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Hydrometallurgy ‘Strategic fit with mine of the future’. Paul Dempsey SAIMM Hydrometallurgy Conference 2009. Copper Production With Time. Nickel Production With Time. Zinc Production With Time. Major Process Technology Developments. Answers often exist before the questions arise.
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Hydrometallurgy‘Strategic fit with mine of the future’ Paul Dempsey SAIMM Hydrometallurgy Conference 2009
Copper Production With Time Confidential
Nickel Production With Time Confidential
Zinc Production With Time Confidential
Major Process Technology Developments Answers often exist before the questions arise Confidential
Requirements of the Mine of the Future • Zero harm to people and the environment • Negligible environmental footprint • Energy and water efficient processes • Processes broadly economic • Product custodianship Confidential
SWOT Analysis on Hydrometallurgy strategic fit Confidential
Economic transformation of dormant deposits Confidential
Process Flexibility: Pressure Oxidation Au>90% 100% Au~80% 100% Au<80% 95% Cu leaching 50% Sulfide to Acid Cu Acid 90% 5% LOW T AAC/UBC TPOX 95ºC 150ºC 220ºC Confidential
‘Piggy Back Processing’ • Increased accuracy of mining • Ore Upgrading • Scavenger concentrate treatment • Bulk concentrate treatment • Slag treatment • Increased vertical integration Confidential
Alternative lixiviants • Cyanide alternatives • Chloride & nitrate processes • Heap and dump leach • Less Toxic • Improved containment • Improved recycle Confidential
Synergistic processes • Compression of the value chain • Energy balance synergies • Acid balance synergies • Differential clustering of stages • Real time whole process optimisation Confidential
Any Questions ? Confidential