Consultants for Mining and Financial Solutions ISSUE NO.

83 — March 2007

Does It Pan Out?

C A L E N D A R Sampling and Metallurgical Testing of Base and
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Precious-Metal Ore Deposits

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Asia Mining Congress 2007

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March 27 – 30, 2007

INTRODUCTION too high a temperature, which might cause surface
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Grand Hyatt
oxidation of sulfide minerals. About 1050C is a good
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Singapore, Singapore
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Sampling and metallurgical testing of ore deposits target. For such minerals, particularly if the deposit is
e-mail: joan.ong@terrapinn.com
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is often a haphazard process, particularly in the in the tropics, it is also worthwhile using sealable
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early stages of a project. This is to be expected plastic bags, purging the bags with nitrogen, and
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The Natural Resource Summit of the

storing them in a freezer to minimize further
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Americas 2007 since exploration is, intrinsically, stepping into the

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April 2 – 3, 2007 unknown, and the associated metallurgical oxidation.

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Atlantis Resort testwork must follow suit. For all that, it is

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worthwhile thinking ahead and having a general Another aspect of sampling that needs emphasis is
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Paridise Island, Bahamas

plan in mind to guide metallurgical sampling and clear definition of where the samples come from;
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e-mail: john@premierconferences.com
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testwork, recognizing that the project may well specifically, their location in three-dimensional space.
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APCOM 2007 International have be cut short should early exploration and This is critical when it comes to later auditing of
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Symposium on Application of metallurgical testing not pan out. testwork where one of the tasks is determining
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Computers and Operations Research whether the samples are reasonably representative of
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the deposit. It is best to include such information

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in the Mineral Industry In the event that initial assays and metallurgical
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April 24 – 27, 2007 testing appear promising, then early planning will pay in the main body of the report rather than as an
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Hotel Sheraton San Cristobal off, particularly since both are part of a continuum appendix, so it is less likely to be lost.
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Santiago , Chile rather than a stepwise process and it is usually

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e-mail: info@apcom2007.com difficult to recognize when a project is changing from Trenches, Adits, Declines, and Shafts
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early assessment to definitive evaluation.

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Mining World Russia 2007 The first listed source of samples in Table 1, that for
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April 25 – 27, 2007 trenches, adits, declines, and shafts can provide
In attempting to give a structure to the planning
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Crocus Expo large bulk samples of coarse rock. Accordingly, there

process, it is worthwhile breaking the process into a
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Moscow, Russia
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series of components. The following areas have is no limitation for the applications of these samples;
e-mail: oleg.netchaev@ite-exhibitions.com
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been outlined in this article: they can be used for all types of metallurgical testing
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and are particularly useful for large-scale testwork,

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CIM Conference & Exhibition

♦ Sampling such as pilot-plant programs. They are also especially
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April 29 – May 2, 2007

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Mineralogical definition and assaying useful for tests that require coarse rock, such as
Palais des Congrès de Montréal
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♦ Special assays and reagent consumptions coarse-rock gravity separation tests (jigging and
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Montréal, PQ, Canada

♦ Test procedures heavy media separation (HMS)), and for heap
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e-mail: jmdemers@cim.org
♦ Test sequencing leaching.
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ArMinera 2007: VI International

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This article is limited to base and precious metal Drill Core

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Mining Exhibition
ores, so as to minimize the options, but the general
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May 2 – 4, 2007
The second source of samples, diamond-drill
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Centro Costa Salguero principles are applicable to other deposits.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina core, is the most common and is generally

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e-mail: info@viewpoint.com.ar SAMPLING applicable to all tests, depending on the core

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diameter. The commonly available core size is

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generally two to three inches in diameter and

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2007 Elko Mining Explo – 22nd Annual Table 1 (page 4) shows a series of possible sample
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Mining Expo sources and the type of metallurgical testing to this core is usually split, using one half to
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June 4 – 8, 2007 which they are applicable. provide samples for assaying, leaving half core
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for geological logging and for posterity. With

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Elko Convention Center

some forethought the splits from the half core
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Elko, Nevada One caution worthwhile mentioning in discussing

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e-mail: matt@elkocva.com sampling for metallurgical testing of sulfide minerals taken for assaying, which are usually crushed to
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is the need to ensure that samples are not dried at about minus half inch before initial splitting, are
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Copyright 2007 by Pincock, Allen and Holt, a division of Runge Inc. All Rights Reserved.
kept and these can be a useful source of

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initial metallurgical testing gives some idea deleterious elements can provide indication of

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metallurgical samples. of how these studies should be directed. what elements may be the cause of problems.

