Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method of constructing a tailings storage facility structure, and to a tailings facility structure. The structure comprises a network of sand channel arteries 10 and permeable capillaries extending through tailings 14. The sand channel arteries 10 are continuous in the vertical and one lateral dimension and connect to a decant point or points. The permeable capillaries 12 are connected at their lowest point to a sand channel artery, and are continuous in one lateral dimension. The capillaries 12 transport water from the tailings 14 to the sand channel arteries 10, and the sand channel arteries transport water from the capillaries 12 and the tailings 14, to the water decant point or points.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02D 3/10 - Improving by compacting by watering, draining, de-aerating or blasting, e.g. by installing sand or wick drains
• C02F 11/121 - Treatment of sludgeDevices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening by mechanical de-watering
• C02F 103/10 - Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from quarries or from mining activities

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method and heap for recovering metal values from ore in a heap leach process. The method includes the steps of depositing and stacking crushed ore 16 on an impermeable pad 12 to form a heap, and enclosing the heap with a substantially impermeable coating 18 to both gas and liquid; to form a sealed heap. The sealed heap is irrigated with a leachant added inside the top of the heap, allowing the leachant to percolate through the heap and removing leachant at the base of the heap, either for recirculation or subsequent processing. Oxygen containing gas is added to the base of the sealed heap.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/14 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in inorganic alkaline solutions containing ammonia or ammonium salts
• C22B 1/16 - SinteringAgglomerating
• C22B 1/24 - BindingBriquetting
• C22B 3/00 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals
• C22B 11/08 - Obtaining noble metals by cyaniding
• C22B 15/00 - Obtaining copper

Abstract

A system for analysing ore. The system includes a support structure and at least one sensor which is mounted on the support structure at an elevated position relative to a ground surface on which a truck may travel. The at least one sensor is positioned at a height which allows the at least one sensor to sense downwardly into a tipping bed of a truck, when the truck is positioned on the ground surface. The at least one sensor may be configured to assess a grade of the ore. More specifically, the at least one sensor may be configured to assess the grade and mineralogy of the ore. The system may include two sensors, wherein the one sensor is configured to assess an elemental grade of the ore, and the other sensor is configured to assess mineralogical abundance of different minerals contained in the ore.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 21/71 - Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light thermally excited
• E21C 39/00 - Devices for testing in situ the hardness or other properties of minerals, e.g. for giving information as to the selection of suitable mining tools
• G01N 21/01 - Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
• G01N 21/84 - Systems specially adapted for particular applications
• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials

Abstract

A system for analysing ore. The system includes a support structure and at least one sensor which is mounted on the support structure at an elevated position relative to a ground surface on which a truck may travel. The at least one sensor is positioned at a height which allows the at least one sensor to sense downwardly into a tipping bed of a truck, when the truck is positioned on the ground surface. The at least one sensor may be configured to assess a grade of the ore. More specifically, the at least one sensor may be configured to assess the grade and mineralogy of the ore. The system may include two sensors, wherein the one sensor is configured to assess an elemental grade of the ore, and the other sensor is configured to assess mineralogical abundance of different minerals contained in the ore.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials
• C22B 1/00 - Preliminary treatment of ores or scrap
• E21C 41/22 - Methods of underground miningLayouts therefor for ores, e.g. mining placers

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for draining soils or mine tailings. The method includes the step of inserting prefabricated elongate porous drains 16 in a pattern through a tailings or soil 18 that is to be dewatered. The drains having an upper end and a lower end, and the drains are inclined at angle more than 5 degrees, and up to 90 degrees from horizontal, and are connected into a water drainage structure 10 at their lower end, from which water can be removed, and are open to the atmosphere at their upper end.

IPC Classes  ?

• C02F 11/12 - Treatment of sludgeDevices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening
• C02F 11/16 - Treatment of sludgeDevices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening using drying or composting beds
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching

