Conference Proceedings
Critical Minerals Conference Proceeding 2025
Conference Proceedings
Critical Minerals Conference Proceeding 2025
Ultrafine recovery and concentration of tungsten using a modified reflux classifier known as the Grade Pro
Tungsten is a critical and strategic metal often available at very low-grade in the form of the mineral wolframite and scheelite. This work is focused on the fines scavenging circuit of the plant where the feed material is often of very low-grade, dominated by the presence of a significant level of ultrafine particles including clays. In recovering the minerals, it makes sense to take advantage of the high mineral density, typically RD ~6-7. Thus, gravity separation is seen as an option. Enhanced gravity at high G forces is sometimes used given the particles involved are often excessively fine, even below 10 microns. This approach, however, is impacted by the need to operate at relatively high feed concentrations, preferably more than 30 wt per cent solids. The rheology of the feed was investigated, confirming the need to operate at lower feed concentrations due to an excessive slimes viscosity. This study therefore examined the potential of a modified Reflux Classifier, known as the Grade Pro, to be deployed, applying much lower feed pulp densities, targeting the recovery of the minerals below 10 microns. The Grade Pro has a reduced lower cross-sectional area, ideal for low yields. This work demonstrated the sensitivity of the performance to the volumetric feed flux but confirmed the potential to readily control the grade versus the recovery at satisfactory levels. By maximising the feed pulp density, it was concluded that a single Grade Pro could be used to replace the existing G force machines in the plant.
Contributor(s):
K P Galvin, J Zhou, K McCaffery, M Zegveld
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- Published: 2025
- Pages: 2
- PDF Size: 0.097 Mb.
- Unique ID: P-04700-V3J8W9