sedimentary rocks in the Menanga Formation. The presence of manganese ore deposits in the study area is thought to be the result of the leaching of manganese elements from the banded iron formation which is associated with the Permian-Cretaceous magmatism, hydrothermal submarine, and rift basin. The acidic fluid dissolves other elements and leaves manganese ore as an economical mineral. Manganese ore is then carried by subsurface fluids, filling fractures in Paleozoic-Tertiary rocks. Even though the distribution of manganese ore in Sukaagung Village is quite wide, further research is needed to determine the potential and reserves of manganese ore in the study area.

Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Titaniferous Iron Ores in El-Baroud Layered Gabbros: Fe-Ti Ore Genesis and Tectono-Metallogenetic Setting

The Neoproterozoic pyroxene gabbros and gabbronorites in the El-Baroud mafic intrusion in the Northern Eastern Desert (NED) of Egypt host Fe-Ti oxide ore deposits. This study discusses the major and trace elements of both titaniferous iron ores and their host rocks, along with the mineral chemistry (major and in situ trace elements) of interstitial clinopyroxene (Cpx), to gain a deeper understanding of the Fe-Ti oxide genesis. These ores occur as disseminated (55–60 vol.% of Fe-Ti oxides) and massive types (85–95 vol.%) in the form of the dyke, layer, and lens. They are composed of titanomagnetite (80–87 vol.%) with subordinate ilmenite (10–15 vol.%) and magnetite (3–5 vol.%), in accordance with their high Fe2O3 (75.66 wt.% on average) and TiO2 contents (16.30–17.60 wt.%). The Cpx in the investigated ores is diopside composition (Mg#; 0.72–0.83) and exhibits a nearly convex upward REE pattern, similar to Cpxs in the ferropicrite that originated from the primitive mantle. Melts in equilibrium with this Cpx resemble Greenstone ferropicrite melts; the parent melt of El-Baroud gabbros is possibly a ferropicritic melt that was derived from the lithospheric mantle during plume interaction. The El-Baroud gabbroic rocks were generated during the arc rifting and crystallized under a high oxygen fugacity at a temperature of 800–1000 °C and a pressure of 3 kbar with a depth of 12 km. The Fe-Ti oxide ores have been formed from ferropicritic parent melts by two processes, including in situ crystallization that leads to the formation of disseminated Fe-Ti oxides in the iron-rich gabbros at the bottom and liquid immiscibility that is responsible for the formation of thick Fe-Ti ore lenses and layers at the top of the gabbroic intrusion. Initially, titanomagnetite crystallized from the primary Ti-rich oxide melt. As cooling progressed, some of the excess titanium in this melt was exsolved in the form of the exsolution ilmenite lamellae within the titanomagnetite. The Fe-Ti oxide layers in the NED follow the trend of NW-SE (Najd trend), where their distribution is possibly controlled by the composition of parent melts (rich in Ti and Fe), high oxygen fugacity, and the structure related to the Najd fault system. The distribution of Fe-Ti oxide ores increases from the NED to the Southern Eastern Desert (SED), suggesting the dominant mantle plumes and/or shear zones in the SED relative to the NED.

Effect of grinding media shape on the particle size distribution of UG2 ore using the response surface methodology central composite design

In this study, the effects of truncated ellipsoids and cubes on the particle size distribution of a UG2 ore were compared to the spheres using the response surface methodology for experimental design, modeling, and optimization. The response surface methodology demonstrated that it can be useful in optimizing grinding operations. It provides lenses to see and analyze the behavior of the ball filling, interstitial filling, and % solids parameters which are complex and interactive, and their effects on the production of the desired product (−75 µm) for different grinding media. Spherical grinding media outperformed truncated ellipsoids and cubes, producing the highest amount of the desired size class (82.58%), followed by 80.41% for truncated ellipsoids and 77.07% for cubes. Spheres also consumed the least power followed by cubes and lastly truncated ellipsoids. The differences in optimal grinding conditions were attributed to different contact mechanisms, surface area, and load behavior of the grinding media.

