6
less variation in the extremes of ore head grade, pointing
towards more stable ore sourcing or selection.
The concentrate mass pull obtained for Senfroth 153
was similar to the baseline at ~3.4 (Figures 5B). However,
it is worth noting that the box (Interquartile Range) bounds
the middle 50% of the data, from the first quartile (Q1)
to the third quartile (Q3). A narrow box for Senfroth 153
shows less variability in mass pull percentages. Consistency
is key for predictable plant performance and product
quality.
The 4E PGM recovery data shows improvements
in recovery rates of over 5% with Senfroth 153, which is
reflected by higher medians, tighter interquartile ranges,
and fewer outliers (Figure 5C). This would demonstrate the
positive impact of the Senfroth 153 trial on the plant’s abil-
ity to recover valuable minerals from the feed. Such insights
can guide further optimization efforts and strategic deci-
sions to enhance the overall profitability and sustainability
of the operation.
The analysis of the 4E PGM concentrate grade through
its box and whisker chart reveals the plant’s capability to
produce high-grade concentrate efficiently and consis-
tently. The shorter whiskers in the Senfroth 153 condition
indicate a more consistent range of concentrate grades,
with fewer extreme variations however, a slightly lower 4E
PGM concentrate grade of 99 g/t was obtained compared
to the baseline which was 104 g/t 4E PGM (Figure 5D).
The analysis of the tailings grade through the box and
whisker chart reveals not only the plant’s efficiency in mini-
mizing valuable metal losses but also the consistency and
reliability of its recovery processes. Enhancements seen
under Senfroth 153 conditions, as evidenced by lower
median tailings grades of 0.8 g/t 4E PGM compared to the
baseline which was 0.95 g/t 4E PGM, reduced variability,
and fewer extreme losses demonstrate effective improve-
ments in the metallurgical process, contributing to higher
overall 4E PGM recovery rates and better economic out-
comes for the plant (Figure 5E).
Froth Stability Tests
The data for the three-phase Bikerman tests showing the
maximum froth height, average froth stability and delta
change in froth stability for the frothers evaluated with and
without other reagents are shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8,
respectively.
Figure 6 shows the maximum froth height in centime-
tres for each frother evaluated with and without reagents:
It is interesting to note that the trends of the frother only
tests do not correspond to those of the frothers with other
reagents. In the case of frother only, the Senfroth 153 gen-
erally showed the lowest froth stability, while with other
reagents it had an intermediate froth stability. In addi-
tion, if one looks at Table 1, which shows the difference in
maximum froth heights with and without other reagents
Figure 4. 4E PGM recovery versus SIBX dosage curve for a Merensky ore with Senfroth 153
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