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A factor that can be the cause of Once some idea of a probable ore processing SPECIAL ASSAYS AND REAGENT

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consternation with the use of drill core is scheme is established, then mineralogical CONSUMPTIONS

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that the assays of the metallurgical samples studies can provide both guidance as to

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may not match those of exploration where appropriate ore processing parameters and Table 4 (page 4) shows a listing of special

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different parts of the core are used. Since reasons for poor response to some processing assays and reagent consumptions and types

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core is not homogenous, core on one side methods. Studies of ore, concentrates, of deposit to which they are applied. As

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may have a different grade then the

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middlings, and tailings should provide shown on the table they are applied to just

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opposite side. This disparity is, of course, assessment of the parameters listed in Table 2 three of the six types of deposits considered

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more likely if the sections of core used for (page 4). These parameters are discussed in in this article.

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metallurgical testing are relatively short. the succeeding paragraphs.

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Special Assays
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Occasionally, large-diameter core are drilled, Major Mineral Types and Distribution
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specifically to provide metallurgical samples. Once a process is established for a deposit, it
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These are usually for heap-leach testing The mineralogical studies need to identify will sometimes be necessary to do special
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where large quantities of representative and quantify the major gangue and valuable assays to establish the type of mineral present,
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samples are required for leaching at coarse

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mineral types present. Doing this manually particularly if there are mixes of mineral types
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sizes. is laborious and it is difficult to establish the that require different ore processing methods.
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distribution of the minerals. However, with As indicated in Table 3, acid-soluble analyses
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Drill Cuttings the development of computerized methods,
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are done for oxide and secondary copper ores,

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such as QemSCAN, it is possible to identify and cyanide-soluble analyses are done for
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Drill cuttings provided by reverse-circulation and quantify the minerals in numerous secondary copper and oxide gold ores. Such
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drilling can provide samples for any samples easily so that average values and analyses are often included in the suite of
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metallurgical tests where the testing
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ranges of mineral content can be clearly assays done by exploration and it is helpful to

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incorporates slurrying of the ore; this includes determined. ascertain the need for such assays early in a
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all tests except comminution testing, coarse project so they can be done in parallel with the
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gravity separation, and heap leaching. In Particle Size and Intergrowth other assays. These assay values are sometimes
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using drill cuttings it is sometimes included as part of the geological block

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questionable as to just how representative the Determining appropriate grinding size models.
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samples are, but they can still be useful, parameters requires an assessment of size of
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particularly for initial metallurgical testing. the valuable mineral particles and the form Reagent Consumptions
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and extent of intergrowth of valuable

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Assay Pulps minerals of different types with each other Reagent consumption is often a major factor in
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and with gangue minerals. This is usually determining the economic viability of a
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Assay pulp rejects are usually fairly fine, of the done manually and requires observation of deposit. Accordingly, where reagent
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order of ten mesh or less. Such samples may

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numerous samples of ore, concentrate, consumption is significant, it should be tested

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come from diamond-drill core or from drill middlings, and tailings to establish a clear on a good proportion of the exploration
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cuttings and serve well for all metallurgical assessment of reasonable grinding size samples. High reagent consumption can occur
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tests where coarse sizes are not required. parameters. in calcite-bearing oxide copper ores and in
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copper-bearing and partially-oxidized gold

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MINERALOGICAL IDENTIFICATION AND ASSAYING ores. In some instances estimated reagent

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ASSOCIATION consumptions can be derived indirectly from

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Along with mineralogical studies, assays of chemical analyses, which is usually less costly
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There is often a question as to how extensive the valuable metals, major elements, and than direct testing of the samples. As for the
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mineralogical identification and association deleterious elements are required. A listing special assays, reagent-consumption values are
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needs to be, particularly in the early stages of of such elements is presented in Table 3 sometimes included as a component of
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a project. Often such studies are initially done (page 4). As indicated in the table all of geological block models.
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in conjunction with geology and are often of these analyses are helpful for the ore,
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little use for metallurgical assessment. They concentrates, and tailings. The middlings TEST PROCEDURES
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are often heavy tomes with hundreds of generally only need analyses of the valuable
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microphotographs and ponderous text that metals. Table 5 (page 4) shows a listing of test
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have little application or helpful insight into procedures applied to the six types of ore
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metallurgical processing. In the initial testwork the analyses can be deposit considered in this article. A discussion
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limited to the valuable metals and then, in of each of test groups is provided in the
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There is also some of the same tendency to

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more definitive testwork, broadened to following text.