Study on the Influence of Particle Size Distribution on the Separation of Pyrite from Coal Gangue by Jigging

The presence of pyrite poses a significant impediment to the comprehensive utilization of coal gangue, which is a prevalent solid waste in industrial production. However, the current efficacy of jig separation for pyrite in fine-grade coal gangue remains unsatisfactory. To investigate the influence of particle size distribution on the jig separation of pyrite in fine-grade coal gangue, the raw material was crushed to less than 2 mm using a jaw crusher and subsequently sieved to obtain its particle size distribution curve. Upon fitting the curve, it was observed that it tends towards the Rosin-Rammler (RRSB) and Fuller distributions. Leveraging these two-parameter distribution curves, adjustments were made to determine the mass within each particle size range before conducting thorough mixing followed by jig separation. The results indicate that for fine-grade gangue particles smaller than 2 mm, the RRSB distribution with a uniformity coefficient of n = 0.85 exhibits the most effective separation, although it is comparable to the separation achieved using the size distribution of raw ore. On the other hand, employing the Fuller distribution with modulus of distribution q = 1.5 yields superior separation performance. In comparison to the raw ore, the concentrate shows an increase in sulfur (S) and iron (Fe) content by factors of 3.4 and 2.4, respectively. Furthermore, compared to the RRSB distribution, there is an increase in S and Fe content by 1.91% and 2.30%, respectively; the contents of S and Fe in tailings is 0.71% and 2.72%, which can be directly used as raw materials for coating materials. Therefore, for fine-grade coal gangue particles, jigging under the Fuller distribution demonstrates better effectiveness than under the RRSB distribution.

Assessing the Economic Value of Copper Mineral Resources in Ta Phoi Area, Lao Cai Province

Copper ore is one of the minerals that play an important role in the economic development of Lao Cai province. However, this is a non-renewable resource with high risk and great environmental impact in the mining process. Therefore, it is necessary to study and evaluate the economic value of mineral resources, creating a basis for planning the process of exploration, exploitation, rational use of resources, and environmental protection. This paper evaluates the economic value of mineral resources using resource assessment techniques. The total reserves and identified resources are 21,473 thousand tons of ore, corresponding to 160,278 tons of copper. In the case of using level 122 reserves, the identified resources is 16,412 thousand tons of ore, corresponding to 129,433 tons of copper. The forecasted resources are approximately 41,050 thousand tons of ore, which is equivalent to 198,235 tons of copper. The accompanying minerals, with a resource level 333, include 6.34 tons of gold (Au) and 24.39 tons of silver (Ag). The results show that copper content in the area is varied from 0.01% to 9.18% with an average of 1.50%, and the ore grade is changed from poor to medium. The distribution of copper ores is relatively uniform to very uneven, with the largest concentration found in the Ta Phoi area. The calculated potential recovery value (GTNth) and unit area value (URV) of copper minerals in the study area are substantial, with the highest URV is observed in the Ta Phoi area and the lowest one is obtained in the Coc San area. During the extraction process, the investor should consider recovering accompanying elements such as gold and silver to enhance the mine's economic value.

Ecological Risk Assessment and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soil in Yangchun City Based on APCS-MLR and Geostatistics