Abstract

A low-weight tipper unit or unloading system used in the course of unloading raw materials from haul vehicles typically used in mining and construction operations. The unloading system comprises a support surface configured for operatively receiving the vehicle. The support surface is fixed to a base structure and pivotable between a first position and a second position. A retaining arrangement is provided for retaining the vehicle relative to the support surface in use. An energy harnessing arrangement harnesses energy when the support surface is pivoted under load to the second position.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65G 67/48 - Vehicle tipplers
• B65G 67/34 - Apparatus for tipping wagons or mine cars
• B65G 65/23 - Devices for tilting and emptying of containers
• B65G 67/32 - Unloading land vehicles using fixed tipping installations
• B65G 67/50 - Rotary vehicle tipplers, i.e. rotating through 360°
• B65G 67/54 - Vehicle-locking means
• B65G 67/30 - Unloading land vehicles using transportable tipping apparatus
• B65G 67/24 - Unloading land vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates an inoculated sulphide concentrate comprising a pyrite-containing sulphide particulate composition, wherein the particle surfaces of the sulphide composition are coated with a microbial mix. The invention also relates to method of bioheap leaching of a sulphide ore in which the acidity and temperature of the heap are enhanced. The concentrate 14 is blended through a particulate ore to be leached 16; and the blended ore 18 is stacked in a heap 20 which is leached with an irrigation liquid to recover the contained values in the concentrate and the ore.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/18 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes with the aid of microorganisms or enzymes, e.g. bacteria or algae
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 15/00 - Obtaining copper
• C22B 23/00 - Obtaining nickel or cobalt
• C22B 19/00 - Obtaining zinc or zinc oxide
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals
• C22B 3/00 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
• B03D 1/00 - Flotation

Abstract

A payload carrier (10), comprising a support subassembly (20) and an integrated tray arrangement (12). The support subassembly (20) is fixed to, extends from and/or is suspended from the integrated tray arrangement (12). The integrated tray arrangement (12) forms part of a structural chassis of the payload carrier (10) and is therefore designed to support the payload carrier (10) and to increase bending stiffness, torsional stiffness and impact strength of the payload carrier (10). Typically, the integrated tray arrangement (12) comprises a tray (14) and a support structure (18).

IPC Classes  ?

• B61D 11/02 - Body construction
• B62D 21/03 - Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted comprising longitudinally or transversely arranged frame members transverse members providing body support
• B62D 33/02 - PlatformsOpen load compartments
• B62D 33/077 - Superstructures for load-carrying vehicles characterised by the connection of the superstructure to the vehicle frame
• B60R 13/01 - Liners for load platforms or load compartments

Abstract

A lightweight haul vehicle comprising a haul carrier arrangement, typically utilised in mining and/or construction operations for hauling raw material. The vehicle comprises a chassis for supporting the haul carrier arrangement. The haul carrier arrangement comprises a support arrangement fixed relative to the chassis and a carrier arrangement in the form of a sheet of flexible material suspended from the support arrangement and supported to form an open-top receptacle for operatively receiving raw material.

IPC Classes  ?

• B65G 67/24 - Unloading land vehicles
• B65G 67/30 - Unloading land vehicles using transportable tipping apparatus
• B65G 67/32 - Unloading land vehicles using fixed tipping installations
• B65G 67/02 - Loading or unloading land vehicles
• B60P 1/04 - Vehicles predominantly for transporting loads and modified to facilitate loading, consolidating the load, or unloading with a tipping movement of load supporting or containing element
• B60P 1/28 - Tipping-body constructions
• B62B 3/08 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheelsSteering devices thereforEquipment therefor involving tiltably-mounted containers
• B62B 1/16 - Hand carts having only one axis carrying one or more transport wheelsEquipment therefor in which the load is intended to be transferred totally to the wheels involving tiltably-mounted containers
• B60P 9/00 - Other vehicles predominantly for carrying loads

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a process for the production of low carbon fuels, i.e the production of hydrogen or other low carbon fuels. The process includes the steps of reacting hydrocarbon/s and water 12 in a production unit 10, to produce low carbon fuels product 14 and a CO2 by-product 16/18. A series of porous wetted heaps or dams of particulate ultramafic rock HG1-HG3 and LG1 enclosed within a coating that is substantially impermeable to gas flow are provided. The CO2 byproduct 16/18 is supplied to the series of porous heaps or dams HG1-HG3 and LG1, in which CO2 is sequestered by the particulate rock.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 3/34 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
• C01B 3/32 - Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
• C10L 1/02 - Liquid carbonaceous fuels essentially based on components consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen only
• C01B 32/05 - Preparation or purification of carbon not covered by groups , , ,
• C01B 32/30 - Active carbon

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method of disposing of residues from the comminution and processing of ores. The method includes the steps of classifying the processing residues into a water permeable sand fraction and a tailings fraction and depositing the tailings fraction and the sand fraction to form a multilayer structure contained by at least one containment wall (14) with the sand fraction forming continuous channels (12) through the tailings fraction (10) to allow water contained in the tailings and sand to flow by gravity, through the sand channels, to water discharge points (16), and recovering the water (18) from the water discharge points.

IPC Classes  ?

