Impact of rom PSD on the crushing and grinding circuit throughput

F. Fernandez, M. Rocha, J. Kemeny, T. BoBo, C. Rodriguez, R. Fuentealba

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Mathematical modeling in conjunction with mineral characterization is widely used as a method for design and optimization of comminution circuits, to simulate the processes of crushing, grinding and classification. An important input parameter to the simulation models is the Run-of-Mine Particle Size Distribution (ROM PSD). The run-of-mine size distributions due to blasting have a great influence on the performance of a semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill. In this paper, a mine case study was conducted where there are four primary geologic units and the material properties between the four units vary considerably. Also, the mixture of the four unit that will be mined at any given time also vary considerably. This presents a challenge in terms of optimizing the blasting for mill production throughout the mine life. As part of the case study, field rock mass characterization, laboratory rock mechanics tests, and laboratory breakage tests were conducted. The field characterization and rock mechanics tests provide material properties used to simulate the effect of different blast designs on run of mine particle size distributions (ROM PSD). The JKSimBlast software was used for these simulations. The rock breakage tests provide material properties used to simulate crushing and grinding performance. The JKSimMet software was used for these simulations. The goal of the mine is a mill throughput of 95,000 tonnes (104,720 tons) per day (TPD). Based on this goal, run-of-mine fragmentation analysis was conducted for four blasting designs resulting in powder factors of 0.44, 0.54, 0.64, and 0.94 kg/t. The powder factor of 0.44 represents a standard blasting design, while the 0.54 and 0.64 kg/t designs are high-energy blasts specifically to assist with mill production. The 0.94 kg/t design was investigated for the one geologic unit with very high strength. The results of the run-of-mine fragmentation analysis was then input into a crushing and grinding simulation model to predict the mill throughput for the time periods of 1-5 years and 6-10 years. The results indicate that certain blast designs are able to achieve the 95,000 tonnes TPD (104,720 tons TPD) goal, while other blast designs were not. A standard blast design with a 0.44 kg/t powder factor, for example, was not able to achieve the throughput goal, while a design with a 0.64 kg/t powder factor was able to achieve the goal in both the 1-5 and 5-10 year time periods.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2015 SME Annual Conference and Expo and CMA 117th National Western Mining Conference - Mining
Subtitle of host publicationNavigating the Global Waters
PublisherSociety for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration
Pages524-528
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781510801240
StatePublished - 2015
Event2015 SME Annual Conference and Expo and CMA 117th National Western Mining Conference - Mining: Navigating the Global Waters - Denver, United States
Duration: Feb 15 2015Feb 18 2015

Publication series

Name2015 SME Annual Conference and Expo and CMA 117th National Western Mining Conference - Mining: Navigating the Global Waters

Other

Other2015 SME Annual Conference and Expo and CMA 117th National Western Mining Conference - Mining: Navigating the Global Waters
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityDenver
Period2/15/152/18/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology

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