1057
The Validation of Predictive Metallurgical Simulation Models by
Locked Cycle Test Results
Erdem Özdemir, Risto Aho, Aleksandra Lang, Juha Saari
Metso Research Center, Pori, Finland
Hanuman Rao
Mawarid Mining LLC, Sohar, Oman
ABSTRACT: The variability in mineral processing plant feed presents significant operational challenges.
Consequently, there is a growing adoption of geometallurgical modeling in both the design and operation of
concentrator plants. Predictive modeling aims to define optimal process parameters for the plant, accounting
for variations in the ore feed. This study focuses on integrating the metallurgical performance of various ore
deposits of interest into HSC ® simulation and validating the simulation results using locked cycle test method.
Keywords: flotation, modelling, simulation, geometallurgy, HSC Sim ®, mass balance. locked cycle test
INTRODUCTION
In the contemporary global landscape, the demand for raw
materials, particularly from a mineral processing perspec-
tive, has witnessed a significant upswing. Mineral process-
ing, a crucial stage in the production of various industrial
raw materials, plays a pivotal role in extracting valuable
minerals from ores and transforming them into usable
commodities (Vidal et al., 2022). This surge in demand for
raw materials stems from diverse factors, including rapid
industrialization, technological advancements, and popula-
tion growth (Wiedmann et. al, 2015). Understanding this
trend is vital for comprehending the intricate dynamics of
the global economy and addressing the challenges associ-
ated with sustainable resource management (Lingli, 2023).
Modeling and simulation play a pivotal role in the
mineral processing field, providing valuable tools for under-
standing, optimizing, and predicting the complex processes
involved in concentrating minerals from ores (Cisternas
et. al, 2020). This interdisciplinary approach integrates
principles from, chemistry, engineering, and mathemat-
ics to create virtual representations of mineral processing
operations. Through the development and application of
models and simulations, researchers and engineers can gain
insights into process behavior, improve efficiency, and make
more accurate decisions without the need for extensive and
costly experimental trials (Käyhkö et al., 2022). Therefore,
development of new approaches and technics in modeling
and simulation topics can create a huge impact on mineral
processing projects and mitigate the risk factors.
Mawarid has launched, overseen, and completed vari-
ous copper exploration, development, and operational
ventures within Oman. Furthermore, the company has exe-
cuted strategic acquisitions and investments, focusing on
projects with imminent development prospects. Currently,
Mawarid is engaged in operations across the Sultanate
of Oman, Namibia, Rwanda, and Papua New Guinea
(Mawarid Mining, 2020). The study consists of three sam-
ples representing different Mawarid Ghuzayn 3 (located
The Validation of Predictive Metallurgical Simulation Models by
Locked Cycle Test Results
Erdem Özdemir, Risto Aho, Aleksandra Lang, Juha Saari
Metso Research Center, Pori, Finland
Hanuman Rao
Mawarid Mining LLC, Sohar, Oman
ABSTRACT: The variability in mineral processing plant feed presents significant operational challenges.
Consequently, there is a growing adoption of geometallurgical modeling in both the design and operation of
concentrator plants. Predictive modeling aims to define optimal process parameters for the plant, accounting
for variations in the ore feed. This study focuses on integrating the metallurgical performance of various ore
deposits of interest into HSC ® simulation and validating the simulation results using locked cycle test method.
Keywords: flotation, modelling, simulation, geometallurgy, HSC Sim ®, mass balance. locked cycle test
INTRODUCTION
In the contemporary global landscape, the demand for raw
materials, particularly from a mineral processing perspec-
tive, has witnessed a significant upswing. Mineral process-
ing, a crucial stage in the production of various industrial
raw materials, plays a pivotal role in extracting valuable
minerals from ores and transforming them into usable
commodities (Vidal et al., 2022). This surge in demand for
raw materials stems from diverse factors, including rapid
industrialization, technological advancements, and popula-
tion growth (Wiedmann et. al, 2015). Understanding this
trend is vital for comprehending the intricate dynamics of
the global economy and addressing the challenges associ-
ated with sustainable resource management (Lingli, 2023).
Modeling and simulation play a pivotal role in the
mineral processing field, providing valuable tools for under-
standing, optimizing, and predicting the complex processes
involved in concentrating minerals from ores (Cisternas
et. al, 2020). This interdisciplinary approach integrates
principles from, chemistry, engineering, and mathemat-
ics to create virtual representations of mineral processing
operations. Through the development and application of
models and simulations, researchers and engineers can gain
insights into process behavior, improve efficiency, and make
more accurate decisions without the need for extensive and
costly experimental trials (Käyhkö et al., 2022). Therefore,
development of new approaches and technics in modeling
and simulation topics can create a huge impact on mineral
processing projects and mitigate the risk factors.
Mawarid has launched, overseen, and completed vari-
ous copper exploration, development, and operational
ventures within Oman. Furthermore, the company has exe-
cuted strategic acquisitions and investments, focusing on
projects with imminent development prospects. Currently,
Mawarid is engaged in operations across the Sultanate
of Oman, Namibia, Rwanda, and Papua New Guinea
(Mawarid Mining, 2020). The study consists of three sam-
ples representing different Mawarid Ghuzayn 3 (located