1504 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
sheet is available with this unit. If alternate sensor technolo-
gies are warranted, SRK can assist with developing a proj-
ect-specific approach to evaluate these additional sensors.
APPLICATIONS
The SRK test protocol provides insight in coarse break-
age/metal deportment not currently available from perfor-
mance testing and mineralogical studies. Pre-concentration
flowsheet simulations are used to illustrate the range of
results and the interrelated nature of metal deportment and
amenability to XRT sensor sorting. In particular, estimates
of fines bypass (both tonnage and grade) are provided in
the test results.
Early-stage Studies
It is the authors’ opinion that pre-concentration should
be considered as early as possible in the project develop-
ment phase. The protocol described here offers a repeatable
and scientific approach to assessing amenability however,
depending on sensitivity to metal losses and operating cost,
it is likely only a minority of cases will show improved
economics.
SRK’s methodology works within the current con-
straints of scoping studies—having access to a drillcore
assay database and a limited number of half core interval
samples. If positive economics are indicated, the next phase
of work involves additional sample testing to improve con-
fidence in predicting the results and progress towards pilot
sample work (i.e., performance testing).
Existing Operations
There is also a growing interest amongst brownfield sites
or existing operations to assess stockpiles of marginal grade
material and/or future satellite deposits. It is clear that
reducing waste material volumes prior to transport to a
centralized process plant will lower haulage costs, improve
ore grades, and reduce tailings quantities.
To assess existing stockpiles, portable crushing/screen-
ing plants can be used to generate representative samples
that can be submitted for SRK test protocol to confirm the
scale-up between lab-scale and full-scale operation.
Comminution Circuit Recycles
Another application of the SRK lab test is evaluating coarse
streams in existing comminution circuits, such as autog-
enous and semi-autogenous grinding (AG/SAG) mill
pebbles. It is Dance’s opinion that mill pebbles remain
under-investigated and the SRK/BML XRT lab unit is capa-
ble of providing insight into how pebble streams change in
size, metal deportment and hardness. Conventional crush-
ing circuits also include coarse streams (screen oversize)
which should be investigated to confirm they are not sim-
ply waste streams being crushed again for convenience or
housekeeping. The flowsheet does not consider stockpiling
reject material before it enters the plant and consumes sig-
nificantly more power and water resources.
Source: SRK 2024
Figure 9. Sample hardness (ore &waste) showing average A*b and range of values for XRT groups
sheet is available with this unit. If alternate sensor technolo-
gies are warranted, SRK can assist with developing a proj-
ect-specific approach to evaluate these additional sensors.
APPLICATIONS
The SRK test protocol provides insight in coarse break-
age/metal deportment not currently available from perfor-
mance testing and mineralogical studies. Pre-concentration
flowsheet simulations are used to illustrate the range of
results and the interrelated nature of metal deportment and
amenability to XRT sensor sorting. In particular, estimates
of fines bypass (both tonnage and grade) are provided in
the test results.
Early-stage Studies
It is the authors’ opinion that pre-concentration should
be considered as early as possible in the project develop-
ment phase. The protocol described here offers a repeatable
and scientific approach to assessing amenability however,
depending on sensitivity to metal losses and operating cost,
it is likely only a minority of cases will show improved
economics.
SRK’s methodology works within the current con-
straints of scoping studies—having access to a drillcore
assay database and a limited number of half core interval
samples. If positive economics are indicated, the next phase
of work involves additional sample testing to improve con-
fidence in predicting the results and progress towards pilot
sample work (i.e., performance testing).
Existing Operations
There is also a growing interest amongst brownfield sites
or existing operations to assess stockpiles of marginal grade
material and/or future satellite deposits. It is clear that
reducing waste material volumes prior to transport to a
centralized process plant will lower haulage costs, improve
ore grades, and reduce tailings quantities.
To assess existing stockpiles, portable crushing/screen-
ing plants can be used to generate representative samples
that can be submitted for SRK test protocol to confirm the
scale-up between lab-scale and full-scale operation.
Comminution Circuit Recycles
Another application of the SRK lab test is evaluating coarse
streams in existing comminution circuits, such as autog-
enous and semi-autogenous grinding (AG/SAG) mill
pebbles. It is Dance’s opinion that mill pebbles remain
under-investigated and the SRK/BML XRT lab unit is capa-
ble of providing insight into how pebble streams change in
size, metal deportment and hardness. Conventional crush-
ing circuits also include coarse streams (screen oversize)
which should be investigated to confirm they are not sim-
ply waste streams being crushed again for convenience or
housekeeping. The flowsheet does not consider stockpiling
reject material before it enters the plant and consumes sig-
nificantly more power and water resources.
Source: SRK 2024
Figure 9. Sample hardness (ore &waste) showing average A*b and range of values for XRT groups
