PROCESS MINERALOGY COURSE
20 - 23 November 2012
University of Cape Town
Coordinated by the
Continuing Professional Development Programme
Course Objective: To equip mineral processing practitioners with a basic understanding of the mineralogy of PGM ores, an appreciation of current day process mineralogy measurements and how to use these measurements in interpreting circuit performance on a recovery by size, by liberation basis.
Lecturers:
Dr Megan Becker (Department of Chemical Engineering, UCT)
Dr Aubrey Mainza (Department of Chemical Engineering UCT)
A/Prof Dave Reid (Department of Geological Sciences, UCT)
Prof Dee Bradshaw (Julius Krutschnitt Mineral Research Centre, University of Queensland)
The course will include:
Overview of rocks and minerals and their characteristics
Practical experience in identifying and characterising minerals
Understanding of the concept of geometallurgical domains or end-members
Understanding the importance of elemental deportment versus minerals composition
Understanding the effect of mineralogy in comminution and processing
Definition of mineral liberation
Calculation of the theoretical or ultimate grade and recovery curves
Evaluation of plant survey data on a recovery by size and by liberation basis
Identification of circuit weaknesses
Process Mineralogy Course Outline
Day 1: Introduction to process mineralogy
Introduction to rocks and minerals
Overview of Platinum ore deposits
Practical 1 - Hands on mineralogy assignment using tailor made “kits” of PGM ores.
Day 2: Mineralogical analysis methods
Definition of liberation and the theoretical grade recovery curve
Practical 1 continued.
Report back presentations by groups from practical 1.
The influence of mineralogy on comminution.
Day 3: Overview of flotation principles and circuits.
Assessment of flotation performance by size.
Practical 2 - Practical analysis of circuit performance on a recovery by size, by liberation basis.
Assessment of flotation performance by size by liberation.
Day 4: Practical 2 continued.
Report back presentations by groups from practical 2
Circuit weaknesses and how to address them
Group discussion on process mineralogy
This is a “hands on course” involving interaction from all course participants in the analysis of numerous flotation based mineralogical case studies. Opportunities for site specific mineralogical case studies exist.
For technical queries please contact: Dr Megan Becker:
“All in all, the course met up to my expectations, and gave me a much better fundamental grip on the effect that mineralogy has on my area of expertise. This is now a tool that I am able to keep in mind when determining and explaining the behaviour of ores” (Past Course participant, 2010).
Process Mineralogy Course information
Who should attend?
This course will be of benefit to qualified practitioners and postgraduate students, who are currently involved in minerals beneficiation or processing. The course is open to both geologists wanting to learn more about mineral processing, and engineers wanting to learn more about process mineralogy.
Format
This 4 day course consists of daily lectures as well as a series of process mineralogy group assignments. Each set of assignments is concluded with a report back presentation and class discussion. Opportunities for site specific process mineralogy case studies exist should a company send three or more delegates. Registration to the course includes a course dinner sponsored by Mintek Mineralogy Division.
Cost
The fee for the course will be R12 000. This fee includes a comprehensive set of course notes and refreshments. Discounts are available for members of the CMR Collaborative Research Venture (CRV). Payment information will be sent on receipt of an application form.
Certificates
A certificate of attendance will be awarded to all course members who attend and participate in 100% of the lectures and assignments.
CPD Credit Requirements
The course is registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa, and is accredited for the award of 4 CPD points, which are now required for continuing professional registration. The ECSA course code for this course is UCTPRM12.
Applications and cancellations
In order to ensure a place on the course, applicants must complete and return a signed application form to the course administrators: Heidi Tait or Sandra Jemaar.
Application forms are available on the website www.cpd.uct.ac.za
Confirmation of acceptance will be sent on receipt of an application form.
Applications close one week before the start of the course.
Payment is due one week before the start of a course.
Cancellations must be received one week before the start of a course, or the full course fee will be charged
Venue
Department of Chemical Engineering, Upper Campus, UCT
Date and Time
08h30 – 17h00, Tuesday 20 November – Friday 23 November 2012
Registration
08h00 Tuesday 20 November 2012, Department of Chemical Engineering, Upper Campus, UCT.
Participants are asked to bring laptop computers with them to the course.
(Only students who have completed an application form and have been accepted for the course will be able to register)