Integrated grinding and flotation simulations for the improvement of circuit performance at BHP Billiton's Minera Escondida

Coleman, R. G., Urtubia, H. E., Alexander, D. J. and Bailey, C. W. (2007). Integrated grinding and flotation simulations for the improvement of circuit performance at BHP Billiton's Minera Escondida. In: , Proceedings 2007/39th Annual Meeting of The Canadian Mineral Processors. 39th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Mineral Processors, Ottawa, Ontario, (75-89). 23-25 January, 2007.

Author Coleman, R. G.
Urtubia, H. E.
Alexander, D. J.
Bailey, C. W.
Title of paper Integrated grinding and flotation simulations for the improvement of circuit performance at BHP Billiton's Minera Escondida
Conference Paper Type Fully Published Paper
Conference name 39th Annual Meeting of the Canadian Mineral Processors
Conference location Ottawa, Ontario
Conference dates 23-25 January, 2007
Proceedings title Proceedings 2007/39th Annual Meeting of The Canadian Mineral Processors
Publication date 2007
Start page 75
End page 89
Total pages 15
Collection year 2008
Language eng
Abstract/Summary BHP-Billiton's Minera Escondida Limitada is one of the world's largest copper producers. It treats a combined 88 million tons of copper ore per year through its two concentrators: Los Colorados and Laguna Seca. Over the past three years, metallurgical sampling has been performed at the Laguna Seca concentrator to calibrate both the JKSimMet and JKSimFloat grinding and flotation simulators. In the past, the calibrated simulators have been used to predict the effect of changes in operating conditions in the grinding and flotation circuits separately. To assist in the development of future processing options, predictions were required of the effect of changing grinding circuit conditions on flotation performance. This was achieved by using an integrated grinding and flotation simulation. The grinding circuit performance was predicted under different operating conditions (such as tonnage rate and product grind size) using JKSimMet, and these results were then used in JKSimFloat to predict the flotation performance for the new grinding circuit product. This combination of the simulators allows both the effects of residence time and grind size on flotation performance to be investigated. This paper presents the first combined grinding and simulation modelling and simulation case study using JKSimMet and JKSimFloat. The modelling and simulation methodologies for the grinding and flotation circuits are discussed along with the circuit simulations that were performed. The simulator predictions are presented in conjunction with independent laboratory results of the new operating conditions. The ability to predict flotation circuit performance based on changes in grinding circuit performance is also discussed. This methodology provides improved predictions of flotation circuit performance when grinding circuit changes (including grinding capacity increases) are made.
Subjects E2
290702 Mineral Processing
640300 First Stage Treatment of Ores and Minerals
Keyword Flotation
Grinding
Modelling
Simulation
Q-Index Code E2

Document type: Conference Paper
Sub-type: Fully Published Paper
Collection: Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre Publications
 
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Created: Thu, 08 May 2008, 13:35:30 EST by Karen Holtham on behalf of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre