Metallurgical Services

Selection of the appropriate technology to any metallurgical process is not an easy task and must start with the metallurgical services offered by any laboratory. This applies to the decision of which fundamental approach to adopt as well as which equipment to purchase. Both decisions should be analyzed with results metallurgical results obtained.

The metallurgical services must be able to test different types of ores because testing the ore is only way to assure maximum profit. Every ore present a different milling problem and a process which provides good metallurgy on one maybe not be successful in another, apparently similar ore. Even if identical ores were found, water and environmental conditions would possible dictate different methods of treatment. Only through a comprehensive ore tests can be necessary data be obtained to establish the flowsheet and the equipment required to assure maximum net profit on a milling of a particular ore.

Whatever the cost of this testwork, it is a drop in the bucket compared to the money that it can save. It tells first of all whether the valuable mineral can be recovered with a useable product. Testworks give data that can be used for estimating treating costs and for making complete economic analysis. Don’t underestimate the importance of through testing. The design of mineral processing plant involves many factors. The importance of the sample can not be overemphasized. Competent and through mineralogical examinations are important as an aid in designing the testwork. Designing and conducting the laboratory testwork is basic to design flowsheets.

The metallurgical services must be committed to providing state of art equipment selection and process solutions to for new at existing projects. It is very important provide responsive and high quality services with integrity, competence and effectiveness. Also, understand and respond the needs of the mining companies. The versatility of the lab is demonstrated by the diversity of the services offered and the type of projects done.

The personnel involved in the metallurgical services are engineers and technicians very skilled in the art of mineral processing. Perhaps, It is simple to obtain a procedure but interpret and carry out the test is other story because the knowledge and practice are no easy to obtain. There many cases where any successful procedure applied initially was done wrongly by a second person which does not have the appropriate skills to carry out laboratory test. More eve, interpret results is not an easy way when the pressure can grow each time more and more.

The equipment employed must be variable and have measurement devices so that the information can be extracted without any doubt. For example, a laboratory flotation machine must be equipped with sensors to measure dissolved oxygen, pH and oxidation reduction potential, air flow, rpm, and the skimming must be automatic so that the human error can be minimize. The latter one is an aspect very important because many lab technicians have not the same skill to skim the froth off. The quality of equipment used can solve partially the lack of skill in some cases.