CHEE3920

Coal and Mineral Processing

Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment School of Engineering

10 Units 3000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004

Ores and minerals: types, occurrence and distribution; basic geological and mining concepts. Overview of separation processes. Profile of mineral processing in Australia. Grade and Recovery: Two-product Formulae. Concept of Mineral Liberation. Characterization of particles. Size distributions. Size reduction: Crushing and Grinding. Separation of particles by size: Screening; Classification: Hydrocyclones. Particle separation based on mineral properties: Gravity Separation, Dense Media Separation; Magnetic and Electrostatic Separation; separation based on mineral surface properties: Froth Flotation. Chemistry of flotation: activators, depressants, collectors, frothers. Flotation equipment. Dewatering of mineral slurries: Thickening, Filtration, Centrifuges. Tailings disposal. Environmental and safety issues. Examples of Plant layout and Circuit design.

Objectives

1. The place of mining and minerals in the Australian economy.
2. A basic knowledge of geology and mining leading to and understanding of the concepts of ores and their processing needs.
3. Acquire knowledge of crushing and grinding of coal and ores.
4. Understand the scientific principles of size distribution of minerals and its application to size separation processes.
5. Learn about the economic importance of the concentration of value minerals and how this is achieved.

Content

* Introduction to the minerals industry. What is mineral processing.
* Mineral liberation through comminution, particle size analysis and size distributions.
* Coal as compared to hard rock crushing and grinding.
* Size classification: screens and hydrocyclones.
* Mineral concentration: roughing and cleaning, removal of gangue material from value products by gravity techniques, heavy medium separation, flotation.
* Environmental and safety considerations specific to the mining industry.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

Nil

Modes of Delivery

Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Field Study
Lecture
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Other: (please specify)	Assessment in this course will consist of a formal examination and regular assignments. Refer to course outline for information

Contact Hours

Field Study: for 4 hour(s) per Week for 1 weeks
Lecture: for 4 hour(s) per Week for 12 weeks

Timetables