(Keynotes)2020 – What will the typical PGM Concentrator flow sheet look like?

摘要

This paper describes the development of the PGM Concentrator flow sheet over the last few decades andidentifies the drivers and technology that has contributed to the changes. As the bulk of the primary PGMproduction originates in Southern Africa the solutions to the opportunities raised by the ore characteristics ofthe Bushveld complex have resulted in some interesting trends in flow sheet design that are truly unique. Amajor contributing factor in this evolution is the relative value of PGM metals and the size of PGM miningoperations which has economically permitted the introduction of recovery oriented technologies. The uniqueutility issues of recent years in Southern Africa have given raise to intensive pursuit of energy saving.Opportunities to discover and initiate change in the processing flow sheet have been facilitated by extensiveindustry involvement with tertiary educational facilities, both in South Africa and internationally and activeparticipation with worldwide research organizations that have been developed extensively.The future development of the flow sheet is postulated, bearing in mind the general conservatism of themining industry. The question remains – where have we evolved to by 2020?