SGS MINERALS SERVICES – T3 SGS 354 09-2013

GEOMETALLURGY
WHAT IS GEOMETALLURGY? “Identify the
Multivariate domains present in
Geometallurgy is: the deposit”
Spatial Domain
•• the geologically informed selection Definition
of a number of test samples to
determine metallurgical parameters “Select Samples”

•• the distribution of these parameters

Mineral Processing
through an orebody using an Sample Selection
accepted geostatistical technique “Metallurgical
to support metallurgical process Testwork”
Exploration
modelling.
Mineral Processing
The distribution can be influenced by Parameter
the geology of the orebody, in that Determination
Scoping
the lithology can affect some of the
parameters.The integration of these
geometallurgical stages into the traditional Pre-Feasibility
testwork approach is shown below in
Figure 1. Feasibiltiy
Multivariate
Mineral Processing
APPLICATION OF GEOMETALLURGY “Linking Metallurgy
Model Definition
with Geology” Production
Geometallurgy compliments, but does
not replace, the traditional metallurgical
Multivariate
approach during the development and “Populating the
Spatial Model
resource model”
operation of a mine. Geometallurgical Generation
information can be used to:
•• Inform flowsheet design
•• Size equipment “Optimizing to reduce Joint Mining &
risk and maximize NPV Mineral Processing
•• Assist in plant design of project” Optimization
•• Optimize mine-to-plant performance
•• Forecast production
•• Reduce risk during feasibility,
production and operation.
SGS MINERALS SERVICES – T3 SGS 354 2

WHAT PROJECTS BENEFIT MOST FROM A REQUIREMENTS FOR A KEY TECHNICAL DELIVERABLES
GEOMETALLURGICAL APPROACH? GEOMETALLURGICAL PROGRAM The key technical deliverables are:
Geometallurgy is a cost-effective •• Technical Publications – Digital •• Understanding of the linkages
technique used to characterize ore copies of existing technical reports between geology, mineralogy and
variability during any stage of exploration, and published papers regarding the metallurgical performance.
development or operation. It is well suited geological, geotechnical, geophysical, •• Robust flowsheet that will effectively
to: geochemical, tectonic, mineralogical process ore over life-of-mine.
•• Highly variable or strongly zoned and textural information. •• Optimized sizing of plant equipment
deposits •• Drillhole Database – Digital copy given ore constraints, operational
•• Several close deposits that will be of the existing drillhole database costs and physical constraints.
milled together containing collar, survey, geological, •• Capability of predicting and modeling
•• Remote or deep deposits that are geotechnical, geophysical and plant performance within known
readily drilled but not easily bulk geochemical information along with statistical parameters. Can generate
sampled any other relevant data. average expected recoveries, grade,
•• Projects requiring complex or new •• Plans, Cross Sections and throughput, P80 and concentrate
metallurgical approaches Perspectives – Digital Copies of any grade values on a block-by-block or
•• Brownfields or sight-of-mine existing plans, cross sections and year-by-year basis.
exploration and expansion projects perspectives including geological, •• Ability to forecast and reconcile
that exploit new, deeper or adjacent geotechnical, geophysical, production on a monthly/quarterly
reserves geochemical, tectonic, mineralogical basis at existing operations.
•• Projects with significant legacy drill and textural information in addition to •• Capacity to interface plant
core that are being reevaluated due to any other relevant data. performance results with mine
new economic circumstances •• Spatial Interpretations & Models– planning to refine cutoff grade and
Digital copies of the existing spatial optimize mine-mill production.
interpretations (strings) and models
(wireframes and/or blocks) including
EXPERTISE
geological and structural information.
SGS is the market leader in using
geometallurgy. For 10 years we have
been actively developing and applying this
approach to project development. We
typically run 12-15 programs a year for
projects at any stage of development or
large and small companies throughout the
world and share our intellectual expertise
in this field with many global companies.
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www.sgs.com/mining
CONTACT INFORMATION
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