Yangchun City, a typical polymetallic ore distribution area in Guangdong Province (China), was selected as the research region to study the content, distribution, source, and possible impacts of heavy metals (HMs) (Arsenic: As; Cadmium: Cd; Chromium: Cr; Copper: Cu; Mercury: Hg; Nickel: Ni; Lead: Pb; and Zinc: Zn) on the farmland soil of this City. According to our findings, the spatial distribution of HMs in Yangchun City shows higher concentrations in the north and southeast and lower in the west and other regions. Metal content in some sampled sites of the agricultural land exceeded the soil pollution risk screening values, particularly As (7.5%), Cd (12%), Cu (4%), Hg (14.5%), and Pb (3%). Additionally, the average content of As, Cu, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Zn from the studied areas surpassed the soil background value of Guangdong Province for all metals. The absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) was used to identify potential sources of HMs in the soil samples. There are three potential sources identified by the model: traffic emissions, natural sources, and agricultural activities, accounting for 28.16%, 16.68%, and 14.42%, respectively. Based on the ecological risk assessment, the potential ecological risk (Eri = 310.77), Nemero pollution index (PN = 2.27), and multiple possible effect concentration quality (mPECQs = 0.23) indicated that the extent of heavy metal pollution in the soil samples was moderate. Three sources were identified: traffic emissions, natural sources, and agricultural activities. We suggest that by combining the above results, a monitoring and early warning system focused on Cd and Hg can be established. The system could utilize geographic information systems and remote sensing technologies to achieve dynamic monitoring and prediction of pollution. Regular testing of soils and sustainable management practices are also recommended to control and remediate contamination.

RANCANGAN SEQUENCE PENAMBANGAN PADA BLOK A4 PT. ADHI KARTIKO PRATAMA DESA LAMERURU KECAMATAN LANGGIKIMA KABUPATEN KONAWE UTARA PROVINSI SULAWESI TENGGARA


 Adhi Kartiko Pratama is a private company which operates in the nickel mining sector and has a Mining Business License covering an area of 1975 Ha. To maintain the company's production, currently PT. AKP plans to open a new mining location in Front Block A, especially in Sub Block A4, with a production target of 100,000 tons per month. This research aims to design a mining sequence based on production targets in Block A4. The design created is an estimated ore distribution. Minable reserves based on the mining pit limit design in Block A4 are 466,383.36 bcm with a total tonnage of 769,532.54 tons with an average Ni content of 1.76%, and including mining recovery parameters of 90%, it is 419,745, 02 bcm and a tonnage of 692,579.29 tons with an average Ni content of 1.74%, then the estimated mine life in Block A4 PT. Adhi Kartiko Pratama will last approximately 6 months. Based on the production target in Block A4, the mining sequence design is divided into 6 stages carried out using a level plan system or following excavation levels, where mining will start from topography with the highest level of 180 meters above sea level to topography with the lowest level of 135 meters above sea level.

Seismic Evidence for a Transcrustal Magmatic Pathway Contributing to Critical Metal Deposits

AbstractThe Nanling metallogenic belt in South China hosts ∼50 percent of the world's tungsten (W), ∼20 percent tin (Sn), and other critical metals. However, the factors controlling ore distribution and types are still debated, due partly to the lack of high‐resolution crustal models. We apply an array‐based receiver function imaging method to resolve the fine‐scale crustal structure using a newly deployed dense nodal array across the belt. We find weak Moho converting phases in the northern belt, indicating a gradual crust‐mantle transition distinct from the sharp transitions observed elsewhere. The weak Moho spatially correlates with a major fault zone, A‐type granite distribution, and Sn ore deposits. Combining with geochemical and petrological evidence, we propose that the gradual crust‐mantle transition is attributed to, and likely facilitated, the mixing of mantle materials with the crust, thus contributing to Sn and other Mesozoic ore formations in the northern Nanling belt.

Ore image segmentation Based on Multiscale Parallel Efficient Channel Attention U-Network

Accurately detecting ore particle size and applying them to the control of semi-autogenous grinding mills are important for improving grinding productivity. Due to the wide range of ore size distribution and mutual adhesion of ores when entering the mill, the current methods based on deep learning image segmentation suffer from significant limitations and poor segmentation effectiveness in practical application. To address this issue, we propose a multi-scale parallel efficient channel attention U-net (MPECA-Unet) segmentation model. The proposed method introduces two-dimensional global attention computation in both spatial and channel domains. It also integrates multiscale fusion information with the encoder's varied scale features to improve segmentation performance for ore image. Experimental results show that the segmentation performance of the model is superior, with smaller error rate when compared to the on-site manual screening results.

