Using X-ray computed tomography for the 3D textural analysis of drill core in Geometallurgy
Managing ore variability remains an on-going challenge. This study will focus on further developing the method for the quantitative 3D textural analysis of drill core samples scanned by XCT (Jardine, 2016). Here, the robustness of the GLCM will be established in terms of (i) the sensitivity to differently textured ore types displayed by various rock types, as a result of different ore forming processes and (ii) the minimum number of unique 3D pixel-pair relationships that need to be determined to quantify ore texture. Thereafter the focus is on the geometallurgical correlation between quantitative ore texture and comminution and breakage characteristics, by considering (i) which of the textural outputs of the GLCM show the best correlations for ore hardness, comminution product grain and particle size distribution, liberation, and mineral association and, (ii) Are the correlations defined ore specific or can they be generalized for other ores?
The focus of this study will be to use this textural information and correlate it with breakage characteristics, measured from the Short Impact Load Cell (SILC) and JKRBT (Julius Kruttschnitt Rotary Breakage Tester) tests.
Marcelene Voigt
PhD Chemical Engineering
Marcelene juggles between her full-time job as an Economic Geologist at the Council for Geoscience, and her part-time studies. She has mastered the skill of chronic multitasking, and her focus now is to master the skill of perseverance. She hopes to someday transform from a PhD candidate into a PhD survivor.
Can minerals industry cluster contribute to sustainable development in South Africa? Case study in Richards Bay
The economic development of Richards Bay has started with a national strategy to develop a deep-water port for exporting coal, the most important natural resource of South Africa in 1970’s. This infrastructure development, together with the overcapacity of coal-fired electricity supply at the time had fostered capital intensive minerals industry to form an industrial cluster around Richards Bay.
However, the recent electricity price surge in the country has raised public outcry over the long-term preferential contract used to attract the investment and there are urgent needs to review the sustainability of the industry, not only its economic sustainability but also social and environmental sustainability.
In this study, as knowledgeable and responsible people are the most important resource for sustainable development, historical contributions of the minerals industry cluster to human and social capital development in the region are examined for future development.
Shuhei Kato
MPhil in Sustainable Mineral Development
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
-Martin Luther King
Characterisation of Rare Earth Elements in Ion-adsorption clays
With increasing advancements in technology and demand for cleaner alternatives for energy, rare earth elements (REEs) have gained significant prominence as critical elements for future generations. The unique chemical and physical properties of REEs make them challenging to process and beneficiate with much conjecture on the optimal separation of REEs. In-situ leaching of these elements from low grade (0.05 – 0.3 wt. %) clay deposits is a promising alternative due to its low cost and limited infrastructure. The REEs are associated with clay mineral structures, formed from subtropical weathering of rare-earth rich host rocks (granite).
In this study, an ion-adsorption clay sample from Madagascar is characterised using a combination of process mineralogy techniques enabling the characterisation of the REE within complex, inter-layered kaolinite and muscovite. Based on the understanding of the REE deportment to the clay microstructure, suitable processing routes can be designed and optimised to effectively recover the REEs.
Cody Owen Burcher-Jones
MSc Chemical Engineering
“Victoria Concordia Crescit – Victory Through Harmony”
Before we bring peace to the world, we must first find peace within ourselves, and to do that we must find balance and harmony. With that, we can achieve inner happiness, peace between people and harmony with our environment. I strive for this in my work.
Minerals to Metals Symposium 2016
Dust Monitoring Equipment – providing equipment, services and training in dust fallout management to the mining industry.
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