Introducing the MissionZero TechTalks, a series of videos where we will hear from mining technology specialists about some of the testing and research being carried out to help achieve our MissionZero ambition and goals within mining.
In this first #MissionZeroTechTalks video, Wendi Cooksey, Metallurgical Lab Manager, discusses minerals testing at FLSmidth’s Minerals Testing and Research Center, a state-of-the-art facility in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Reducing energy consumption
At the plant, we are able to move through the complete circuit — testing nearly everything that’s needed to design a process. We’re able to test the hardness and abrasiveness of materials, crushing and grinding capabilities, flotation, pre-leach and leaching, gravity separation, dewatering, chemical and mineralogical analysis, and more.
Wendi explains that no two mineral deposits are alike — they all have variances that need to be tested in order to optimise the concentrate grades and recoveries.
She says: “Not a single mine in the world would start up without metallurgical testing due to variances within the deposits. Each deposit is unique and that’s kind of the beauty of it.
“Optimising a circuit prevents us from oversizing or under-sizing equipment, which saves on both capital and operating costs. Reducing our energy consumption with the correct size of equipment reduces our carbon footprint and helps the environment.”
Piloting test campaigns
We also run pilot test campaigns at the center, which allows us to monitor equipment effectiveness and sustainability. All of our pilot equipment is skid-mounted making it easy to ship it to a site and compare side-by-side.
“This benefits our customers by allowing us to provide accurate, cost-effective and sustainable equipment to support the lifetime of the mine. Our equipment and systems can help improve power consumption and reduce energy costs while supporting our MissionZero ambitions,” says Lucy England, Innovation Manager - MissionZero Mining.
The Minerals Testing and Research Center supports a multitude of testing.
Keep exploring