Characterisation of Ore Properties for Geometallurgy
Alan R. Butcher, Quentin Dehaine, Andrew Menzies, Simon P. Michaux
Abstract
The successful implementation of geometallurgy largely depends on the continuous collection of high-quality, multi-scale, multi-dimensional quantitative data on the geology, geochemistry, mineralogy, texture, and physical properties of an orebody. This can then be used to build and improve, amongst other things, ore deposit models, comminution strategies, waste management, and downstream mineral processing and extractive metallurgy routes. The present contribution provides a brief overview of the key types of data collected, and analytical techniques used, in geometallurgical programs. It also highlights important developments that are currently underway, which may generate a significant impact in the near future.