WORLD PROSPECTS could positively impact the overall cost structure of the operations .
Key anticipated drivers include increased operating hours , reduced cycle times and improved cycle efficiency , and decreased operating costs in terms of maintenance , fuel , labour and tyres . AHS should also lead to improved in-cycle productivity and overall utilisation , reducing the number of trucks required , ioneer said .
To date , Cat autonomous mining trucks have safely hauled more than 2 billion tonnes of material worldwide , driving over 67.6 million km without a lost-time injury in the process , the OEM claims .
The Rhyolite Ridge operations are scheduled to start in 2023 with a fleet of Cat 785 Next Generation mining trucks ( pictured ) equipped with Cat Command for hauling , and the fleet is scheduled to expand significantly in year four , ioneer explained . All support equipment will feature the latest MineStar technology using high-precision GPS and realtime analytics to maximise efficiency and accuracy in material loading , it added .
This will be the first greenfield operation in North America to use AHS and will mark the expansion of Command for hauling automation technology to the 140-t class Cat 785 Next Generation mining truck .
The MoU between Cat and ioneer is for the use of Cat Command for hauling at the Rhyolite Ridge mine . The companies have engaged in preliminary , non-binding negotiations regarding the terms of the proposed transaction and intend to negotiate formal agreements in the coming months , ioneer said .
The partnership will operate through Cashman Equipment , Nevada ’ s Caterpillar dealership since 1931 . The fleet and initial auxiliary equipment will all be equipped with
Cat MineStar Terrain , sold and supported by Intermountain Mining Technologies . This GPS system provides improved data for drilling , excavation , grading and dozing and should allow for better delineation of the overburden and ore for Rhyolite Ridge , according to ioneer . As stated in the October 2020 release , the equipment and services supplied by Caterpillar during the first five years of operation is valued at around $ 100 million and may be financed through Caterpillar Financial Services . ioneer ’ s managing director , Bernard Rowe , said : “ Our agreement with Caterpillar represents much more than just the purchase of equipment ; it is a true ongoing partnership as we commence production at Rhyolite Ridge .
“ We are very pleased with the results of the automation study and look forward to working with Caterpillar , Cashman , and Intermountain
Mining Technologies in our effort to produce materials that are vital to a sustainable future . The incorporation of an AHS and other Caterpillar technologies at Rhyolite Ridge will only further our goal to improve project safety and operational efficiency .”
Jim Hawkins , General Manager of MineStar Solutions of Caterpillar Inc , said : “ Caterpillar mining technologies , including Command for hauling , deliver mining companies throughout the world benefit from greater productivity , increased truck utilisation , consistent truck operation and reduced costs . We are excited to support ioneer to deliver these same advantages to the Rhyolite Ridge greenfield mining opportunity .”
The Rhyolite Ridge project is the only one of its type known globally , according to the DFS from Fluor . Its unique mineralogical characteristics support low-cost processing of its ore into high-grade lithium and boric acid products using sulphuric acid leaching .
An initial starter pit at the project will be developed in the southwestern part of the orebody to supply ore for the first 4.5 years . In this area , lithium grades are 15 % higher than the average grade for the deposit and the ore is more exposed at surface . Development of the greater pit will start once the environmental permits for this development have been granted .
The Stage 2 pit design will facilitate a larger mining area to be maintained , aiding the efficiency of the operation for another 21 years , according to Fluor . Stage 2 will involve expansion to the south and east . Finally , mining will progress to the north of the deposit . The Stage 2 pit requires pre-stripping to begin in year four . www . ioneer . com ; www . cat . com / mining ; www . cashmanequipment . com
FLSmidth launches Knelson GX Cone
The latest innovation in semi-continuous
gravity separation from FLSmidth is to deliver a key breakthrough in performance that increases recovery and cuts maintenance downtime , according to the OEM .
For decades , Knelson gravity concentrators have been recognised for their recoveries of gold and precious metals , but the development of the new Knelson GX Concentrating Cone is set to take this performance a step further .
The new patented GX Cone delivers impressive recovery enhancements due to enhanced water distribution within each ring , according to the company .
FLSmidth explains : “ As water enters from the base , it flows through zone separator nozzles for a customisable fluidisation profile . This allows for even distribution of water in each ring ; the new design also significantly increases the active recovery surface area . The result is a step change in overall coarse and fine gold recovery .”
Test data shows that gold recovery in all size fractions , from course to fine , improved significantly with the GX Cone , according to the company .
By incorporating an advanced distribution of fluidisation water across the entire concentrating cone , the Knelson GX facilitates the highest possible recovery of coarse and fine gold . At the same time , balanced water distribution across the concentrating cone allows for a significant reduction in fluidisation water requirements while improving recovery .
The third major benefit of the Knelson GX is easier maintenance . Because it is made of a customised , abrasion-resistant and durable polyurethane compound , maintenance frequency and operational costs are significantly reduced , FLSmidth says .
Mike Lefler , Head of Global Product Line Manager for Precious Metal Recovery at FLSmidth , said : “ The new Knelson GX Concentrating Cone is the culmination of over 40 years of research and operational experience and is exciting news for our customers . It delivers a win-win-win scenario : better recovery , less water use and less downtime due to easier maintenance .
“ In short , it helps customers produce more with less resources – a central tenet of our MissionZero ambition to cut water and energy waste in mining by 2030 .” www . flsmidth . com
MARCH 2021 | International Mining 5