Mineral Processing Technology

At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. explain the structures and textures of minerals and their significance in mineral genesis and treatment; 2. explain ore compositional analyses by chemical and mineralogical techniques; 3. explain the basic comminution and liberation theories and particle size presentation by various methods; 4. apply the principles of mineral separation by heavy medium, magnetic, gravity, flotation, leaching, biological recovery processes and other separation techniques including the physical and mechanical processes of amalgamation and agglomeration; 5. prepare metallurgical mass balance – recovery, grade and loss; 6. identify mineral components of an ore under different light conditions in the petrographic microscope; 7. carry out basic laboratory experiments in ore comminution, particle liberation and present particle sizing data technically; 8. skillfully carry out bench-scale recovery tests using appropriate separation process; and 9. develop process flowsheet for a mineral processing plant and determine recovery, losses and grades.

Ores, minerals and rocks. Structures and textures of minerals and their significance in mineral genesis and treatment. Ore analysis: qualitative and quantitative assaying and mineralogical analysis. Basic comminution theory, comminution and liberation. Particle sizing: sizing by screening and sizing by classification. Particle size analysis. Mineral concentration techniques - heavy medium separation, magnetic, gravity, flotation and other separation techniques including the physical and mechanical processes of agglomeration. Hydrometallurgical and biological recovery processes. Preparation of metallurgical mass balance: recovery and metallurgical losses. Introduction to essential laboratory experiments in minerals engineering. MNE 320/GET 399: Field Work and Camping (4 Units C: 9 weeks) Learning Outcomes At the end of the fieldwork programme, students would have been well grounded in: 1. skills for preparation of different types of maps and the methods of acquiring data for the processes; 2. application of some software packages for map making, mine design, processing, analysis and presentation of field data in various required formats (Surfer, ArcMap, Surpac, USIM PAC or MetSMART); 3. use of some hardware for map and field data interpretation and presentation; 4. calibration, setting and use of various survey and mineral exploration equipment for data acquisition; 5. selection of appropriate methods of sample collection and preservation; 6. integration of all the various areas of mining engineering and related professions for a vivid understanding of the entire extractive industry; 7. preparation of the entire fieldwork programme in a single stringed technical report; and 8. presentation of the fieldwork report orally. Co-urse Contents This is a 9-week intensive field work programme designed to expose the students to most of the rudiments of the mining engineering profession. It is a practical exposure covering mine survey, geometrical mapping of mineral deposits, mining methods (drilling, blasting, excavation), geotechnical investigation, mineral processing and practical exploration. The field work is carried out in such relevant places as existing mining operations (surface and underground), processing and smelting plants, unexploited mineral deposit, petroleum and gas facilities and other relevant places. The field work is designed for a minimum of two months commencing simultaneously with the long break of the second semester of 300 level. The students are required to prepare a technical report of the entire field work and present a seminar on the field programme. Week 1: Introduction to Maps and their Features Introduction to camping and camp safety. Maps: topographic and geologic maps. Elements of topographic maps: orientation, parallels, meridians, scale, direction (azimuth and bearing), base directions and (true, magnetic and grid north) contour lines. Topographic profile – construction and geological interpretation. Features of mineral and geological maps: formation, outcrops, and altitude. Representations and structural symbols. Geometry of outcrops: attitude. Methods of determination of dip and strike from geological maps: strike- line method, determination from partial outcrops and subsurface data. Geological cross- section – mode of construction and interpretation. Reconstruction of geological events from geo-cross-sections. Determination of thickness of rock bed using mathematical and graphical methods. Completion of rock outcrop from its partial outcrop on maps using surface and subsurface data. Solving three-point problems using borehole data. Recognition of different types of geological structure (folds, faults and unconformities) on maps. Determination of throw of faults from simple geological maps. Igneous intrusions and their recognitions on maps. Fieldwork for map preparation and interpretation. Week 2 to 4: Introduction to Map-making tools and Software Packages 1. Use of map-making tools – compass, GPS receivers, theodolites, levelling instrument total station, planimeter, maps and plan printers and computer set; 2. Use of surfer and ArcMap, Surpac, USIM PAC/ MetSMART or any other package; and 3. Practice sessions. Note: If all necessary provisions are made for the fieldwork programme, these weeks and the rest of the programme duration may be spent in the camp. Weeks 5 to 9: Field Data Acquisition and Reporting 1. Data on surveying and mineral sampling; 2. Data from practical drilling and blasting exercises; 3. Geotechnical investigation and sampling; 4. Practical exploration and reserve estimation exercises; 5. Collation and organization of data for report writing; 6. Data plots and maps drawing using relevant software packages; 7. Preparation of report; and 8. Oral presentation of field work report. NOTE 1. While items (a) – (e) may take place during the field programme, items (f) – (h) will be done at school after the fieldwork. 2. Most of the activities are effective when done in groups. 400 Level GET 402 Engineering Project I (2 Units: C; PH 90) Learning Outcomes At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. Complete the design phase of a complex engineering problem sourced from industry or community during the SIWES III programme. 2. Demonstrate the connection between engineering product-making and the theoretical courses they have learned following the applicable industry best practices. Course Contents In the second semester of the 400-level students, preferably in groups, work from the university on the identified industry or organization to tackle industry complex engineering problems. Theoretical issues may be provided by the department faculty or industry experts. During the vacation, students will now work full time with the organisation/industry on the project as part of the SIWES III. The students can also go beyond the department and engage in multidisciplinary undertakings. Literature survey, review of existing systems etc. must be achieved to a satisfactory extent. GET 404 Engineering Valuation and Appraisal (2 Units: C; LH 30) Learning Outcomes At the end of this course, the students should be able to: 1. Identify at least three (3) objectives of engineering valuation work, valuer's primary duty and responsibility and valuation terminologies. 2. Describe at least four (4) Valuer's obligation to his or her client, to other valuers, and to the society. 3. Demonstrate with example the engineering valuation methods, valuation standards, and practices. 4. Prepare engineering valuation and appraisal reports and review 5. Discuss expert witnessing and ethics in valuation. 6. Determine price, cost, value, depreciation and obsolescence in real property, personal property, personal property, machinery and equipment, oil, gas, mines, and quarries valuation.