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plunge into obscure and tangential include the major and deleterious elements.
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mineralogical studies related to The latter two groups of analyses can be Comminution
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metallurgical testing too early in the provided by relatively-inexpensive multi-

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testwork program, before some idea of element X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Practically all ore types have to be at least
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possible mineralogical difficulties become Inductively-Coupled Plasma (ICP) analyses. partially reduced in size in any ore processing
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evident. Mineralogical studies are usually Where difficulties in the testwork are method. The first three listed procedures in
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expensive and it is usually wise to wait until

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encountered, analyses of the major and Table 5: abrasion, crushing impact, and Bond
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2
 the testing. The testing is grouped as initial

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Work Index, are usually applied universally, boiling slurry, is applied only to secondary

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and final testing and is further discussed in

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even though the ore may not be crushed, since copper ores and so is of limited application.

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it does give an idea of the abrasion Roasting is also limited to one ore type, in the following text.

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characteristics, hardness, and toughness of the this instance, refractory gold ores.

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Initial Testing

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ore which are useful in deciding on process

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alternatives. These tests are usually done Autoclave oxidation may need to be tested

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shortly after it is established that the ore can on several ore types; however, the principal The initial testing of a deposit normally starts

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probably be processed, with more extensive application is for refractory gold ores. It is with taking random samples which are

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subjected to simple amenability-level

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tests done later, as part of definitive testing. only occasionally applied to base-metal

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Where large variations in the Bond Work Index sulfide ores, where its use is limited to flotation or leach tests. These tests assess

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occur, extensive testing, often in a more basic copper sulfide concentrates and then only whether any of the ore types considered in

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form, may be undertaken and the results for the special situation where the low- this article, with the exception of refractory

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gold ores, can be directly processed. Leach

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incorporated in the geological block model. strength acid generated can be used at the

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same site. Another infrequent application is tests identify the presence of refractory gold

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Where semi-autogenous (SAG) milling is a for secondary copper ores. ore since the ore will not leach or only to a

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possibility, then testing of this aspect is marginal degree.
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Biological oxidation can be used for some

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normally done using a McPhearson mill or by
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doing JK drop tests. Often pilot-plant tests refractory gold ores; accordingly, testing of As indicated in Table 6 (page 4), random
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are also required. All these SAG mill tests this process is often required to assess this sampling and simple tests generally continue
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require large and/or coarse samples. The one alternative for this ore type. in the next stage but can now begin to
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establish principal processing parameters

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process in which SAG mill tests are not
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required is for oxide copper deposits since Slurry Leaching such as recovery and reagent consumption
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such ores are processed by heap leaching, and start to identify the presence of different
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Testing of slurry leaching is divided into two ore types.
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where SAG milling is inapplicable.

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groups: without oxidation and post oxidation.
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Gravity The final stage of initial testing is usually the
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Testing without prior oxidation is limited to collection of a crude bulk sample, the testing
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of which establishes the process outline,
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Testing of gravity processes is grouped in two oxide copper and oxide gold ores, though it

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categories: coarse rock and fine rock. is seldom applied to the former unless the some testing of comminution parameters
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ore is exceptionally soft and friable. Testing and, where needed, the application of
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Testing the application of gravity separation of oxide gold ores using bottle-roll tests is gravity and oxidation processes.
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for coarse rock (generally minus 2 inches, extremely common.

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Final Testing
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plus ¼ inch) is done using heavy liquids. This
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tests the applicability of the ore to jigging Testing of slurry leaching post oxidation is
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and to heavy media separation (HMS). As applied to base-metal sulfides, secondary In this stage it is normal to obtain one or
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copper, and refractory gold ores. In the more representative bulk samples and
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indicated in Table 5, such testing is limited to

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sulfide ores. case of base-metal sulfides it is limited to proceed to fine tune the process and fully
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copper ores and, since oxidation of these establish all of the processing parameters
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Testing the application of gravity separation ores is seldom practiced, it is not a common required for plant design. Once this is done,
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the process is then tested, in simplified form,

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for fine rock (generally less than 20 mesh) is test requirement.

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done on shaking tables. Such testing is to check the application of the intended
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limited to the recovery of metallic gold and Heap Leaching process to a variety of ore types, to a range
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so is usually only applied to copper/gold of ore grades, and to a variety of locations

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within the intended mining area.

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sulfide ores and to oxide gold ores. Heap leach testing is widely applied to oxide
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copper and oxide gold ores; for these ores

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Flotation the leaching is simple and direct. In the CONCLUSIONS

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case of secondary copper ores, tests require

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Flotation testing for the types of ores listed is the introduction of bacteria which are a Hopefully, the ideas presented will provide a
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generally limited to sulfidic mineralization, so fundamental part of the leaching process. guide for those engaged in developing and
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this testwork does not apply to oxide copper managing metallurgical testwork programs.
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Solid/Liquid Separation However, each deposit is unique and so one

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and oxide gold deposits.

