Course description
It focuses on actual operational issues, problems and potential solutions. It covers – in an overview mode - the most critical and frequent process and plant challenges related to ore characteristics in the copper mining business. As such, it is not a “textbook” course and does not lecture on how to use a microscope or an automated mineral analyzer. Inherent in all presentations is the mining industry’s strong focus on Work Safety. It also covers stateof-the-art plant optimization associated with advanced use of mineralogy at mine sites. Future challenges related to sustainable energy, water and social-community aspects will be addressed.
In addition, the course will highlight the integrated use of cutting edge lab technology, lab automation and on-line technology, all of which are imperative for large-scale, reliable data generation. Case examples from operations in North and South America will illustrate pertinent applications. Key Geo-Met factors for flowsheet design, testing, equipment selection and plant ramp-up will be discussed.
Owing to the significance of HPGR in future comminution, a short overview on the impact of this technology on geometallurgical considerations will be provided. A summary of important environmental issues, re-treatment and residual value generation will be included. Critical features for implementation of Geo-Metallurgy and case examples of its economic value will summarize the presentations. Finally, a brief discussion of leadership aspects and interpersonal skills, critical for successful project and operational work in multinational teams, will be presented.
Course Contents
Module 1: Introduction and Background
Module 2: Lab Technology and Automation
Module 3: Ore Characterization and Process Mineralogy
Module 4: HPGR (high pressure grinding rolls
Module 5: Environmental and Community Aspects
Module 6: Workshop
Module 7: Geo-Metallurgy Implementation
Type of training
The course is combining classroom lectures as well as an interactive workshop.
Objectives and outcome
The course has the following objectives and outcomes:
- current use of chemical, mineralogical and metallurgical data in ore profiling, modeling, forecasting and process troubleshooting in Copper-(Moly/Gold) Operations
- focus on actual operational issues, problems and potential solutions most critical and frequent process and plant challenges related to ore characteristics in the copper mining business
- state-of-the-art plant optimization associated with advanced use of mineralogy at mine sites
- integrated use of cutting edge lab technology, lab automation and on-line technology (HPGR)
Language
English
