MINERAL SEPARATION
Separation stream
Gravity , magnetic and density separation are tried and tested processes used at mineral processing plants all over the globe . Dan Gleeson reports on the latest developments within these sectors
The case for applying mineral separation equipment ahead of , within or after the crushing and grinding circuit has strengthened in recent years .
The energy intensity of processing operations , for one , has come under increased scrutiny as miners look to decarbonise their operations .
Also , product specifications have tightened from more informed , aware and demanding end user markets .
Third , miners in certain markets have sought to differentiate themselves by reducing impurities and creating new ‘ brands ’ that ensure they gain long-term and reliable customers .
These trends ensure that these concentration process will remain an industry staple for decades to come . here , having been proven to reduce power consumption when most balls , chips or scats are removed from the milling circuit , according to Marin .
“ Reducing power consumption is a fundamental concern for processing plants and improving the efficiency of the milling circuit
“ We have had considerable success in applying the spirals together with the WHIMS , as it is key to ensure sufficient bulk reduction up front ,” Multotec ’ s Faan Borman says BNM
creates a major positive impact on the effectiveness of the concentrators downstream ,” he told IM .
Eriez is also benefitting from increased demand for electric vehicles , working with lithium producers to provide Dry Vibrating Magnetic Filters able to remove ferrous and weakly magnetic impurities . Separating these impurities from the product stream is a necessity in
Drawing demand
Jose Marin , Director of Minerals and Materials Processing at Eriez , says his company has received a recent surge of enquiries for trunnion magnets as processing plants look for ways to reduce power consumption and become “ greener ”.
Trunnion magnets provide an effective solution
Trunnion magnets reduce power consumption because they effectively remove the majority of the chips from the milling circuit , Eriez ’ s Jose Marin says
8 International Mining | MAY 2022