PREP

Purpose and goal

The overall objective of the R&D work was to develop an integrated modelling and simulation environment for conducting comprehensive model-based prognoses for the beneficiation of primary mineral resources. The sub-goals that have been achieved have been the development of a geometallurgical block model, the implementation of particle-based process models, and the validation of methods and models via case studies for different mineralizations. The solution also included the development and implementation of various numerical methods.

Expected results and effects

Characterization for case studies has been carried out. A geometallurgical block model has been developed that combines geological parameters with processing properties. Detailed models for ball and autogenous mills and crushers have been developed and implemented within the HSC software. Beneficiation processes were modeled using shortcut methods. HSC has been further developed towards particle-based simulation. Block data has been used in conjunction with the process models to optimize production during time-dependent variations (ore quality / different processes).

Planned approach and implementation

R&D work within PREP was divided into two parts, method development (experimental and numerical methods, models) and validation with industrial data. Therefore, the project has been structured in five technical work packages for (i) deposit modeling, (ii) modeling of crushing and grinding processes, (iii) modeling of concentration processes, (iv) establishing a simulation environment and (v) case studies. The project was carried out in collaboration between LKAB, Boliden Mineral AB, Zinkgruvan, Outotec, Chalmers University and Luleå University of Technology.