oa Geophysical online monitoring of ores delivered to processing plants of Kazakhmys Corporation LLC, targeting silver

This study discusses the results of methodological, hardware and experimental research targeting the objective of providing efficient online geophysical monitoring of grades for main (Cu, Pb, Zn) and by-product (Ag, Cd, Mo) elements in copper-containing ores from deposits developed by mining operations of Kazakhmys Corporation LLC in order to ensure enhanced operational control of copper and silver production; prorated and highly unbiased redistribution of overflow metal among sources of ore. Key issues: low silver grades (from 1+ ppm) in ores from most of deposits; complex chemical composition of produced ores, large pieces of ore (−300 mm), ore in dirt and dust. Method used: x-ray fluorescence. Hardware equipment used in the study: energy dispersive x-ray fluorescent (EDXRF) ore controlling stations (OCS) RLP-21. Target elements: copper, lead, zinc, silver, cadmium (molybdenum) and iron. OCS RLP-21 were implemented at processing plants located in Zhezkazgan, Balkhash and Karagaily as well as on the main conveyor at Nurkazgan Underground Mine (the total number of OCS deployed is 8 units). The studies have demonstrated that the objective of ensuring con-trolled mine production process on such ores has been achieved successfully: silver can be determined efficiently starting at the grade level of 1+ppm.