HPGR comminution for optimization of copper leaching

High-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) are an accepted, but continuously expanding, comminution technology. The copper industry has a growing need to process harder ores with progressively lower grades, more challenging metallurgy and increasing demand for efficient bacterial leaching applications. Thi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Minerals & Metallurgical Processing 2011-05, Vol.28 (2), p.77-81
Main Authors: Baum, W., Ausburn, K.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acids
Capital costs
Copper
Copper industry
Cost control
Energy consumption
Engineering
Gold
Laboratories
Leaching
Materials Engineering
Metallic Materials
Mineral Resources
Optimization
Studies
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Summary:High-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) are an accepted, but continuously expanding, comminution technology. The copper industry has a growing need to process harder ores with progressively lower grades, more challenging metallurgy and increasing demand for efficient bacterial leaching applications. This has resulted in a major focus on HPGR use in a crushing circuit. If the industry is to increase leach extraction while lowering energy costs in high-throughput hydrometallurgical operations, HPGR will be of inherent significance. The following paper summarizes test work on copper leach ores utilizing the benefits of HPGR comminution, while increasing several critical metallurgical parameters. Based on the current work and previous investigations, it was found that HPGR comminution within a crushing circuit, in specific instances, can result in 2 − >10% increases in copper extraction. The tested variables are crush size, rock type and copper mineralogy dependence. Various other process parameters may also be optimized.
ISSN:2524-3462
2524-3470
DOI:10.1007/BF03402391