554 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
The SBS method demonstrated remarkable results (see
Figure 6) achieving Cr₂O₃ grades of up to 38.4%, com-
pared to the initial 25.7% and above the target of 37%, and
effectively reducing phosphorus and silica content by 60%.
Additionally, SBS achieved a metallurgical recovery of
78.2% and a mass recovery of 54.4%, surpassing the aver-
age performance of the traditional jigging method in the
year of 2023 (Figure 7). These point to the potential of SBS
to enhance both the efficiency and sustainability of mineral
processing operations at the Ipueira Mine.
The comparison between the two methods revealed that
SBS not only improves the quality of the chromite concen-
trate but also offers significant environmental benefits by
minimizing water use. The BATAC jig has been a reliable
method for years however the superior performance of the
Steinert KSS CLI XT in terms of higher Cr₂O₃ grades and
better recovery rates highlights its potential as a more effec-
tive and sustainable alternative.
CONCLUSION
Sensor-based-sorting offers a way to reduce water and
energy usage in mineral processing. The technology can be
applied at multiple positions at a flowsheet and some case
studies were presented in the paper to better illustrate that.
The first case demonstrates the effect of SBS preconcen-
tration on a SABC circuit of polymetallic ore. Remarkable
Table 2. Jig production results for the year of 2023 (Sarubbi, 2024)
Material Cr₂O₃ (%)Mass Pull %Metal Recovery %
Lump
Intermediate
(Lump +Intermediate)
Waste
37.0 ± 0.4
17.0 ± 1.2
26.8 ± 1.2
8.0 ± 0.9
21.2 ± 4.9
22.2 ± 2.6
43.9 ± 5.7
56.1 ±5.7
48.9 ±7.1
23.4 ±3.4
72.3 ± 4.8
27.7 ± 4.8
Feed 16.3 ± 1.5 100% 100%
Figure 6. Cumulative results from the sensor-based-sorting trial (Sarubbi, 2024)
78.2%
48.9%
54.4%
21.7%
37.0% 37.0%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
KSS Jig
KSS (test) vs. Jig (year 2023)
Metal recovery Mass pull Cr₂O₃ (%)
Figure 7. Comparison of the results of the Steinert KSS with the BATAC jig (Sarubbi, 2024)
The SBS method demonstrated remarkable results (see
Figure 6) achieving Cr₂O₃ grades of up to 38.4%, com-
pared to the initial 25.7% and above the target of 37%, and
effectively reducing phosphorus and silica content by 60%.
Additionally, SBS achieved a metallurgical recovery of
78.2% and a mass recovery of 54.4%, surpassing the aver-
age performance of the traditional jigging method in the
year of 2023 (Figure 7). These point to the potential of SBS
to enhance both the efficiency and sustainability of mineral
processing operations at the Ipueira Mine.
The comparison between the two methods revealed that
SBS not only improves the quality of the chromite concen-
trate but also offers significant environmental benefits by
minimizing water use. The BATAC jig has been a reliable
method for years however the superior performance of the
Steinert KSS CLI XT in terms of higher Cr₂O₃ grades and
better recovery rates highlights its potential as a more effec-
tive and sustainable alternative.
CONCLUSION
Sensor-based-sorting offers a way to reduce water and
energy usage in mineral processing. The technology can be
applied at multiple positions at a flowsheet and some case
studies were presented in the paper to better illustrate that.
The first case demonstrates the effect of SBS preconcen-
tration on a SABC circuit of polymetallic ore. Remarkable
Table 2. Jig production results for the year of 2023 (Sarubbi, 2024)
Material Cr₂O₃ (%)Mass Pull %Metal Recovery %
Lump
Intermediate
(Lump +Intermediate)
Waste
37.0 ± 0.4
17.0 ± 1.2
26.8 ± 1.2
8.0 ± 0.9
21.2 ± 4.9
22.2 ± 2.6
43.9 ± 5.7
56.1 ±5.7
48.9 ±7.1
23.4 ±3.4
72.3 ± 4.8
27.7 ± 4.8
Feed 16.3 ± 1.5 100% 100%
Figure 6. Cumulative results from the sensor-based-sorting trial (Sarubbi, 2024)
78.2%
48.9%
54.4%
21.7%
37.0% 37.0%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
KSS Jig
KSS (test) vs. Jig (year 2023)
Metal recovery Mass pull Cr₂O₃ (%)
Figure 7. Comparison of the results of the Steinert KSS with the BATAC jig (Sarubbi, 2024)