6 August 2012

Metallurgy Training - With James Rowe

Metallurgy training that comes to you. James Rowe, our resident Metallurgist and former University lecturer, is available to run courses for you. Save time, save money - run your training at a time and place that's convenient to you.

 

List of Metallurgy Short Courses

 

Metallurgy for Non-Metallurgists                                                                            (1 or 2 days)

Using the processing of gold as an example this course provides a basic overview of ore mineralogy/geology, comminution (crushing and grinding), mineral processing (gravity separation and flotation), hydrometallurgy (gold cyanidation), and pyrometallurgy (gold smelting).  This course can be tailored to cover specific elements in more detail (such as the treatment of refractory ores), or to include processes of more relevance to other commodities.  This course is ideally suited as an entry-level course for plant operators, or for technical staff indirectly associated with plant operations (ie geologists, mining engineers, maintenance personnel, administrators, etc.).

 

Introduction to Sampling                                                                                             (1 day)

This course takes a practical approach to sampling, beginning by exploring the concepts of material segregation and dimensional sampling.  Practical methods for sampling, and their inherent deficiencies and/or advantages, are then explored.  The course concluding by introducing the basic mathematical concepts of Pierre Gy's sampling theory and guiding participants through calculating optimal sample size for a particular scenario.  It is aimed primarily at anyone directly involved in the collection of samples for metallurgical assay (ie plant operators, geological staff, laboratory staff, etc.).

 

Ore Characterisation and Laboratory Techniques                                             (1 day)

This provides an overview of the characterisation of ore samples and the scientific theory behind the techniques commonly employed by metallurgical/assay laboratories.  Particular attention is paid to the applicability of, and more importantly the limitations of, each technique.  The importance of assay data and correct sampling procedure to the effective operation of the plant is also briefly discussed.  This course is ideally suited to those who regularly work with assay data without fully understanding its origin, and/or laboratory technicians involved in producing such data.

 

Crushing and Screening                                                                                               (1 day)

This course is intended to provide an overview of the scientific theory behind the various processes used in crushing and sizing of ore, with a focus on how this knowledge can be used to better predict and control changes in plant performance.  The course commences with a brief overview of the influence of ore mineralogy and the importance of liberation and particle size distribution.  An overview of different crushing and screening equipment is provided, along with the scientific and mathematical theory behind their mechanisms of operation.  The course is ideally concluded with an overview and discussion of a plant with which course attendees are familiar, for which some assistance from metallurgical staff is usually required (any plant information provided/discussed is held in the strictest confidence).  Although this course is primarily aimed at metallurgical plant operators it may be applicable to mining personnel to help provide an understanding of how plant performance may be affected by variability in Run-Of-Mine ore (especially where primary crushing is conducted underground).  Metallurgical staff with non-metallurgy backgrounds (ie Chemical Engineers) may also benefit from attending the course.

 

Grinding and Classification                                                                                         (1 day)

Ideally run in conjunction with the crushing and screening course (except for those operations where a final product can be produced through crushing alone), this is aimed at providing the scientific theory behind grinding and the sizing of particles by hydrocyclones.  The course commences with an overview of conventional tumbling mills, followed by the scientific and mathematical theory behind their operation.  New technologies such as High Pressure Grinding Rolls and stirred mills are covered in similar detail, followed by the mechanism and operating variables of hydrocyclones.  Once again the course is concluded by an overview and discussion of a circuit design with which attendees are familiar.  This course is primarily aimed at plant/mill operators, however metallurgical staff with non-metallurgical backgrounds may also benefit from some of the higher-level theory covered in the course.

 

Froth Flotation                                                                                                                 (2 days)

This course begins by exploring the electrical double layer and fundamental scientific theory behind froth flotation, leading into an overview of the types of reagents used along with their basic composition and mechanism of operation.  The second half of the course focuses more on the practical application of the theory, covering the control of sulphide selectivity, key operating parameters and laboratory/pilot plant scale testwork.  The course concludes with an overview of the reagent schemes/processes typically employed for a specific commodity/ore type, followed by a review/discussion of a plant with which course attendees are familiar aimed at creating an open dialog between plant and metallurgical staff.  This course is primarily aimed at flotation plant operators, however metallurgical staff with non-metallurgical backgrounds may also benefit from some of the higher-level theory covered in the course.  This course may also prove beneficial to those involved in the manufacture and/or sale of flotation reagents or equipment.

 

Gravity Separation                                                                                                           (1 Day)

This course begins with basic explanation of the motion of particles in fluids and the scientific theory underlying all gravity separation processes.  An overview of the various processes typically used, and the specific theory behind their operation is then provided, with a particular focus on centrifugal separators and dense medium separation.  This course is primarily aimed at operators of gravity separation circuits for gold, heavy mineral sands or coal, although some benefit may be gained in attending by junior metallurgical staff.

 

Magnetic and Electrostatic Separation                                                                  (1 Day)

This course begins by exploring the scientific theory and mathematics behind magnetic field gradients, permeability and susceptibility.  An overview of the various dry and wet magnetic separation techniques and the underlying theory behind their method of operation is then provided.  Electrostatic separation is covered in a similar manner, beginning with an overview of the theory and mathematics of electric field theory and electrostatics, followed by an overview of the various types of equipment used.  The course concludes with a discussion on the design of heavy mineral sands separation circuits, and is primarily aimed at operators of such plants.  Metallurgical and other technical staff may however gain some benefit from some of the higher-level theory covered in the course. 

 

For further details on any of these courses, or to discuss the possibility of courses on other topics and/or customised to a specific commodity/operation then please contact:

James Rowe BAppSc(Hons) Metallurgy, MAusIMM

Stealth Recruitment

07 3910 0007

jrowe@stealthrecruit.com.au