Microstructural Analysis and Modelling of Copper Ore Agglomerates for Heap Leaching

随着世界上贵重金属储量的迅速减少，从矿石中有效地提取贵重金属可被视为一个全球性的问题。对于低品位铜矿，堆浸一直被认为是最有效的选矿方法。本项目旨在应用x射线微断层摄影和微力学建模来量化矿石团块的关键浸出特性，并制定最佳堆浸策略。这将使澳大利亚的低品位矿石储量得到更好的利用。将要制订的程序和方法将适用于其他种类的矿石，包括金、铀和镍。

The efficient extraction of valuable metals from mined ore can be considered as a problem of global concern as the world's reserves of such metals quickly diminish. For low grade copper ore, heap leaching has long been recognized as the most efficient mineral recovery procedure. This project aims to apply X-ray microtomography and micromechanical modelling to quantify the critical leaching properties of ore agglomerates and to formulate optimal heap leaching strategies. This will allow for better utilization of the Australia's low grade ore reserves. The procedures and methodologies to be developed will be applicable to other types of ore including gold, uranium and nickel.