COMMENT
Dermot Murphy, strategic projects manager at CDE Mining, asks how can the efficiency and sustainability of mining operations be improved?.
Dermot Murphy, Leiter strategische Projekte bei CDE Mining erforscht, wie Effizienz und Nachhaltigkeit im Bergbau verbessert werden können.
Dermot Murphy, administrador estratégico de proyectos en CDE Mining, se pregunta cómo se pueden mejorar la eficiencia y la sustentabilidad de las operaciones.
Sustainable mining: meeting the challenge
that mine efficiency and sustainable mining are two of the most discussed subjects.
T
AggMax logwasher on an iron ore mining project.
Whether it is reading a mining publication, observing or participating in online conversations or talking to your peers at exhibitions and conferences, these are most definitely the dominant issues of the time. In considering how we improve the efficiency and sustainability of our operations what approach should mining companies should take? Te first step is to conduct a holistic
review of the entire ore processing system to establish where inefficiencies exist and that we can help address them. Tis involves conducting a detailed process audit to gain a specific understanding of where the current ‘pain points’ are within the system. A process improvement package that tackles all of the pain points can
he mining industry across the globe is currently facing a challenging time and in an environment like this it is no surprise
then be devised in order to improve the efficiency of the operation. Tis process audit is focused in a number of areas. Te first of these is ‘maximising yield’. Tis involves a detailed look at the feed material to the processing plant and an analysis of the current final products. Te work we have done with our existing mining clients has demonstrated that this process allows us to establish whether the cut-off grade can be reduced. Tis has the effect of increasing the volumes of material available for processing. A reduction in the cut-off grade is made possible by the introduction of processing systems that help to reduce contaminant levels in the ore being processed. In relation to iron ore this applies to silica and alumina contamination, as well as ensuring the efficient removal of fine silts and clays from the feed material. Tis first process contributes to the second area of focus – waste reduction. By facilitating the production of
lower grade ores we are able to reduce the volume of material sent to waste stockpiles, and the knock-on effect of this is to reduce waste handling costs and the space required for the storage of waste material Although this approach requires
investment in new processing technology the return on investment makes this an attractive proposition for existing operations seeking to reduce costs and improve the sustainability of their mining operation. l
CDE Mining is a division of CDE Global.
www.cdemining.com
www.engineerlive.com 7
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