• C02F 11/16 - Treatment of sludgeDevices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening using drying or composting beds
• B03B 5/30 - Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materialsWet separating by sink-float separation using heavy liquids or suspensions
• B09B 1/00 - Dumping solid waste
• E02B 11/00 - Drainage of soil, e.g. for agricultural purposes

Abstract

A method of analysing ore during excavation, wherein the method includes, during excavation, scanning/sensing ore by using an active hyperspectral sensing (AHS) sensor. The scanning/sensing step includes (i) controlling a power spectrum of a light source, and (ii) comparing, by using the AHS sensor, an emitted light spectrum of light emitted from the controlled light source with a light spectrum of reflected/backscattered light which is reflected/backscattered off the ore. The AHS sensor may be directed towards a muck/veneer/stockpile in order to scan ore forming part of, or being located on, the muck/veneer/stockpile.

IPC Classes  ?

• E02F 9/26 - Indicating devices
• E02F 7/00 - Equipment for conveying or separating excavated material
• G01N 21/25 - ColourSpectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials

Abstract

A method of analysing ore, wherein the method includes, during excavation, scanning/sensing ore, by using a sensor. The sensor is located at a position which is (i) spaced from a bucket/shovel of an excavator and (ii) operatively higher relative to the bucket/shovel. The sensor is also directed towards the bucket/shovel, so that the sensor can scan/sense operatively downwardly towards/into the bucket/shovel. The sensor may be secured to, or mounted on, an excavator at a position which is spaced from a bucket/shovel of the excavator.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21C 41/30 - Methods of surface miningLayouts therefor for ores, e.g. mining placers
• E02F 3/28 - DredgersSoil-shifting machines mechanically-driven with digging tools mounted on a dipper- or bucket-arm, e.g. dippers, buckets
• E02F 5/14 - Component parts for trench excavators, e.g. indicating devices
• E02F 9/26 - Indicating devices

Abstract

A method of, and system for, operating/monitoring a grinding mill. A first and second variable is obtained. The first variable relates to a first property of a current grinding mill operation. The second variable relates to a second property of the current grinding mill operation. The first and second variables are used to determine a maximum charge cell amount for the grinding mill which would result in a stable throughput/output where the throughput/output of the grinding mill remains at a pre-determined/desired target throughput/output level or higher than the pre-determined/desired target throughput/output level. Historical information may also be used in the determination. The historical information may relate to what a measured throughput of a particular historical grinding mill operation was at different times over a period of time, and for each measured throughput what its associated first variable and second variable were.

IPC Classes  ?

• B02C 17/00 - Disintegrating by tumbling mills, i.e. mills having a container charged with the material to be disintegrated with or without special disintegrating members such as pebbles or balls
• C22B 1/00 - Preliminary treatment of ores or scrap
• C22B 1/14 - AgglomeratingBriquettingBindingGranulating
• B02C 23/08 - Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating

Goods & Services

Mining and mining extraction; operation of mines; mineral deposit mining; quarrying services; excavation services; shaft sinking; drilling of wells; tunnelling; environmental remediation services including waste disposal cleaning services; information and consultation services in connection with the aforesaid services.

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of constructing a tailings storage facility structure, and to a tailings facility structure. The structure comprises a network of sand channel arteries (10) and permeable capillaries extending through tailings (14). The sand channel arteries (10) are continuous in the vertical and one lateral dimension and connect to a decant point or points. The permeable capillaries (12) are connected at their lowest point to a sand channel artery, and are continuous in one lateral dimension. The capillaries (12) transport water from the tailings (14) to the sand channel arteries (10), and the sand channel arteries transport water from the capillaries (12) and the tailings (14), to the water decant point or points.

IPC Classes  ?

• B09B 1/00 - Dumping solid waste
• B03B 7/00 - Combinations of wet processes or apparatus with other processes or apparatus, e.g. for dressing ores or garbage
• E02B 11/00 - Drainage of soil, e.g. for agricultural purposes
• C02F 11/14 - Treatment of sludgeDevices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening with addition of chemical agents

Abstract

A system (10) for treating mined ores utilising high intensity electromagnetic radiation, such as microwave radiation, and a method utilising said system (10). The system comprises a main structure (12) defining an internal volume (14) between a floor (16), roof (18) and opposing sidewalls (20), a displacement arrangement (22) and a treatment device (30) associated with a treatment zone (32) within the internal volume (14). The displacement arrangement (22) comprises a plurality of partitions (24) which define a plurality of compartments (26) within the internal volume. The plurality of partitions (24) is configured to be displaced, in use, through the internal volume (14) in a displacement direction (28). Material is operatively received in the compartments (26), displaced in the displacement direction (28) by the displacement arrangement (22) through the internal volume (14), and treated by the treatment device (30) as it is displaced through the treatment zone (32).

IPC Classes  ?

