Mineral Processing

Challenges

New ore deposits are becoming more difficult to exploit profitably. More often than not, the locations where minerals can be found are remote. Grades are declining, and the extraction metallurgy required to mine the product is becoming increasingly complex.

Existing operations face similar challenges, because the higher-grade and easy-to-process ores have already been retrieved. Older operations often use outdated equipment. This can mean inefficient and less-than-optimal recovery.

Energy efficiency and the optimal use of water are two key drivers in the development of mining projects. These things alone can often determine a project's feasibility, so the industry is constantly searching for better, more innovative solutions to address them.

Capabilities

Geometallurgy and ore testing

Our geometallurgy specialists use advanced technologies and their own expertise to determine the ore characteristics of samples and create the best mineral-processing flow sheets. From there, they help our clients develop mine plans using the best mineral processing models.

Process modeling and studies

Simulation and modeling can help optimize both the plant design and the subsequent operation. Analysis is a central platform for producing effective flow sheets. We combine process and engineering know-how with modeling and simulation expertise to help develop the best designs possible.

Crushing and grinding

We're experienced in all areas of crushing, a wide range of grinding technologies, and complete mine-to-mill optimization. Our comminution-plant-design services include process flow sheet development; process modeling; equipment sizing and selection; plant monitoring and optimization; blasting/milling optimization; and control systems.

Flotation

Our specialists have a comprehensive range of skills in flotation circuits. Our extensive experience incorporates all types of conventional, column, and novel flotation equipment. This covers a diverse range of projects with concentrators operating at 240,000 tpd or more, involving a full range of base and precious metals and minerals.

Gold leaching

Our mineral processing group has significant experience with various gold-leaching techniques and carbon treatments. These include heap leaching; CIP/CIL; carbon stripping and regeneration; gold electrowinning; and smelting. We identify requirements to eliminate health and environmental hazards by removing mercury, recovering cyanide, and detoxifying.

Dewatering

Dewatering and solid–liquid separation is an important part of any mineral processing plant. It spans a range of stages, from feed preparation to concentrate handling and tailings disposal. Our experience in this area is extensive, and includes thickener and filter technologies from testing to specification and control.