Mineral processing (processes)

Duration

26h Th, 1d FW, 26h Labo., 10h Proj.

Number of credits

Lecturer

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit 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 learning unit

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

This course contributes to the learning outcomes I.2, II.1, II.2, IV.2, VI.1, VI.2, VII.2, VII.3 of the BSc in engineering.

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, hybrid learning)

Face-to-face
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, Finch J. "Wills' Mineral Processing technology - An Introduction to the Practical Aspects of Ore Treatment and Mineral Recovery" Eight edition, 2016, ISBN: 978-0-08-097053-0 - pdf version 
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.
Liberation glossary for presentation of mineralogy results - version pdf sur e-campus

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

Organisational remarks and main changes to the course

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

Association of one or more MOOCs

Items online