Distribution and mineralogical features of thorite in the Bayan Obo deposit: Implications for hydrothermal metasomatic Th re-enrichment

Thorite, as a principally Th-bearing independent mineral, is an important indicator for Th mineralization. However, its genesis and significance for Th enrichment processes are still unclear. Herein, we address this issue based on systematic mineralogical observation and major element analyses of thorites with related monazite and bastnäsite from different type ores in the Bayan Obo deposit. The thorites are mainly hosted in biotite-type and riebeckite-type ores with minor distribution in aegirine-type and banded-type ores, but are scarce in dolomite-type ores. The thorites in each type ores principally contain Th, O and Si with variable LREE and Fe concentrations. They commonly occur as vein (or veinlet) or aggregation crosscutting, cavity-infilling or around REE, Fe and Nb minerals, and some of these minerals exist as relict or inclusion within the thorites. In addition, late-stage huanghoite and pyrite are intergrown with the thorites or appear as inclusions within the thorites. These petrographic characteristics suggest that thorite formation was posterior to REE, Fe and Nb mineralization and was related to Paleozoic hydrothermal mineralization events. Barite and alkali alteration minerals (e.g., biotite and riebeckite) show a closely spatial relationship with the thorites, which indicates that hydrothermal fluids for thorite formation were enriched in alkalis (K+ and Na+) and sulfate (SO42-). Major element analyses of monazite and bastnäsite exhibit variable ThO2 concentration (unaltered region: 7.13 ∼ 14.34 wt% for monazite, 0.64 ∼ 1.33 wt% for bastnäsite; altered region: 2.50 ∼ 5.41 wt% for monazite, 0.17 ∼ 0.53 wt% for bastnäsite), which indicates that later-formed monazite and bastnäsite underwent Th leaching by chemical-coupled substitutions including: (1) 2REE3+ = Th4+ + Ca2+; and (2) P5+ + REE3+ = Si4+ + Th4+. In combination with relevant published data, our study suggests that later-stage Th-rich monazite and bastnäsite in the Bayan Obo deposit experienced mineral dissolution and Th leaching by metasomatism of hydrothermal fluids, which induced Th re-enrichment in form of thorite precipitation. On the other hand, as intrinsically high Th content of the thorites, this study also evaluates grain size and Th abundance of the thorites within different type ores, and proposes that biotite-type and riebeckite-type are targeted type ores for thorite extraction and Th collection.

Efficient segmentation with texture in ore images based on box-supervised approach

Image segmentation methods have been utilized to determine the particle size distribution of crushed ores. Due to the complex working environment, high-powered computing equipment is difficult to deploy. At the same time, the ore distribution is stacked, and it is difficult to identify the complete features. To address this issue, an effective box-supervised technique with texture features is provided for ore image segmentation that can identify complete and independent ores. Firstly, a ghost feature pyramid network (Ghost-FPN) is proposed to process the features obtained from the backbone to reduce redundant semantic information and computation generated by complex networks. Then, an optimized detection head is proposed to obtain the feature to maintain accuracy. Finally, Lab color space (Lab) and local binary patterns (LBP) texture features are combined to form a fusion feature similarity-based loss function to improve accuracy while incurring no loss. Experiments on MS COCO have shown that the proposed fusion features are also worth studying on other types of datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, which achieves over 50 frames per second with a small model size of 21.6 MB. Meanwhile, the method maintains a high level of accuracy 67.8 in AP50box and 47.7 in AP50mask compared with the state-of-the-art approaches on ore image dataset, even better than bounding box tightness prior (BBTP) by 10.4/1.3 on AP50box/ AP50maskmetrics with the ResNet50 as backbone. The source code is available at https://github.com/MVME-HBUT/OREINST.

