WP3 is led by Luleå Technical University and involves the development and dissemination of knowledge on new processes for effectivisation of mineral processing.
The Workpackage has specified four outputs to be focussed on:
- Op4.1 Increased knowledge on energy saving technologies
- Op4.2 Increased knowledge on means to improve liberation
- Op4.3 Increased knowledge on reduction of waste streams
- Op4.4 Increased knowledge on means to improve tailing sedimentation
In practice these topics are inter-related and project activities are arranged that operate across these topics. Size reduction of minerals is a large part of the energy consumption of mineral processing and size reduction is inherently linked to the liberation of the valuable components. Similarly overgrinding of ores to finer particles gives problems with slow sedimentation. Chemicals used to enhance the liberation and separation of valuable components, and the flocculation of fine tailings particles have been the focus of environmental impact studies.
Op 4.1 Increased knowledge on energy saving technologies
Activities identified in this topic include:
- A4.1.1 Documentation of studies on Electric Pulse Disaggregation and pre-weakening
- A4.1.2a Literature and experience review of techniques for reduction of energy consumption
- A4.1.2b Experimental work on selected energy reduction technologies
- A4.1.2c Experimental work on combined circuits of staged comminution and separation
- A4.1.3 Workshops for discussion and dissemination on energy effectivisation
- A4.1.4 Documentation of studies on stirred-media mills for apatite-iron.
Op4.2 Increased knowledge on means to improve liberation
Activities identified in this topic include:
- A4.2.1a Improving liberation by optimising breakage mechanisms
- A4.2.1b Use of Electric Pulse Dissagregation (EPD) for improving liberation
- A4.2.2a Optimisation of size reduction and separation to improve liberation
- A4.2.2b Conducting test work for downstream separation processes
- A4.2.3 Workshops for discussion and dissemination on liberation
- A4.2.4 Testing mineral liberation in stirred media mills on apatite-iron ores
Op 4.3 Reduction of waste streams
Activities identified in this topic include:
- A4.3.1a Experimental work on processing of low grade ore, tailings and Cu-Ni slag
- A4.3.1b Documentation of lab trials and process flowsheet development for Cu-Ni slag
- A4.3.1c Workshops to discuss practicalities with industry
- A4.3.2a Improvement of process flowsheets for iron ore types
- A4.3.2b Review of the state-of-the-art for reducing waste
Op 4.4 Reduction of waste streams
Activities identified in this topic include:
- A4.3.1a Experimental work on processing of low grade ore, tailings and Cu-Ni slag
- A4.3.1b Documentation of lab trials and process flowsheet development for Cu-Ni slag
- A4.3.1c Workshops to discuss practicalities with industry
- A4.3.2a Improvement of process flowsheets for iron ore types
- A4.3.2b Review of the state-of-the-art for reducing waste
Op 5.1 Increased knowledge on technologies and chemicals for lower environmental impact
Activities identified in this topic include;
- A5.1.1 Identification of chemicals with lower environmental impact
- A5.1.2 Review of processes with lower environmental impact
- A5.1.3 Process optimisation and scale-up of separation technologies and chemistry