• B02C 19/18 - Use of auxiliary physical effects, e.g. ultrasonics, irradiation, for disintegrating
• E99Z 99/00 - Subject matter not otherwise provided for in this section
• F26B 15/14 - Machines or apparatus for drying objects with progressive movementMachines or apparatus with progressive movement for drying batches of material in compact form with movement in a path composed of one or more straight lines, e.g. compound the lines being all horizontal or slightly inclined the objects or batches of materials being carried by trays or racks
• G16Y 10/20 - Mining

Goods & Services

Mining of metals; mining extraction; operation of mines being mining extraction services; mineral deposit mining; quarrying services; excavation services; shaft sinking being mining extraction services; drilling of wells; tunnelling being construction of tunnels; environmental remediation services in the nature of waste cleaning services; information and consultation services in connection with the aforesaid services

Abstract

A method of, and system for, predicting strata-related risk in an underground mining environment. The method includes obtaining geological data which relates to a particular unmined area in an underground mine. The method further includes utilising a risk prediction module, which includes a machine learning model, in order to predict a risk of a strata-related event occurring in the particular unmined area, by using the geological data as input to the machine learning model. The machine learning model has been trained using data related to already-mined areas. The strata-related event may be a cavity event. The underground mining environment may be an underground longwall mine.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21C 41/26 - Methods of surface miningLayouts therefor
• G01N 33/24 - Earth materials
• G06N 3/04 - Architecture, e.g. interconnection topology
• G06N 3/08 - Learning methods
• G06N 20/00 - Machine learning

Abstract

THIS invention relates a method for processing a sulphide ore containing metal values comprising the integration of a sand heap leach (10) and a flotation process (12), providing a method which is suited to processing ores with significant quantities of leachable sulphides. The method includes a comminution step (14), and the classification of the comminuted ore into an oversize coarse fraction (16), a fine fraction (18) suitable for fine flotation and optionally an intermediate fraction (20) suitable for coarse flotation. A concentrate (30) containing iron sulphides from a fine flotation step (22) and optionally a concentrate (36) from a coarse flotation step (34) are blended with the oversize coarse fraction (16), to obtain a blended ore (39) is stacked and subjected to a heap leach process (40).

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals
• C22B 1/24 - BindingBriquetting
• C22B 3/08 - Sulfuric acid
• C22B 3/26 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by liquid-liquid extraction using organic compounds

Abstract

10 ratio of less than 25 and greater than 3, forming a heap (18) from the classified sand, and distributing leachant and air through the heap to leach the values from the sand in a pregnant leachate, from which the leached values may be recovered. The invention also relates to a heap formed from ore processed by this method.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals
• C22B 15/00 - Obtaining copper

Goods & Services

Building construction; mining and mining extraction; mineral deposit mining; quarrying services; excavation services; shaft sinking; drilling of wells; tunnelling; repair, installation services, environmental remediation services, namely, waste disposal [cleaning services]; information and consultation services in connection with the aforesaid services. Treatment and processing of materials including heap leaching, water, soil and waste; refining; metal casting, tempering and treating; water treatment; waste treatment; metal treatment services; metallurgical processing services; fuel and biofuel production services; recycling and upcycling of waste and recyclable material, including sorting service of waste and treatment of waste materials; generation and production of power and energy including hydrogen, solar and wind energy; production of energy by power plants; production of hydroelectric power; recycling; industrial waste treatment for carbon capture and storage; information and consultation services in connection with the aforesaid services.

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method and heap for recovering metal values from ore in a heap leach process. The method includes the steps of depositing and stacking crushed ore 16 on an impermeable pad 12 to form a heap, and enclosing the heap with a substantially impermeable coating 18 to both gas and liquid; to form a sealed heap. The sealed heap is irrigated with a leachant added inside the top of the heap, allowing the leachant to percolate through the heap and removing leachant at the base of the heap, either for recirculation or subsequent processing. Oxygen containing gas is added to the base of the sealed heap.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 1/14 - AgglomeratingBriquettingBindingGranulating
• C22B 3/02 - Apparatus therefor

Abstract

This invention relates to a method and reactor for the sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2). The method includes the steps of providing a reactor 10 comprising a porous heap of particulate material capable of CO2 sequestration stacked on an impermeable pad 12 and enclosed within a coating 16 which is substantially impermeable to gas flow. CO2 gas 18 is supplied into the enclosed heap, to maintain a CO2 partial pressure greater than 0.1 within the heap; and providing the heap with water 20 whereby free water content in the heap is maintained at less than 30% by weight of the heap.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 53/34 - Chemical or biological purification of waste gases
• B01D 53/62 - Carbon oxides
• B01D 53/46 - Removing components of defined structure

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method of sequestering CO2 containing gas with the preparation of a high surface area of rock suited for sequestration in a 3-dimensional permeable heap. The method includes includes the steps of obtaining, or obtaining and comminuting, a material 10 which is suitable for CO2 sequestration to generate a feed stock with a p80 less than 5mm. Separating the feedstock into a coarse fraction 16 and a fine fraction 16, and agglomerating 20 the fine fraction to form an agglomerated particles 22 with an apparent p80 of less than 10mm and with a p10 > 0.15mm. The agglomerated particles are stacked in a heap 18, and a CO2 containing gas, and an irrigant 26, through the permeable and unsaturated heap, to sequester 24 the CO2 contained in the gas.

