Integration of mineralogical attributes in evaluating sustainability indicators of a magnetic separator

Towards the development of an integrated modelling framework underpinned by mineralogy

“…This requires an integrated modelling framework underpinned by mineralogy, so that the varying composition of the ore on one or more of these factors can be simultaneously evaluated and optimised. The framework should incorporate sustainability principles for enhanced decision making (Charikinya et al, 2017). The existing frameworks do not address all aspects of sustainability on the operational level (Labuschagne et al, 2007).…”

“…2.1.1 Overview Sustainable development in mineral processing can be achieved by selecting processes that produce minerals with improved technical and economic benefits, but also with reduced environmental and social impacts (Charikinya et al, 2017). Integrated modelling tools are useful platforms that can allow consideration of the triple pillars of sustainable development, in order to obtain a deeper comprehension of the complexity within sustainability (Laurence, 2011).…”

“…The fourth case study by Charikinya et al (2017) developed an integrated modelling framework for a magnetic separator, underpinned by mineralogy to assess sustainable development indicators.…”

“…A missing gap in the majority of frameworks, is that they do not consider the role of mineralogy which is a critical component as it defines the behaviour of the ore. Four case studies were presented to demonstrate how to incorporate integrated modelling frameworks at the operational level, that consider sustainable development principles as part of the decision-making process. Three of the case studies did not focus on all aspects of sustainable development, with Charikinya et al (2017) being the only that attempted consider all aspects. Charikinya et al (2017) also considered the role of mineralogy but the data was acquired using a technique that has long turn -around time and this limits the framework to be used on a daily basis for operational decisions.…”

“…Three of the case studies did not focus on all aspects of sustainable development, with Charikinya et al (2017) being the only that attempted consider all aspects. Charikinya et al (2017) also considered the role of mineralogy but the data was acquired using a technique that has long turn -around time and this limits the framework to be used on a daily basis for operational decisions.…”