What are the 4 Types of Mineral Processing?

Summary

Andrew Gillis discusses the four types of mineral processing, addressing both theoretical and practical perspectives. He explains that theoretically, mineral processing involves creating heterogeneity and exploiting differences, while practically it includes combination, screening, concentration, and dewatering. Gillis also touches on the inclusion of leaching in practical mineral processing operations, despite it being categorized under hydrometallurgy theoretically.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Andrew Gillis from Separation Mineral Systems discusses the four types of mineral processing.
• 🤔 The initial confusion about the request for a video on mineral processing led to research on the topic.
• 📚 The Wikipedia page on mineral processing was referenced as a starting point for the discussion.
• 🔑 Mineral processing can involve four general types of unit operations: combination, sizing, concentration, and dewatering.
• 💡 Gillis suggests that the classification depends on whether one is considering a theoretical or practical point of view.
• 🪨 Combination in mineral processing refers to crushing and grinding, creating heterogeneity in the material.
• 📏 Sizing or size separation is often used in conjunction with combination to achieve the desired heterogeneity.
• 🌐 Screening can be used to exploit differences in particle size, and cyclones can exploit differences in density.
• 💎 Concentration is about exploiting differences in physical or surface chemical properties, such as gravity separation or flotation.
• 💧 Leaching is considered part of hydrometallurgy from a theoretical standpoint but is commonly included in practical mineral processing operations.
• 🌊 Dewatering, while not a theoretical type of mineral processing, is a crucial practical step in mineral processing operations.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Andrew Gillis' video?

The main topic of Andrew Gillis' video is explaining the four types of mineral processing.

What was Andrew Gillis' initial reaction to the request for the video?

Andrew Gillis' initial reaction was confusion as he wasn't sure why the marketing department was asking for a video on this topic.

What source did Andrew Gillis refer to for the four types of mineral processing?

Andrew Gillis referred to the Wikipedia page for mineral processing to identify the four types.

What are the four general types of unit operations in mineral processing according to Wikipedia?

According to Wikipedia, the four general types of unit operations in mineral processing are combination, sizing, concentration, and dewatering.

What is the first fundamental principle of mineral processing mentioned by Andrew Gillis?

The first fundamental principle of mineral processing mentioned by Andrew Gillis is creating heterogeneity.

What does creating heterogeneity involve in mineral processing?

Creating heterogeneity involves taking large rocks and breaking them into small enough particles to exploit differences within them.

What is the second fundamental principle of mineral processing?

The second fundamental principle of mineral processing is exploiting differences.

How does Andrew Gillis categorize screening in the context of mineral processing?

Andrew Gillis categorizes screening as both a part of creating heterogeneity and exploiting differences in mineral processing.

What does concentration involve in mineral processing?

Concentration in mineral processing involves exploiting differences using physical separation devices such as gravity separation, centrifuges, spirals, and magnetic separators.

What is Andrew Gillis' stance on including leaching in the types of mineral processing?

Andrew Gillis includes leaching in mineral processing from a practical standpoint but not from a theoretical one, as it falls under hydrometallurgy.

What is the role of dewatering in mineral processing according to Andrew Gillis?

Dewatering is included in mineral processing from a practical standpoint due to the significant time and energy spent on it, but not from a theoretical framework.

What are the practical frameworks for mineral processing according to Andrew Gillis?

According to Andrew Gillis, the practical frameworks for mineral processing include leaching, thickeners, filters, and filter presses.

Where can viewers find more detailed information on mineral processing topics?

Viewers can find more detailed information on mineral processing topics in the knowledge section of minerals.separatorsystems.com.