Innovative comminution strategies for optimizing mineral concentrate quality, grade, and recovery rates

Abstract

Purpose: Geological characterization preceded the essential crushing and grinding operations to facilitate effective mineral liberation. By examining breakage mechanisms including impact loading, compressive stress, shear forces, attrition, and non-mechanical disintegration pathways, this study quantifies energy consumption parameters ranging from 5 to 25 kWh per tonne, underscoring com-minution's pivotal role as the primary ore dressing stage.
Design/methodology/approach: The research extensively investigates mineral liberation phenomena, particle size distribution evolution, and the downstream implications of comminution on mineral concentration and flotation performance, drawing comparisons with established methodologies such as mine-to-mill optimization frameworks.
Findings: The findings advocate for the mineral processing sector to embrace forward-looking paradigms that integrate advanced technological solutions and innovative operational approaches to ensure sustainable and efficient mineral resource exploitation. 
Originality: State-of-the-art technological interventions enhance mineral separation efficiency and metal extraction yields, promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable raw material utilization.
Practical implications: This synthesis emphasizes the fundamental importance of efficient comminution practices, accounting for economic considerations, energy demands, and ore-specific characteristics, while advocating for progressive size reduction technologies.
Social implications: Technological innovations including Autogenous Grinding (AG) and Semi-Autogenous Grinding (SAG) milling systems demonstrate significant operational advancements, with contemporary studies evaluating their effects on mineral recovery kinetics.