Developing a new process design based on the unique geological characteristics of an industrial mineral bearing placer system in south-western Oregon, USA

摘要

Initial study relating to the deposition, mineralogy, and logistical requirements of a unique industrial mineral bearing placer system in south-western Oregon, USA, has led Oregon Resources Corporation (ORC) to develop new process, mining, and reclamation designs that will maximize the overall success of the project. The placer deposits are tectonically acted upon, leading to deposition that is relatively variable in terms of heavy mineral grade and mineralogy. Material handling and wet/dry processing were designed to allow for flexibility that produces consistent quality and quantity of chromite foundry sand, garnet and zircon. Ore will be trucked approximately twenty miles to be processed where water, electricity, and natural gas are readily available. Dewatering of the tailings ensures low process water requirements and prevents water leakage from trucks returning with tails to the mine site. Dewatering tailings at the process site also eliminates the need to construct pond systems for mine site reclamation. ORC intends to have the reclamation efforts follow immediately behind the mining activities within the same pit, keeping the working footprint of the mine site very small.