IPC Classes  ?

• B01D 53/62 - Carbon oxides
• B01D 53/14 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by absorption
• B01D 53/22 - Separation of gases or vapoursRecovering vapours of volatile solvents from gasesChemical or biological purification of waste gases, e.g. engine exhaust gases, smoke, fumes, flue gases or aerosols by diffusion
• B01D 53/46 - Removing components of defined structure

Goods & Services

Treatment and processing of ore, namely, heap leaching; treatment and processing of water, soil and waste; refining of base and precious metals; metal casting, tempering and treating; water treatment; waste treatment; metal treatment services; metallurgical processing services, namely, treatment of metal ores by means of commutation, classification and heap leaching; fuel and biofuel production services; recycling and upcycling of waste and recyclable material, namely, sorting service of waste and treatment of waste material in connection with recycling; generation and production of power and energy, namely, hydrogen, solar and wind energy; production of energy by power plants; production of hydroelectric power; recycling; industrial waste treatment, namely, carbon capture for others using mineral carbonation; information and consultation services in the field of recycling, energy production, carbon capture, and metal, soil, water, and waste treatment and processing Building construction; mining for base and precious metals and mining extraction; mineral deposit mining, namely, mining for base and precious metal containing ores including copper, nickel, zinc, uranium, gold, silver; quarrying services; excavation services; shaft sinking; drilling of wells; tunneling in the nature of construction of tunnels; waste cleaning services; information and consultation services in the field of building construction, mining, quarrying, excavation, tunneling, and waste cleaning services

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of sequestering CO2 in a 3 dimensional heap structure of MgO containing crushed rock by crushing 12 MgO containing rock 10 to a particulate material with a size suited to sequestration and having a particle size of less than 5 mm; classifying 14 and reducing the proportion of fines generated in the crushed rock, such that the proportion of <75 micron particles is less than 20% by weight; stacking 20 the crushed rock such that the heap exceeds a hydraulic conductivity of 10-5m/s; and gas can flow through at a rate of greater than 20 l/m2/h. The heap 20 is irrigated 30 to maintain the rock in an unsaturated state with internal moisture between 10-25% by weight. CO2 containing gas 25 is passed through the heap, such that the residual particulate matter is accessed by and reacts with CO2 in the gas; and the CO2 in the gas is converted to a solid carbonate material.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01B 32/60 - Preparation of carbonates or bicarbonates in general
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 3/06 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in inorganic acid solutions

Abstract

A process for recovering value metals from ore comprising rock, including the steps of preselection of a grade of ore to be microwaved to form an ore stream; subjecting the ore stream to microwave energy to partially fracture rocks in the stream and form a partially fractured ore stream; crushing the partially fractured ore stream to preferentially fracture the pre-weakened ore, to form a crushed ore stream; and Screening the crushed ore stream to form a fines fraction ore stream for further processing; and a gangue fraction that may justify further processing.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 1/24 - BindingBriquetting

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a process for the enhanced recovery of chromite and platinum group metals (PGMs) from a mixed chromite/PGM ore. Ore is ground 12, classified 14, to produce a coarse fraction and a fine fraction 36. The coarse fraction is subjected to gravity separation 16 and coarse particle flotation 20 to obtain a chrome concentrate and a PGM concentrate. The fine fraction 36 and PGM concentrate are ground 28, and subjected to conventional flotation 30 to obtain a PGM concentrate product 32. The benefits of this novel configuration of gravity concentration and coarse flotation technologies, as applied to both chromite and PGM recovery, are higher recoveries of chromite in a saleable concentrate, higher recoveries of PGMs and base metals, and lower chromite content in the PGM concentrate.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/44 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by chemical processes
• B03D 1/02 - Froth-flotation processes
• B07B 13/04 - Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided forSorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices according to size
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals

Goods & Services

Building construction; mining and mining extraction; quarrying services; excavation services; shaft-sinking; drilling of wells; tunnelling; repair, installation services, information and consultation services in connection with the aforegoing. Scientific and technological services, support, research, development, and design relating thereto; industrial analysis and research services; chemical research and analysis; geological prospecting, research and surveys; exploration for the oil, gas and mining industries; engineering; research in the field of environmental protection; design and development of computer hardware and software; digital transformation and data integration for mining, geoscience, mine planning, operations and maintenance.

