Geometallurgy

Iron ore geometallurgy services

ALS provide comprehensive geometallurgical testing for hematite ores at the IOTC, as follows:

• At the drill core stage, the samples may undergo Hylogging^TM spectrographic analysis, selection and comminution testing of core specimens and compositing selecting.
• Initial crushing. Once composites have been selected, a dedicated continuous crushing and screening plant is set up with prescribed crusher gaps and screen sizes to facilitate an identical and calibrated crushing process for multiple drill core composites.
• Representative blending and splitting of the crushed composites into charges for downstream testing.
• Moisture content and chemical analysis
• Feed Particle Size Distribution (PSD) Characterization. Typically consisting of sieve analysis on representative samples with sieve apertures ranging from 90 mm to 38 µm. These data will provide valuable insight into the likely behavior of the ore in the industrial plant and give the initially lump and fines ratio.
• Fresh feed compacted and uncompacted bulk density & natural moisture content evaluation.
• Comminution testing
• Drop Tower Testing: On site, our 15 metre automated drop tower is used to estimate lump/fines ratios and the particle size distribution expected from the mine blasting and processing of the ore from the plant inclusive of port and shipping handling right through the end user smelter.
• Tumble Testing. Similar to the drop tower, this testing observes the result of applied tumbling energy to the ore’s size distribution – measured by before and after PSD.
• Lump and fines products can then be submitted for further ferrous burden characterization using standards accepted by the International Standards, Organization, Japanese Industrial Standards and Japanese Steel Mills. Tests conducted are as follows:
• ISO/JIS iron ore physical testing;
• Tumble Strength (ISO/JIS);
• ISO/JIS/JSM iron ore thermal testing;
• Reduction Disintegration Index (ISO/JSM);
• Reducibility (ISO/JIS);
• Decrepitation Index (ISO/JSM).

Other related services

Geometallurgical testwork programs routinely occur in conjunction with chemical analysis or Hylogging^TM Spectrographic Analysis testwork and magnetic separation testwork.

Don't quite see what you're looking for or need more information?

ALS understands geometallurgy is unlimited in its statistical inputs and we are more than happy to include bespoke or unusual testing in your geometallurgy program.

Please contact us for further details.

Associated testwork services

Related testwork

HPGR test products can be utilized as part of larger metallurgical testwork programs in the production of suitably sized product for downstream testing including:

• pilot scale flotation
• magnetic separation testwork
• heap leach evaluation testwork

Click on the above links or contact us for further information. We can integrate a full program for you if required.