Descriptions of principal unit processes are given in MINE3800. This course extends that work by a closer examination of the underlying basis of those unit processes; and aspects of circuit design, equipment selection and process optimisation. On completion, you will be able to carry out advanced calculations relating to the characterisation of mined materials and process performance, and will be able to use such information for process simulation. You will also be familiar with basic flowsheet and plant design considerations, and of the instrumentation and control systems incorporated in mineral processing and coal preparation plants.Topics include: Ore characterisation. Gaudin-Schuhmann plots. Separation and blending equations. Release analysis. Grade-recovery and grade-gradient plots for mineral ores. Process instrumentation and control. Radiation based on-line instrumentation. Review of coal washability. Rosin-Rammler plots. The Mayer curve. Flotation: the Tree procedure. Materials handling: stockpiles and blending. Sampling theory and practice. Process efficiency (partition curves). Processes in parallel and series. Instantaneous grade theory of process optimisation and its application. Physics and chemistry of surfaces. Double layer theory. Rheology of suspensions. Process simulation: comminution, screening, classification, flotation, dense medium cyclones. Simulation software packages. Flow sheet design. Equipment selection and plant layout. Rejects and tailings disposal. Leaching processes and environmental considerations.

Assumed Knowledge: MINE3800