Modelling, simulating and benchmarking a new energy efficient and sustainable comminution technology

Purpose and goal:

The project goal is to scale up and industrialize the new ARBS milling process for the mining industry. There are three core objectives: 1. Accurately simulate the single particle fracture mechanism process from a mechanical view at production scale. 2. Predict the progeny size distributions, energy use and production capacity at each milling stage.

3. Enable a comparison of the mineral liberation response and recovery of the ARBS product using conventional and novel dry recovery processes. Expected results and effects:

The project will support the ARBS technology reaching TRL 9-10 by providing the scientific, engineering and simulation tools needed for equipment scale-up and performance predictions on an industrial scale.

This benefit of grain boundary fracture provides the potential for enhanced recovery of iron ore and other valuable metals. The model will ultimately be used to similarly predict the performance for copper and gold ore processing and to provide comparisons to existing processing plants. Approach and implementation:

The project is broadly divided into three research themes, with each research partner leading a theme: 1. Mechanical and capacity response of the system (Chalmers). 2. Breakage product size and energy (UFRJ (through CETEM-EMBRAPII)).

3. Comparative liberation of mineral in ARBS mill and other size reduction technologies and downstream implications in iron ore concentration (CETEM). The Brazilian mining company Vale is a partner for evaluating the technology for iron ore processing.