Microstructural Analysis and Modelling of Copper Ore Agglomerates for Heap Leaching

从开采的矿石中有效提取有价值的金属可被视为一个全球关注的问题，因为这种金属的世界储量迅速减少。对于低品位铜矿石，堆浸长期以来被认为是最有效的矿物回收方法。该项目旨在应用X射线显微断层摄影术和微观力学建模来量化矿石团块的临界浸出特性，并制定最佳堆浸策略。这将有助于更好地利用澳大利亚的低品位矿石储量。有待制定的程序和方法将适用于其他类型的矿石，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.