The mining process, from the first exploration to the establishment of a mine, is both time demanding and expensive.
Cecilia Lund, PhD at Luleå University of Technology has in her thesis “Mineralogical, chemical and textural characterisation of the Malmberget (Sweden) iron ore deposit for a geometallurgical model” developed a model that would shorten the process considerably.
The demand for commodities has never been greater and the mineral resources are very limited. Today, the ore deposits that are large, rich and easy to mine are already exploited. The next generations mine that will provide the industry with metals must rely on ore deposits that are both lower in grade and size. Lower mineral grades may also mean that the deposit is more geological complex.
– The mining process, from the very first exploration to the establishment of a mine does have a time horizon of several years which also means high investment costs. The establishment of a mine also contribute to a significant impact on both the environment and the surrounding society, says Cecilia Lund.
It is therefore an urgent need to develop and create realistic models for simulating different mining and mineral processing scenarios as early as during the exploration stage. This means that new types of mineralogical tools and analytical methods must be developed to generate the necessary amount of geological information.
-The requirements for ore characterisation methods like this, is that the methods need to be inexpensive, fast in terms of producing large number samples and above all, to be a practical tool for implementation in the process. This information should be available already during the logging of exploration drill core, says Cecilia Lund.
Cecilia Lund’s research describes how traditional science can be joined together and applied in the industry. This is the first doctoral thesis in the subject of geometallurgy which is a rather broad concept.
-The main difference when I have developed a method like this is that I take the geological compositions in account and includes geological parameters such as mineral textures which are not used earlier. To solely use mineral grades are quite well known, says Cecilia Lund.
The result can then be used to make useful metallurgical predictions in production planning and management.
Go deeper with Bing News on:
New model for mining
- Would DCRN be the next dark horse to revive crypto mining?
The secondary market had also been hit hard from investors shorting, with stock price of listed crypto mining companies slumping by as much as 89% (Riot Blockchain down 78%, TeraWulf down 89%, Toronto ...
- Billions In Bitcoin Mining Loans Likely Underwater
Financing for bitcoin mining is one of the quiet casualties of the bear market, with billions in outstanding loans now shot to pieces as a result of the downturn. As a result, several have been forced ...
- The Rise and Fall of a Bitcoin Mining Sensation
Compass Mining grew quickly during crypto’s halcyon days. Now, its customers and their thousands of mining machines are stuck.
- To Unplug or Double Down? Crypto Mining in Crypto Winter
Tough market conditions are forcing miners to make tough decisions. Jeff Wilser checks in with Econoalchemist, a longtime pseudonymous miner.
- Mining the miners: Business opportunities in the “choice” model of business
It may be so obvious that many of us missed it. But whether we noticed it or not, choice has taken over the marketplace.
Go deeper with Google Headlines on:
New model for mining
Go deeper with Bing News on:
Geometallurgy
- Canada Nickel Identifies New Method for Accelerated CO2 Capture
Arthur G. Stokreef, P.Eng (ON), Manager of Process Engineering & Geometallurgy, Canada Nickel Company, and a "qualified person" as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed ...
- Canada Nickel Identifies New Method for Accelerated CO2 Capture
Canada Nickel Company Inc. ("Canada Nickel" or the "Company") (TSXV: CNC) (OTCQX: CNIKF) today announced the results of a laboratory test program for a new method of accelerated carbon capture – In ...
- Canada Nickel Identifies New Method for Accelerated CO2 Capture
Qualified Person and Data Verification Arthur G. Stokreef, P.Eng (ON), Manager of Process Engineering & Geometallurgy, Canada Nickel Company, and a "qualified person" as such term is defined by ...