Geometallurgical Study of a Gravity Recoverable Gold Orebody

Dominy, Simon C.; O’Connor, Louisa; Glass, Hylke J.; Xie, Yuling

doi:10.3390/min8050186

Cited by 17 publications

(62 citation statements)

References 7 publications

(11 reference statements)

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“…Sampling is a critical component throughout the mine value chain; it includes the sampling of both in-situ and broken material for geological (resource and grade control), geoenvironmental, and geometallurgical purposes [1][2][3][4][5][6][7]. Sampling errors generate both monetary and intangible losses [3,8].…”

Section: Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating the Theory of Sampling into Underground Mine Grade Control Strategies

et al. 2018

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Grade control in underground mines aims to deliver quality tonnes to the process plant via the accurate definition of ore and waste. It comprises a decision-making process including data collection and interpretation; local estimation; development and mining supervision; ore and waste destination tracking; and stockpile management. The foundation of any grade control programme is that of high-quality samples collected in a geological context. The requirement for quality samples has long been recognised, where they should be representative and fit-for-purpose. Once a sampling error is introduced, it propagates through all subsequent processes contributing to data uncertainty, which leads to poor decisions and financial loss. Proper application of the Theory of Sampling reduces errors during sample collection, preparation, and assaying. To achieve quality, sampling techniques must minimise delimitation, extraction, and preparation errors. Underground sampling methods include linear (chip and channel), grab (broken rock), and drill-based samples. Grade control staff should be well-trained and motivated, and operating staff should understand the critical need for grade control. Sampling must always be undertaken with a strong focus on safety and alternatives sought if the risk to humans is high. A quality control/quality assurance programme must be implemented, particularly when samples contribute to a reserve estimate. This paper assesses grade control sampling with emphasis on underground gold operations and presents recommendations for optimal practice through the application of the Theory of Sampling.

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Section: Overviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrating the Theory of Sampling into Underground Mine Grade Control Strategies

et al. 2018

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“…Dominy et al [37,80] applied whole HQ 2-m composites (approximately 17 kg samples) to a coarse gold orebody. A single-stage GRG test with tails leach (and some flotation testwork) was used to provide data for GRG and tails leach recovery, and head grade.…”

Section: Core Sample Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…This option involves taking half or whole core samples and processing the entire sample by, for example, the single-stage GRG test [18], large-scale screen fire assay and/or bulk leaching. Dominy et al [37,80] applied whole HQ 2-m composites (approximately 17 kg samples) to a coarse gold orebody. A single-stage GRG test with tails leach (and some flotation testwork) was used to provide data for GRG and tails leach recovery, and head grade.…”

Section: Sample Integrity and Chain Of Custodymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In another case study, moderate-to high-grade mineralisation required a theoretical sample mass of 200 kg for high-grade core zone (21 g/t Au) mineralisation [37,80]. Whole diamond core (17 kg) and development bulk (140 t each) sampling was used to determine gold grade, and GRG and leach recovery parameters.…”

Section: Leachingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Trial mining activities tend to represent underground stope lots or open pit benches. Such lots may yield thousands of tonnes of mineralisation for processing (e.g., 10,000 t at Brucejack, Canada [81] and 3150 t at San Antonio [37,80]). …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Towards Representative Metallurgical Sampling and Gold Recovery Testwork Programmes

et al. 2018

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When developing a process flowsheet, the risks in achieving positive financial outcomes are minimised by ensuring representative metallurgical samples and high quality testwork. The quality and type of samples used are as important as the testwork itself. The key characteristic required of any set of samples is that they represent a given domain and quantify its variability. There are those who think that stating a sample(s) is representative makes it representative without justification. There is a need to consider both (1) in-situ and (2) testwork sub-sample representativity. Early ore/waste characterisation and domain definition are required, so that sampling and testwork protocols can be designed to suit the style of mineralisation in question. The Theory of Sampling (TOS) provides an insight into the causes and magnitude of errors that may occur during the sampling of particulate materials (e.g., broken rock) and is wholly applicable to metallurgical sampling. Quality assurance/quality control (QAQC) is critical throughout all programmes. Metallurgical sampling and testwork should be fully integrated into geometallurgical studies. Traditional metallurgical testwork is critical for plant design and is an inherent part of geometallurgy. In a geometallurgical study, multiple spatially distributed small-scale tests are used as proxies for process parameters. These will be validated against traditional testwork results. This paper focusses on sampling and testwork for gold recovery determination. It aims to provide the reader with the background to move towards the design, implementation and reporting of representative and fit-for-purpose sampling and testwork programmes. While the paper does not intend to provide a definitive commentary, it critically assesses the hard-rock sampling methods used and their optimal collection and preparation. The need for representative sampling and quality testwork to avoid financial and intangible losses is emphasised.

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Strategic and Tactical Geometallurgical Application in an Underground High-Grade Narrow-Vein Gold Operation

Dominy

O’Connor

Glass

et al. 2019

Proceedings of the 28th International Symposium on Mine Planning and Equipment Selection - MPES 2019

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Geometallurgical Study of a Gravity Recoverable Gold Orebody

Cited by 17 publications

References 7 publications

Integrating the Theory of Sampling into Underground Mine Grade Control Strategies

Integrating the Theory of Sampling into Underground Mine Grade Control Strategies

Towards Representative Metallurgical Sampling and Gold Recovery Testwork Programmes

Strategic and Tactical Geometallurgical Application in an Underground High-Grade Narrow-Vein Gold Operation

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