Work Package 3: Improved analysis for more efficient minerals processing
The aim of this WP is to bridge the divide between precise but slow and expensive academic minerals analysis and less flexible and oversimplified industry-type analysis. This WP will train two ESRs to develop more advanced approaches to mineral analysis. Fast, efficient and versatile mineralogical identification is key to more efficient processing of raw materials, particularly the so-called energy-critical elements (ECEs).
ESR1: Alexandra Stavropoulou
ESR2: Marco Andres Acevedo Zamora
Electron image of a sulphide grain (Image: Alexandra Stavropoulou, ESR1)
Work Package 4: Advanced modelling of dynamic minerals processing
WP4 is based around the approach of Perti Lamberg, who has reviewed the different strategies of bridging geology and metallurgy to create spacially-based predictive models for mineral processing plants. One of the most promising approaches includes the formulation of four successive models (geological, particle breakage, unit process, simulation). Whereas WP3 is focussed on improving the initial input data for the geological model, WP4 aims specifically at improving the remaining model steps.
ESR3: Pratama Istiadi Guntoro
ESR4: Glacialle Tiu
Particle based Geometallurgy (Lamberg, 2011) redrafted by Pratama Istiadi Guntoro (ESR3)
Work Package 5: Technology-enhanced training for future minerals processing professionals
This WP is aimed at maximising the impact of WP3 and 4 from an economic point of view (improved bottom line of plant operators), from a societal standpoint (more sustainable use of raw materials) and from an environmental perspective (less waste and saved energy emissions). It will be delivered as two ESR projects dedicated to technology-enhanced training of personnel operating minerals processing plants. The change towards dynamic plant operation is not only a technical challenge but it will also require much more sophisticated training of personnel because of the more demanding flows of information.
ESR5: Caroline Izart
ESR6: Pedro DeSouza Bergamo
Modelling and simulation of a comminution circuit: mill code is based on empirical or semi-empirical formulae applied on the unit input streams. (Image: Caroline Izart, ESR5)