The elutriation of ultrafine particles according to their density. This study is concerned with exploiting a new and powerful mechanism for separating particles according to their density, with strong potential for recovering and concentrating tens of billions of dollars worth of valuable minerals annually. By coupling the new separation mechanism with a centrifugal force it should be possible to apply gravity separation technology, arguably for the first time, to the recovery of ultrafine parti ....The elutriation of ultrafine particles according to their density. This study is concerned with exploiting a new and powerful mechanism for separating particles according to their density, with strong potential for recovering and concentrating tens of billions of dollars worth of valuable minerals annually. By coupling the new separation mechanism with a centrifugal force it should be possible to apply gravity separation technology, arguably for the first time, to the recovery of ultrafine particles from 200 microns to well below 10 microns, at high separation efficiency, and high feed rates. This study is also ideal for training new researchers, especially at the PhD level, in an area of importance to Australia's economic future. Read moreRead less
Multi-scale modelling of particle breakage in grinding process. The minerals industry is the largest exporter in Australia, contributing approximately 40% of Australia's total exports. Grinding is one of basic operations in mineral processing to liberate valuables from the host rock. Grinding process, however, has very low efficiency and may account for 50% of the direct operating cost of a mineral processing plant. This project is to develop a novel, multi-scale model to investigate grinding at ....Multi-scale modelling of particle breakage in grinding process. The minerals industry is the largest exporter in Australia, contributing approximately 40% of Australia's total exports. Grinding is one of basic operations in mineral processing to liberate valuables from the host rock. Grinding process, however, has very low efficiency and may account for 50% of the direct operating cost of a mineral processing plant. This project is to develop a novel, multi-scale model to investigate grinding at both process and individual particle levels and to provide a more accurate prediction of grinding performance. This will result in improved control and design of grinding process with reduced energy consumption and mineral waste, which will be of immense economic and environmental benefit to Australia.Read moreRead less
Chemistry of uranium extraction - studies on the dissolution of uranium ores in a complex solution matrix. Olympic Dam is the world's largest uranium deposit. With a planned massive expansion of the mine's operations, it could generate more than $10b per year. The mineral ores found there, however, are highly complex and poorly understood. This project will investigate and determine the detailed characteristics and chemistry of the mineral ore and offer process improvements that will increase th ....Chemistry of uranium extraction - studies on the dissolution of uranium ores in a complex solution matrix. Olympic Dam is the world's largest uranium deposit. With a planned massive expansion of the mine's operations, it could generate more than $10b per year. The mineral ores found there, however, are highly complex and poorly understood. This project will investigate and determine the detailed characteristics and chemistry of the mineral ore and offer process improvements that will increase the productivity and improve the economics of extraction of the ore. This project will also address the serious deficiency of researchers in this field by creating a sustainable skills development program in mineral extraction and separation technology.Read moreRead less
Microdynamic study of the flow of granular materials in bladed mixers. This project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of granular mixing mechanics in bladed mixers. The study will be carried out by means of newly developed advanced numerical and experimental techniques to generate particle scale information. The flow and mixing behaviour of particles under different conditions will be analysed at both micro- and macro-scopic levels. The research outcomes such as predictive equations ....Microdynamic study of the flow of granular materials in bladed mixers. This project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of granular mixing mechanics in bladed mixers. The study will be carried out by means of newly developed advanced numerical and experimental techniques to generate particle scale information. The flow and mixing behaviour of particles under different conditions will be analysed at both micro- and macro-scopic levels. The research outcomes such as predictive equations will be tested by simulating and analysing complicated industrial mixing processes; modelling to improve granulation and breakage will be targets. It will significantly improve the design, optimisation and control of mixing processes that are widely used in many industries.Read moreRead less
Particle scale studies of powder mixing in bladed mixers. Powder handling and processing are widely used in both conventional and modern industries but rarely reach more than 60% of design capacity because of poor fundamental understanding. Such operations are important to Australia in view of the heavy dependence on raw materials processing (about 40% of the GNP). This project will tackle the core problems in powder mixing which is a key operation in many industries. Application of the research ....Particle scale studies of powder mixing in bladed mixers. Powder handling and processing are widely used in both conventional and modern industries but rarely reach more than 60% of design capacity because of poor fundamental understanding. Such operations are important to Australia in view of the heavy dependence on raw materials processing (about 40% of the GNP). This project will tackle the core problems in powder mixing which is a key operation in many industries. Application of the research outcomes can lead to better process or product control, a decrease in energy consumption and an improvement in productivity, which is very helpful to maintaining Australia's leading position in resource, energy, process and allied industries.Read moreRead less
