Study Programmes 2015-2016
META0431-3  
Mineral processing (processes)
Duration :
30h Th, 1d FW, 30h Labo., 10h Proj.
Number of credits :
Bachelor in engineering5
Bachelor in engineering5
Master in geology and mining engineering (120 ECTS)5
Lecturer :
Stoyan Gaydardzhiev
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the second semester
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
This course is dealing with the existing modern mineral processing methods. Its objective is to acquaint the students with the basics of these methods met in nowadays mining practice. Basic techniques for bulk solids characterization, particle measurement and their implication to fragmentation, phase's liberation and estimation of separation efficiency are discussed. The principles of size reduction and classification and the associated equipment are covered. The importance of energy reduction in mineral processing is stressed. The mineral separation techniques discussed encompass gravity, magnetic, electrostatic, physicochemical (froth flotation) and hydrometallurgical (in-situ leaching) methods. The principles of their integration in modern ore processing flow-sheets are presented. Finally, examples dealing with the involvement of mineral separation techniques in the niche of materials recovery from secondary resources and industrial wastes are presented.
Learning outcomes of the course :
By attending this course, students will be capable to:
understand the basic principles behind each mineral separation technique;
to integrate various processing techniques in a complete flowsheet leading to efficient extraction of valuable components met in particular ore;
to make logical link between applied mineralogy, mineral process technology and economics;
to apply their knowledge in real case studies of mineral processing practice
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
It is advisable to have knowledge about mineral chemistry and applied mineralogy
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
Lab works involving granulometric analysis (sieving), classification, separation (gravity, magnetic, electrostatic ...), froth flotation and leaching. Flowsheet design. Calculation - balance, metal grade, recovery.
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Face-to-face
Second quadrimester 2015-16 - dates to be confirmed
The ppt slides are in English
Recommended or required readings :
The lecture material as pdf files is available at the eCampus platform. The instructions for the practical works will be distributed during the semester and will be downloadble from e-campus platform.
Additional references:
Wills B.A. , Napier-Munn T.J., 2006. Mineral processing technology: an Introduction to the practical aspects of ore treatment and mineral recovery, Seventh edition, Butterworth-Heinemann Ltd. ISBN 0750644508 - available at ST Library ULg
Yan and Gupta, Mineral Processing Design and Operations - an Introduction, Elsevier 2006 -  version pdf available at e-campus
Jan Svoboda Industrial application of magnetic separation methods - version pdf available at e-campus
Ek C., Masson A., Cours de mineralurgie (Preparation des Minerais), 1973, Editions Derouaux, Liege - version pdf available at e-campus
Kelly E.G., Spottiswood, D., J., 1982. Introduction to mineral processing. John Willey & Sons.
Assessment methods and criteria :
Oral exam - 70 %.
Presentation of lab results - 30 % (group reports)
The exam could be conducted either in French or in English
Please note
Students who have not attented all the lab practicals are not eligible for taking the exam
Work placement(s) :
internship not included
Organizational remarks :
The course is delivered during the second quadrimester.
Contacts :
Stoyan GAYDARDZHIEV - Prof. B 52/3, office -1/412, 04 3669120 S.Gaydardzhiev@ulg.ac.be
Mohamed AATACH, Assistant B52/3, 
Mohamed.Aatach@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
teaching and support documents
ppt slides as pdf files reference books, lecture notes