Abstract

THIS invention relates a method for processing a sulphide ore containing metal values comprising the integration of a sand heap leach (10) and a flotation process (12), providing a method which is suited to processing ores with significant quantities of leachable sulphides. The method includes a comminution step (14), and the classification of the comminuted ore into an oversize coarse fraction (16), a fine fraction (18) suitable for fine flotation and optionally an intermediate fraction (20) suitable for coarse flotation. A concentrate (30) containing iron sulphides from a fine flotation step (22) and optionally a concentrate (36) from a coarse flotation step (34) are blended with the oversize coarse fraction (16), to obtain a blended ore (39) is stacked and subjected to a heap leach process (40).

IPC Classes  ?

• B03D 1/08 - Subsequent treatment of concentrated product
• C22B 1/24 - BindingBriquetting
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 3/20 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals

Goods & Services

Custom design of digital data analytics computer software platforms; design and development of computer hardware and software

Abstract

8010901010 ratio of less than 25 and greater than 3, forming a heap (18) from the classified sand, and distributing leachant and air through the heap to leach the values from the sand in a pregnant leachate, from which the leached values may be recovered. The invention also relates to a heap formed from ore processed by this method.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/10 - Hydrochloric acid
• C22B 34/22 - Obtaining vanadium
• C22B 5/10 - Dry processes by solid carbonaceous reducing agents

Abstract

A process for recovering value metals from ore comprising rock, including the steps of preselection of a grade of ore to be microwaved to form an ore stream; subjecting the ore stream to microwave energy to partially fracture rocks in the stream and form a partially fractured ore stream; crushing the partially fractured ore stream to preferentially fracture the pre-weakened ore, to form a crushed ore stream; and Screening the crushed ore stream to form a fines fraction ore stream for further processing; and a gangue fraction that may justify further processing.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 1/00 - Preliminary treatment of ores or scrap
• C22B 1/02 - Roasting processes
• B02C 19/18 - Use of auxiliary physical effects, e.g. ultrasonics, irradiation, for disintegrating
• B07C 5/344 - Sorting according to other particular properties according to electric or electromagnetic properties

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for recovering metal values from ore, including the steps of depositing two or more processed ore fractions with different particle sizes in discrete layers (16,18) to form a layered heap leach structure (10) located on a heap leach pad (12). The layered heap structure (10) is leached with a leachate which permeates by gravity through the layers, and leachate containing dissolved values is recovered from a leachate collection point or points. The invention also relates to a layered heap leach structure (10).

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 15/00 - Obtaining copper
• C22B 3/00 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
• C22B 3/14 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching in inorganic alkaline solutions containing ammonia or ammonium salts
• C22B 3/44 - Treatment or purification of solutions, e.g. obtained by leaching by chemical processes

Abstract

Apparatus for powering trucks, the apparatus including a power module skid and supporting structure for fitting on a truck, the skid housing one or more hydrogen fuel cell modules, one or more battery sub packs, cooling means and cooling management, and integrated power electronics, to provide an electrical drive train of the truck with a constant high voltage DC power supply. Also an integrated system for using renewable energy in a mine environment to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, in which environment, mined material is transported around the mine using one or more trucks, in which integrated system there are: means for providing renewable energy; means for using the renewable energy to synthesise hydrogen; means for storing the synthesised hydrogen; wherein, the integrated system further includes hybrid hydrogen power modules fitted to each truck, said power modules including hydrogen fuel cell modules and battery sub packs, whereby the stored hydrogen is loaded on to the truck to feed the hydrogen fuel cell modules so that the truck is entirely powered by the combination of the hydrogen fuel cells and the battery sub packs and the battery sub packs are recharged by the hydrogen fuel cells during use such that they do not need to be removed or remotely charged.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 1/04 - Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
• B60L 50/75 - Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells using propulsion power supplied by both fuel cells and batteries
• H01M 16/00 - Structural combinations of different types of electrochemical generators
• H01M 8/0656 - Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants by electrochemical means
• H01M 8/249 - Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells comprising two or more groupings of fuel cells, e.g. modular assemblies

Abstract

This invention relates to a method of treating sulphide ore in a standard design sulphide concentrator plant, the plant comprising: one or more ore crushing standard design unit/s; a primary gangue rejection section comprising: one or more bulk sorting standard design unit/s; and one or more screening standard design unit/s; one or more tertiary crushing standard design unit/s; a secondary gangue rejection section comprising: one or more modular ore classification standard design unit/s; one or more modular coarse flotation standard design unit/s; and one or more modular fine flotation standard design unit/s.

IPC Classes  ?

