Online X-Ray Fluorescence Monitoring of Coarse Ore for Silver at the Process Conveyors at Kazakhmys Corporation LLC

Abstract

This paper examines the process and methodological aspects of implementing online X-ray fluorescence monitoring of ore in terms of its silver, cadmium, zinc, lead, molybdenum, and iron grade at the process conveyors at Balkhash and Karagaily Concentrators and the main conveyor of the Nurkazgan underground mine operated by Kazakhmys Corporation LLC. The research was complicated by the need to: a) ensure reliable measurement of silver and cadmium in the range of 1+ ppm, molybdenum in the range of 10+ ppm, as well as copper, zinc, lead, and iron in the ore size class –300 mm; b) implement monitoring of the grade of these elements (except molybdenum) at Balkhash Concentrator in the waste slag of Balkhash Copper Smelter, characterized by a very complex elemental matrix. A modification of the ore monitoring station RLP-21T (by Aspap Geo LLC, Alma-Ata) was developed, implemented, and thoroughly tested for online monitoring of low-grade silver ore flows. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence method was adopted for ore assays. Instrument spectra were measured every second. Silver, cadmium, and molybdenum grade was calculated based on 40 measurements, copper, zinc, lead, and iron grade – based on 20 measurements.