A way forward in process mineralogy – using automated mineralogy for modelling and simulating beneficiation processes

Majority of the process mineralogical studies can be described as optimization problems where conditions for the best economic and most resource efficient processing are sought. For solving such a problem the raw process mineralogical data is not enough; optimal solution can be found only through modelling and simulation. Automated mineralogy provides accurate and detailed information on processed materials. Currently this data is only partly utilized since using of liberation information in modelling and simulation is very rare. This paper describes the steps needed for establishing such a simulations; from experimental work and liberation analyses via mass balancing, model development and model fitting to simulation of different scenarios. Challenges and limitations are discussed, case studies are presented and practical advices are given.