Improving Aqueous Processing and Control of Copper-Uranium Leach Tails Behaviour. The research will provide essential training and equip us with better understanding, appropriate scientific knowledge and diagnostic tools for establishing an effective U and Cu mineral leaching and subsequent treatment processes. Specifically, improved valuable mineral dissolution rate, greater pulp handleability, efficient particles washing and pulp dewatering technology for treating U-Cu metal containing pulps ....Improving Aqueous Processing and Control of Copper-Uranium Leach Tails Behaviour. The research will provide essential training and equip us with better understanding, appropriate scientific knowledge and diagnostic tools for establishing an effective U and Cu mineral leaching and subsequent treatment processes. Specifically, improved valuable mineral dissolution rate, greater pulp handleability, efficient particles washing and pulp dewatering technology for treating U-Cu metal containing pulps, significant increase in productivity and production with reductions in reagents and human risk, will emerge. These beneficial outcomes will increase profitability and competitiveness of BHP-Billiton and Australian mineral export. Read moreRead less
Optimising non-explosive rock breaking technology. Non-explosive rock breaking technology has the potential to significantly improve safety and production in mining and construction industries. This project will quantify a non-explosive hydraulic rock breaking technology through innovative theoretical and numerical investigations. The influences of all the key factors on the efficiency of this technology will the examined. It is envisaged that the outcomes from this proposal will optimise the no ....Optimising non-explosive rock breaking technology. Non-explosive rock breaking technology has the potential to significantly improve safety and production in mining and construction industries. This project will quantify a non-explosive hydraulic rock breaking technology through innovative theoretical and numerical investigations. The influences of all the key factors on the efficiency of this technology will the examined. It is envisaged that the outcomes from this proposal will optimise the non-explosive rock breaking technology, greatly improve its application and guide our industry partner to develop reliable equipment.Read moreRead less
Use of Parallel Inclined Channels to Enhance Foam Drainage in Ion Flotation. This study is concerned with increasing the rates of foam drainage in flotation processes. The findings will have direct benefit in the field of ion flotation, and will be highly relevant to the flotation of high value minerals worth tens of billions of dollars annually. The Reflux Classifier, a device that employs the Boycott Effect to achieve a significant increase in the effective area of the vessel, will be used. Th ....Use of Parallel Inclined Channels to Enhance Foam Drainage in Ion Flotation. This study is concerned with increasing the rates of foam drainage in flotation processes. The findings will have direct benefit in the field of ion flotation, and will be highly relevant to the flotation of high value minerals worth tens of billions of dollars annually. The Reflux Classifier, a device that employs the Boycott Effect to achieve a significant increase in the effective area of the vessel, will be used. This device has already attracted three national awards in the area of gravity concentration in mineral processing. The study is ideal for training new researchers, especially at the PhD level, given the importance of the field to Australia. Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0238533
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$480,000.00
Summary
In Situ Spectroscopy of Particle and Material Interfaces. We seek to establish a world-class research facility for the in situ study of particle and material interfaces. The two techniques that will form the backbone of the facility are Raman scattering and surface second harmonic generation (SHG). The proposed in situ spectroscopy facility will be multi-disciplinary, contributing to research in chemistry, chemical engineering, geology, forensic science, and biotechnology. The establishment o ....In Situ Spectroscopy of Particle and Material Interfaces. We seek to establish a world-class research facility for the in situ study of particle and material interfaces. The two techniques that will form the backbone of the facility are Raman scattering and surface second harmonic generation (SHG). The proposed in situ spectroscopy facility will be multi-disciplinary, contributing to research in chemistry, chemical engineering, geology, forensic science, and biotechnology. The establishment of the facility will enhance research in the areas of minerals processing, mineralogy, water treatment, and drug delivery.Read moreRead less
Nickel iron sulphide mineralogy: the link between mineral transformations and microstructure and magnetic properties. This project is about measuring the rate at which minerals transform or react and how metal diffusion controls these reactions. Metal diffusion in sulphides is much more rapid that in silicates and is still very significant at low temperatures (< 300 C). In this project, we are trying to measure the rate at which the principal ore of nickel, pentlandite, transforms to violarite ....Nickel iron sulphide mineralogy: the link between mineral transformations and microstructure and magnetic properties. This project is about measuring the rate at which minerals transform or react and how metal diffusion controls these reactions. Metal diffusion in sulphides is much more rapid that in silicates and is still very significant at low temperatures (< 300 C). In this project, we are trying to measure the rate at which the principal ore of nickel, pentlandite, transforms to violarite, another important nickel rich sulphide that forms from it in the upper parts of ore bodies. The arrangement of the metal atoms in these minerals is sensitive to temperature, so it may be used as a geothermometer.Read moreRead less