A numerical sensitivity study – The effectiveness of RFID-based ore tracking through a simulated coarse ore stockpile and the impacts of key process variables

The ability to understand ore characteristics in real-time during mining processes is vital for ensuring product quality control. However, it is challenging to continuously track ore flow from the mine to the mill due to the blending of ore batches, especially within stockpiles. This paper presents a numerical study of copper ore tracking through a coarse ore stockpile. A discrete element model of a 3D stockpile was created using the EDEM software to evaluate the effectiveness of using RFID tags for ore tracking. To identify the primary variables and their effect on ore transport and tracking through the stockpile, a sensitivity study was conducted to investigate a range of process variables, such as ore size distribution, ore size range, RFID tag size, wall friction, the trajectory of charging particles and stockpile charging methods. The results show that the stockpile model is not sensitive to variables such as the ore size distribution, ore size range and RFID tag size, while wall friction, stockpile feed belt speed, segregation in the ore flow region and contact model have a significant effect on ore blending within the stockpile. It was found that the overall performance of RFID-based ore tracking through the stockpile is poor. For cases with only one or a few tags per ore batch the order in which the tags are read did not provide a good representation of the ore distribution for most scenarios This sensitivity study provides insights into new tracking strategies given the poor performance of RFID tracking shown by the simulation study.

Effects of controllable shock wave on particle size characteristics of tin polymetallic ore crushing products

Different minerals in tin polymetallic ores have varying degrees of grindability. When the particle size distribution of the crushed ore is unreasonable, sufficient liberation of useful minerals necessitates an increase in the grinding time, resulting in the easily grindable tin metal minerals being over-ground, further causing the loss of tin metal resources in the subsequent beneficiation process. In this study, a controlled shock wave technique based on electrical pulses was introduced to pretreated tin polymetallic ores. The effects on the physical properties of the tin polymetallic ore obtained using controllable shock wave pretreatment were investigated using an ultra-depth three-dimensional microscope, a universal mechanical testing machine, mercury porosimeter, and crushing tests. The crushing results showed that the average particle size of the pretreated ore crushing products was 17.98% smaller than that of the untreated ore crushing products. Furthermore, the particle size characteristic equation demonstrated that the particle size distribution of the pretreated ore crushing products was more reasonable. The mechanism analysis revealed that the internal structure and surface morphology of the tin polymetallic ore were fractured by the controllable shock wave based on the electrical pulse, the compressive strength of the ore after pretreatment was reduced by 91.23%, and the porosity value was increased by 5.38% compared with that of the untreated ore. Therefore, it is feasible to pretreat tin polymetallic ores with controllable shock wave before the crushing process, which reduces the ore crushing resistance and improves the particle size characteristics of ore crushing products.

Super-enrichment of ultra-low concentration rhenium via synergistic co-flocculation precipitation using CTAB and ferric salt hydrolysis micelles

Super-enrichment and recovery of associated Rhenium (Re) in sandstone-type uranium deposits is challenging due to its sparse distribution and ultra-low contents in raw ores. Conventional industrial processes are extremely difficult to achieve economic recovery of Re with a concentration below 0.1 mg/L from in-situ leaching solutions of sandstone-type uranium deposits. This study proposes a novel approach for achieving super-enrichment ultra-low concentration of Re using a synergistic co-flocculation precipitation system composed of cetyltrimethylammonium-bromide (CTAB) and ferric salt (FeCl3) hydrolysis micelles. Experimental results reveal that the enriched content of Re in the co-flocculation precipitates is as high as 503 g/t, nearly 3353 times higher than that in the in-situ leaching solutions. The synergistic precipitation percentage of Re can reach more than 60%, which is larger than the sum of using CTAB micellar flocculation (30.16%) and FeCl3 hydrolysis micellar flocculation (5.43%) separately. Furthermore, the synergistic co-flocculation and precipitation mechanism of Re is examined by SEM, turbidity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Zeta potential analysis, and DTF calculations. Results demonstrate that the ReO4- anions first form ion associations with CTA+ cations through electrostatic force, which are subsequently captured to forms insoluble co-flocculating precipitate via weak intermolecular hydrogen bond force between Fe(OH)3 and ReO4-, which promotes the super-enrichment of the ultra-low concentration Re. In summary, this process presents great potential for the efficient recovery Re from a large amounts of sandstone-type uranium deposits leaching solution, and provides new insights into the enhancement mechanism of synergistic co-flocculation precipitation.