• B03D 1/02 - Froth-flotation processes
• C22B 1/00 - Preliminary treatment of ores or scrap
• B02C 23/14 - Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating with more than one separator

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a method of disposing of residues from the comminution and processing of ores. The method includes the steps of classifying the processing residues into a water permeable sand fraction and a tailings fraction and depositing the tailings fraction and the sand fraction to form a multilayer structure contained by at least one containment wall (14) with the sand fraction forming continuous channels (12) through the tailings fraction (10) to allow water contained in the tailings and sand to flow by gravity, through the sand channels, to water discharge points (16), and recovering the water (18) from the water discharge points.

IPC Classes  ?

• C02F 11/16 - Treatment of sludgeDevices therefor by de-watering, drying or thickening using drying or composting beds
• B03B 5/30 - Washing granular, powdered or lumpy materialsWet separating by sink-float separation using heavy liquids or suspensions
• B09B 1/00 - Dumping solid waste
• E02B 11/00 - Drainage of soil, e.g. for agricultural purposes

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for processing nickel laterite ore, including the steps of obtaining a mined laterite ore from a mining operation 42; and feeding the ore through a bulk sorter 44 comprising a sensor arrangement and a diverting mechanism that separates the ore into a beneficiated stream of nickel laterite ore 28 wherein the grade of nickel is higher than the grade of the ore fed into the bulk sorter for further processing 52 by leaching or smelting; one or more low grade fractions of ore 50 with a lower nickel grade than the beneficiated stream; and a waste fraction 46. This configuration efficiently separates lower grade patches in the run of mine ore, to either a low-grade stockpile or waste, and efficiently blends the selected high-grade ore to meet the specifications of the subsequent processing.

IPC Classes  ?

• C22B 3/02 - Apparatus therefor
• C22B 3/00 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
• C22B 23/02 - Obtaining nickel or cobalt by dry processes
• C22B 23/00 - Obtaining nickel or cobalt

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for mining and processing of an ore. The method comprises at least one mobile comminution device (26) comprising at least one mobile crusher unit and at least one mobile grinding unit located proximate to an ore body that is being mined (20), fragmented ore (22) from the ore body is comminuted in the mobile comminution device (26) to a size which can be readily pumped (28) without the use of special carrier fluids, preferably to a particle size p50 in the range between 0.05 to 1 mm and the comminuted ore is combined with water to form a slurry.

IPC Classes  ?

• E21C 41/30 - Methods of surface miningLayouts therefor for ores, e.g. mining placers
• E21C 47/00 - Machines for obtaining, or the removal of, materials in open-pit mines
• E02F 7/10 - Pipe-lines for conveying excavated materials
• E21F 13/06 - Transport specially adapted to underground conditions at or adjacent to the working face
• E21C 35/20 - General features of equipment for removal of chippings, e.g. for loading on conveyor
• B65G 53/30 - Conveying materials in bulk through pipes or tubes by liquid pressure
• B02C 23/20 - Adding fluid, other than for crushing or disintegrating by fluid energy after crushing or disintegrating
• E02F 7/00 - Equipment for conveying or separating excavated material
• E21C 41/00 - Methods of underground or surface miningLayouts therefor
• B02C 21/02 - Transportable disintegrating plant
• E21F 13/00 - Transport specially adapted to underground conditions

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for recovering value metals from sulphide ore, including steps of crushing ore in a primary crusher (14) to a size of about 40 cm and less, passing the crushed ore through one or more of the following pre-beneficiation processes such as bulk sorting (16) and screening (20) followed by coarse floatation (46/50), or gravity separation or magnetic separation. A waste stream (54) from the pre-beneficiation process/es with a particle size greater than 100 μm is stacked in a heap (26) and subjected to a heap leach. This integrated process utilises the pre-beneficiation techniques best suited to the characteristics of a particular orebody; and during the pre-beneficiation simultaneously creating a low grade stream that yields significantly higher recoveries than achievable by normal heap leaching of low grade run of mine ore.

IPC Classes  ?

• B03B 7/00 - Combinations of wet processes or apparatus with other processes or apparatus, e.g. for dressing ores or garbage
• B03D 1/02 - Froth-flotation processes
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 1/00 - Preliminary treatment of ores or scrap
• B07B 15/00 - Combinations of apparatus for separating solids from solids by dry methods applicable to bulk material, e.g. loose articles fit to be handled like bulk material
• B03D 1/06 - Froth-flotation processes differential
• B02C 23/14 - Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating with more than one separator
• B07B 13/04 - Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided forSorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices according to size
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals
• C22B 15/00 - Obtaining copper
• B02C 23/10 - Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating with separator arranged in discharge path of crushing or disintegrating zone