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cannot be too rigid in structuring these

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Flotation tests begin with simple rougher In the latter stages of testing of processes programs. Yet, applying forethought and
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flotation, move on to open-circuit inclusion involving slurries it is necessary to conduct planning can keep the work on track and,
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of cleaner flotation, and then to locked-cycle sedimentation and filtration tests on many with luck, the project will pan out.
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tests, as confidence in processing strategy of the intermediate and final process

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and the viability of the deposit rises. streams to provide information for sizing of
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thickening and filtration equipment.

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Oxidation This month’s article was provided by Richard

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TEST SEQUENCING Addison, one of PAH’s ore processing

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As indicated in Table 5, there are four types engineers who grew up with a pan in hand
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of oxidation testing applied to the ores Table 6 shows a simple outline of the timing and the sound of stamp mills in his ears. He
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is forever on the lookout for gold in them

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considered. Atmospheric oxidation, which is of metallurgical testwork together with the

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done by sparging oxygen into close-to- sampling, the testing, and the objective of thar hills! dick.addison@pincock.com
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33
TABLE 1 TABLE 4
Sample Sources Special Assays and Reagent Consumptions
Coarse Oxide Secondary Oxide
Comminution Slurry Gravity Heap Copper Copper Gold
Testing Processing Separation Leaching
Special Assays
Trenches/adits/ Acid soluble √ √
declines/shafts √ √ √ √ Cyanide soluble √ √

Drill core Reagent Consumption

Small diameter √ √ √ Acid √
Lime √
Large diameter √ √ √ Cyanide √

Drill cuttings √

Assay pulps √

TABLE 5
Test Procedures Applied
TABLE 2
Mineralogical Identification and Association Base-Metal Copper-Gold Oxide Secondary Oxide Refractory
Sulfides Sulfides Copper Copper Gold Gold
Ore Concentrates Middlings Tailings
Comminution
Major mineral types Abrasion √ √ √ √ √ √
Crushing impact √ √ √ √ √ √
and distribution √ √ √ √
Bond work index √ √ √ √ √ √
SAG milling tests √ √ √ √ √
Particle size and
intergrowth √ √ √ √ Gravity
Coarse rock (heavy liquid) √ √
Fine rock (tabling) √ √

Flotation √ √ √ √
TABLE 3
Assaying Oxidation
Atmospheric √
Ore Concentrates Middlings Tailings
Roasting √
Autoclave √ √ √
Valuable Metals Biological √
Copper √ √ √ √
Lead √ √ √ √ Slurry Leaching
Zinc √ √ √ √ Without oxidation √ √
Post oxidation √ √ √
Molybdenum √ √ √ √
Gold √ √ √ √ Heap Leaching
Silver √ √ √ √ Direct √ √
Biologically assisted √
Major Elements
Solid/Liquid Separation
Iron √ √ √
Sedimentation √ √ √ √ √ √
Sulfur √ √ √ Filtration √ √ √ √ √ √
Silica √ √ √
Carbonate √ √ √

Problematic Elements
TABLE 6
Antimony √ √ √ Test Sequencing
Arsenic √ √ √ Sampling Testing Objective
Bismuth √ √ √
Cadmium √ √ √ Initial Random Simple flotation or leach Establish processability
Carbon √ √ √ Random Simple flotation or leach Determine rough processing parameters
Chlorine √ √ √ and existence of different ore types
Copper √ √ √
Crude bulk Variety of tests Establish process
Fluorine √ √ √
Magnesium √ √ √ Final Representative bulk Fine tuning proposed process Establishing proposed process
Manganese √ √ √
Mercury √ √ √ Variability Testing
Variety of ore types Simple testing of proposed process Applicability of proposed process
Selenium √ √ √ Range of grades Simple testing of proposed process Applicability of proposed process
Tellurium √ √ √ Variety of locations Simple testing of proposed process Applicability of proposed process

Pincock, Allen & Holt is a consulting and engineering firm serving the international mineral resource
industry. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Contact Pincock, Allen & Holt • 165 S.
Union Blvd., Suite 950, Lakewood, Colorado 80228 • TEL 303.986.6950 • FAX 303.987.8907 •
www.pincock.com. Pincock Perspectives is published as a free information service for friends and clients.

Consultants for Mining and Financial Solutions