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Mineral Processing: History, Areas and Processes

The separation of minerals from the ores they are present in is known as mineral processing. This process has been dramatically changed over the years as new technology has been introduced to replace many of the methods used centuries ago.

The separation of minerals from the ores they are present in is known as mineral processing. This process has been dramatically changed over the years as new technology has been introduced to replace many of the methods used centuries ago.

A Brief History of Mineral Processing

Hundreds of years ago, prior to the invention of machinery, raw ores went through a processknown as spalling, which used hammers to break up ore. It wasn’t long before mechanicalmethods were created to assist and ease the process. In fact, it has been found that mechanicalmeans such as stamp mills were in use in 973 and possibly prior.

The Cornish stamps were introduced later and this newer version of the stamp mill consisted ofseveral iron hammers that were mounted vertically on a frame. Cams present on the waterwheelshaft were used to raise the hammers and they fell by gravity, thus breaking the ore.

A wide array of other machinery was invented and used over the years, but we have much moreadvanced machinery in use today.

The Four Areas of Mineral Processing

Mineral processing may involve as many as four types of operation, although all four may not berequired in every circumstance. The four operations include comminution, sizing, concentrationand de-watering and each plays an important role in mineral processing. More insight into eachof these types of operation is discussed below.

Comminution is used to reduce the particle size of the material being mined. This process can be performed on both slurries and dry materials. It involves crushing the ore right out of the mine, then grinding it into smaller pieces.

Sizing is used to separate the particles according to…yes, size. This can be done via screening using single or multiple screens, and can incorporate water, shaking or vibration to aid in the separation of materials. Particle size analysis plays a large role in this process.

Concentration is necessary to obtain more of the desired minerals and several methods exist to achieve this. The oldest of these methods is gravity concentration, which classifies the particles based on the specific gravity of each. Other methods include: froth flotation, which separates particles according to surface chemistry; electrostatic separation, which uses either electrostatic separators or electrodynamic separators to concentrate the particles of desired minerals; automated sorting, which is the most modern and uses a combination of optical sensors coupled with magnetic sensors and electrical conductivity to sort materials into several categories; and magnetic separation, which uses magnets to separate and concentrate the particles of desired minerals.

Dewatering removes any water present in the particles, which helps to make the handling and transport process simpler. It also allows additional processing measures to occur. This process can range in price, but is often more expensive when performed on smaller particle sizes.

Additional Processes and Considerations in Mineral Processing

The incorporation of pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical processes may be used bymechanical plants to extract the minerals. In addition, the storage, handling and transport ofmaterials are also considered to be a part of mineral processing.

To find out more about superalloys and general mining topics, please visit PublicMining.org, a free resource directory showcasing public mining companies like Golden Share Mining, Coronado Resources and thousands more.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

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