Abstract

This invention relates to an integrated process for recovering value metals from sulphide ore which includes the steps of bulk sorting 16 and screening 24/28 crushed ore. The sorted/screened coarse ore stream is ground and classified 20 to provide a coarse fraction 34 suitable for coarse flotation and a first fine fraction 38 suitable for flotation. The coarse fraction suitable for coarse flotation is subjected to coarse flotation 36 thereby to obtain a gangue 42 and an intermediate concentrate 46. The intermediate concentrate is subjected to grinding 48 to provide a second fine fraction suitable for conventional flotation. The first fine fraction and the second fine fraction are subjected to conventional flotation 40 to provide a concentrate and tailings. This process that capitalizes on the natural heterogeneity of sulphide orebodies, and utilizes bulk sorting, screening and coarse flotation beneficiation technologies in a novel multistage configuration to reject the maximum quantity of waste gangue prior to fine comminution.

IPC Classes  ?

• B02C 23/14 - Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating with more than one separator
• B03D 1/02 - Froth-flotation processes
• B03D 1/002 - Inorganic compounds
• B03D 1/08 - Subsequent treatment of concentrated product
• B03D 1/012 - Organic compounds containing sulfur
• B03D 1/12 - Agent recovery
• B03D 1/14 - Flotation machines
• B02C 23/10 - Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating with separator arranged in discharge path of crushing or disintegrating zone

Abstract

THIS invention relates to an integrated process for recovering the valuable iron fraction from low grade iron ore, including the steps of: comminution 14 and classification 36/39 to obtain a classified fraction suitable for coarse flotation and classified fraction suitable for fine beneficiation; subjecting the fraction suitable for coarse flotation to coarse flotation 40 to obtain an intermediate iron concentrate 42 and a coarse sand residue 44; grinding the intermediate concentrate to a size suitable for fine beneficiation; and subjecting the fractions suitable for fine beneficiation to fine beneficiation 46 and obtaining a final iron concentrate 48 and a fine tailings 50.

IPC Classes  ?

• B03D 1/08 - Subsequent treatment of concentrated product
• B03D 1/10 - Removing adhering liquid from separated materials
• B02C 23/12 - Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating with separator arranged in discharge path of crushing or disintegrating zone with return of oversize material to crushing or disintegrating zone
• B03C 1/00 - Magnetic separation
• B03C 1/30 - Combinations with other devices, not otherwise provided for
• B03D 1/02 - Froth-flotation processes
• B03B 7/00 - Combinations of wet processes or apparatus with other processes or apparatus, e.g. for dressing ores or garbage

Abstract

THIS invention relates to a process for recovering value metals from ore (50) configured such as to substantively reduce or eliminate the need for a tailings storage facility. This object is achieved through an integrated processing system designed to enhance the ratio of sand residue from coarse flotation (62) to the amount of tailings arising from fine flotation (72), and then blending a proportion of coarse and fine flotation gangue materials into a free draining stack (82).

IPC Classes  ?

• B03D 1/08 - Subsequent treatment of concentrated product
• B02C 23/08 - Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating
• B02C 23/18 - Adding fluid, other than for crushing or disintegrating by fluid energy
• B02C 23/38 - Adding fluid, other than for crushing or disintegrating by fluid energy in apparatus having multiple crushing or disintegrating zones
• B03D 1/10 - Removing adhering liquid from separated materials
• B02C 23/14 - Separating or sorting of material, associated with crushing or disintegrating with more than one separator
• B09B 1/00 - Dumping solid waste

Abstract

This invention relates to a process for recovering valuable metals from ore with significantly reduced water consumption through the discrete treatment and storage of coarse tailings. Ore is ground to produce a coarse particulate ore. The coarse particulate ore is treated in a coarse flotation stage to produce a low grade concentrate fraction and a coarse tailings fraction. The low grade concentrate fraction is treated to produce fine tailings and a saleable concentrate. The coarse tailings are treated separately from the fine tailings and water is recovered from the coarse tailings by hydraulically stacking; filtering or screening, whereafter the coarse tailings are dry stacked, without being recombined with the fine tailings.

IPC Classes  ?

• B03D 1/02 - Froth-flotation processes
• C22B 19/02 - Preliminary treatment of oresPreliminary refining of zinc oxide
• C22B 19/20 - Obtaining zinc otherwise than by distilling
• C22B 3/00 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes
• C22B 23/00 - Obtaining nickel or cobalt
• C22B 1/00 - Preliminary treatment of ores or scrap
• C22B 3/04 - Extraction of metal compounds from ores or concentrates by wet processes by leaching
• C22B 1/14 - AgglomeratingBriquettingBindingGranulating
• C22B 11/00 - Obtaining noble metals
• C22B 13/00 - Obtaining lead
• C22B 15/00 - Obtaining copper