Silver mine-to-refinery guide
Grinding Silver-Bearing Ore
Fine size reduction to improve mineral liberation.
Mine-to-refinery note: mineralogy, site conditions and the approved flowsheet determine real operating requirements. This site explains system relationships rather than field procedures.
What this topic covers
Fine size reduction to improve mineral liberation.
Core mine-to-refinery ideas
Grinding consumes significant energy because it creates large amounts of new surface area.
Too coarse a grind can leave valuable minerals locked with gangue.
Overgrinding can create fines that are difficult to recover or dewater.
Important tradeoffs
Finer grinding can improve liberation but increases energy and can create difficult fine particles.
Measurement and accounting
Classification and screening help control the size distribution entering downstream processes.
Lifecycle perspective
Machine operation, clearing and lockout procedures are not provided.