CNA³ elemental cross-belt analyzer
Continuous on-line elemental analysis to monitor ore streams
Beneficiation of extracted ore is an essential part of many mining operations, but the high cost of the techniques used can have a major impact on profitability.
Real-time analysis of ore enables the cost of beneficiation to be reduced, by allowing processes to be adjusted to take account of changing compositions. Doing this can save hundreds of thousands of dollars per month by avoiding unnecessary processing of low-grade or non-upgradable ore and allows optimal blends to be produced for downstream processing. For direct shipping ore (DSO), real-time monitoring also avoids penalties by ensuring consistent quality.
Malvern Panalytical provides equipment for real-time elemental analysis, mineralogical analysis and moisture monitoring, which together can provide a full picture of ore quality. In addition, we also supply instruments for real-time particle size monitoring and wastewater monitoring. Find out more about these options below.
Elemental analysis
Real-time process control of elemental composition involves grading of ore early in the process. This allows low-quality feed to be excluded from downstream beneficiation processes, improving efficiency and driving down costs – whatever the type of ore or the ultimate commodity.
Malvern Panalytical offers equipment using Pulsed Fast Thermal Neutron Activation (PFTNA) technology to provide elemental analysis directly on the conveyor belt. Used in conjunction with a mineral composition analyser, plant managers can obtain a complete picture of ore quality.
Mineralogical analysis
Real-time monitoring of mineral content on the conveyor allows significant cost savings to be made, by:
- Reducing the amount of acid used in beneficiation processes
- Improving heap-leaching percolation rates by accurately determining total clay content
- Providing information on gangue minerals, which is valuable when optimizing flotation processes.
Malvern Panalytical provides near-infrared (NIR) equipment that allows full analysis of mineral composition. Used in conjunction with an elemental composition analyser, a full understanding of ore quality can be obtained by the plant manager.
Particle size monitoring
Insitec range
Real-time particle size distribution to increase efficiency of ore beneficiation
Achieving the best possible separation of minerals depends on optimizing the particle size of the milled ore, as well as considerations such as surface properties (zeta potential) and ore complexity.
Malvern Panalytical offers equipment for real-time particle size monitoring, to help improve mineral separation and recovery rates.
Mining wastewater monitoring
Real-time monitoring of elements in wastewater from mining operations is essential to ensure that sites are sustainable in the long-term, and that the environmental footprint is minimized.
Malvern Panalytical provides equipment that allows traces of toxic metals and other elements to be detected in wastewater in real-time, for immediate action to prevent environmental damage. We also supply an on-line zeta potential analyser, to monitor the performance of flocculation processes and ensure efficient charge neutralization.
