1103
Digitalization in Mining And Mineral Processing—A New
Solution for Potential Increasing the Metals Recovery
Dariusz Foszcz, Daniel Saramak, Damian Krawczykowski,
Aldona Krawczykowska, Tomasz Gawenda
AGH University of Cracow, Poland
Jacek Galas, Dariusz Litwin
Łukasiuewicz Research Network—Tele and Radio Research Institute
AGH University of Cracow, Poland
Ewelina Kasińska-Pilut
KGHM “Polish Copper” S.A.
ABSTRACT: The paper deals with issues of increasing the recovery of useful copper minerals through the
application of specific production scheme. A new model of production presented in the paper is connected
with technology for monitoring and control of copper ore processing and is based on artificial intelligence. The
technology operates at the copper flotation stage and consists of a vision system for analysis of flotation froth
images. Image processing algorithms determine the characteristics of the froth and on that basis are capable
of modifying and optimizing the flotation process course. The article characterizes the concept and expected
outcomes resulting from the implementation of this technique.
INTRODUCTION
The technology of raw materials beneficiation is relatively
simple in its idea, because its main purpose is to separate a
useful mineral from a gangue with the highest possible and
economically viable effectiveness. The problem becomes
significant in terms of ores, especially for the run-of-
mine with complex mineralization of useful compounds.
A proper recognition of the feed material becomes a key-
point in selection of specific processing technology for a
given type of feed.
Contemporary analytical methods more commonly
utilize computer-based techniques for qualitative and
quantitative assessment of a raw material. Image analyses
and video techniques supported by the microscopy, for
example, help in determination of physical properties of
individual particles, like the shape and size (Abbireddy
and Clayton 2009, Cavarretta 2009). Even if technologi-
cal development and automation of measurements allow
for increasing the representative number of particles in the
measurement, the methods based on microscopy gener-
ally include 2D image analysis. More advanced technology
utilizes 3D scanning, 3D optical microscopy, computed
tomography and dynamic image analysis methods, for a
more detailed description of individual particles. They are
usually capable of overcoming the problem of measurement
and recording a large number of images in short periods
Digitalization in Mining And Mineral Processing—A New
Solution for Potential Increasing the Metals Recovery
Dariusz Foszcz, Daniel Saramak, Damian Krawczykowski,
Aldona Krawczykowska, Tomasz Gawenda
AGH University of Cracow, Poland
Jacek Galas, Dariusz Litwin
Łukasiuewicz Research Network—Tele and Radio Research Institute
AGH University of Cracow, Poland
Ewelina Kasińska-Pilut
KGHM “Polish Copper” S.A.
ABSTRACT: The paper deals with issues of increasing the recovery of useful copper minerals through the
application of specific production scheme. A new model of production presented in the paper is connected
with technology for monitoring and control of copper ore processing and is based on artificial intelligence. The
technology operates at the copper flotation stage and consists of a vision system for analysis of flotation froth
images. Image processing algorithms determine the characteristics of the froth and on that basis are capable
of modifying and optimizing the flotation process course. The article characterizes the concept and expected
outcomes resulting from the implementation of this technique.
INTRODUCTION
The technology of raw materials beneficiation is relatively
simple in its idea, because its main purpose is to separate a
useful mineral from a gangue with the highest possible and
economically viable effectiveness. The problem becomes
significant in terms of ores, especially for the run-of-
mine with complex mineralization of useful compounds.
A proper recognition of the feed material becomes a key-
point in selection of specific processing technology for a
given type of feed.
Contemporary analytical methods more commonly
utilize computer-based techniques for qualitative and
quantitative assessment of a raw material. Image analyses
and video techniques supported by the microscopy, for
example, help in determination of physical properties of
individual particles, like the shape and size (Abbireddy
and Clayton 2009, Cavarretta 2009). Even if technologi-
cal development and automation of measurements allow
for increasing the representative number of particles in the
measurement, the methods based on microscopy gener-
ally include 2D image analysis. More advanced technology
utilizes 3D scanning, 3D optical microscopy, computed
tomography and dynamic image analysis methods, for a
more detailed description of individual particles. They are
usually capable of overcoming the problem of measurement
and recording a large number of images in short periods