AU2021453495B2

AU2021453495B2 - A mining system

Info

Publication number: AU2021453495B2
Application number: AU2021453495A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Dingwu Feng; Changying ZHAO
Original assignee: Sino Iron Holdings Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Sino Iron Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-01
Filing date: 2021-07-01
Publication date: 2026-01-29
Anticipated expiration: 2041-07-01
Also published as: AU2021453495A1; WO2023272333A1

Abstract

A mining system including: a separating device configured to assist with processing magnetite ore; and a column magnetic separator in communication with the separating device, the column magnetic separator configured to separate magnetite from the magnetite ore as the magnetite ore moves along a column body, wherein the separating device and column magnetic separator work in combination to improve one or more process parameters in extracting the magnetite.

Description

PCT/AU2021/050709 1

A A MINING MINING SYSTEM SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present disclosure relates to a mining system and method, and, in particular, a

system and method for processing magnetite ore.

BACKGROUND

[002] Mining iron ore has a long, traditional history. Iron ore plays a key part in our society but

there are various challenges presented in mining iron ore, including obtaining a higher quality

concentrate with less energy consumption.

[003] Magnetite is a relative abundant iron oxide mineral. However, in comparison to hematite

ores, for example, magnetite ores have lower ore grade (generally 25-40% Fe) due to the

presence of impurities. Further processing is therefore required to reject the impurities in

magnetite ores, making it costly to produce a suitable concentrate for steel smelters. On the

other hand, magnetite concentrate requires less energy and releases less carbon emissions in

the production of premium-quality steel when compared with hematite ores. With more concerns

on the climate change, it is expected that high purity magnetite concentrate will become a new

leader in the steel making industry. On this basis, magnetite ores can be cost competitive

compared to hematite ores, offsetting the higher costs of production.

[004] For most magnetite ores, the magnetite particles are fine, uneven grains. Therefore, the

application of conventional mining techniques requires higher energy and operational costs.

Materials have to be further processed via additional grinding stages so that adequate liberation

of magnetite particles can be achieved. Traditional magnetic separation techniques are also

less effective when fine, uneven grains of magnetite are processed. That is, they fail to cope

with fine, uneven grains due to the inherent entrainment of slimes and poorly interlocked

particles during separation. Accordingly, compared to traditional techniques, there is a need to

increase the magnetite concentrate grade during processing, whilst ideally also reducing energy

consumption and/or operational costs.

[005] Bearing this in mind, the present inventor(s) have developed an improved system and

method for processing magnetite concentrate.

[006] Any reference to or discussion of any document, act or item of knowledge in this

specification is included solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It

is not suggested or represented that any of these matters or any combination thereof formed at

the priority date part of the common general knowledge, or was known to be relevant to an

attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[007] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a mining system including:

a separating device configured to assist with processing magnetite ore; and

a column magnetic separator in communication with the separating device, the

column magnetic separator configured to separate magnetite from the magnetite ore as the

magnetite ore moves along a column body,

wherein the separating device and column magnetic separator work in combination to

improve one or more process parameters in extracting the magnetite.

[008] In an embodiment, the column magnetic separator is in the form of a desliming

elutriation column.

[009] In an embodiment, the column magnetic separator is configured to allow magnetite

concentrate to flow circumferentially around the column body whilst tailings flow centrally

upwards.

[010] In an embodiment, a water flow inside the column body is directed upwards in a manner

that is in an opposite radial direction to incoming magnetite ore.

[011] In an embodiment, the water flow in the column body can be adjusted to assist with

separating the magnetite from the incoming magnetite ore.

[012] In an embodiment, incoming magnetite ore into the column body can be adjusted on a

volume basis.

[013] In an embodiment, the separating device includes a magnetic separator.

[014] In an embodiment, the magnetic separator is a low intensity magnetic separator.

[015] In an embodiment, the magnetic separator includes a drum and a magnet.

[016] In an embodiment, the drum rotates about the magnet.

[017] In an embodiment, the drum is configured to lift magnetite particles to a position that

directs them to a concentrate area.

[018] In an embodiment, the drum extends substantially in a lateral direction.

[019] In an embodiment, the magnetic separator includes a fluid flow. In an embodiment, the

fluid flow assists with directing tailings towards a tailings area.

[020] In an embodiment, the column magnetic separator is introduced after the magnetic

separator.

[021] In an embodiment, the separating device includes a further column magnetic separator.

In an embodiment the magnetic separators are arranged in series.

[022] In an embodiment, the further column magnetic separator assists with inefficiencies such

as surging in the column magnetic separator.

[023] In an embodiment, the column magnetic separator and/or the further column magnetic

separator is configured to: i) process 30-50 tonne of magnetite ore per hour; and/or ii) use

approximately 80-120 cubic metres of water per hour.

[024] In an embodiment, concentrate from the column magnetic separator reports directly to

the further column magnetic separator.

[025] In an embodiment, tailings from the column magnetic separator and/or the further

column magnetic separator are processed through a regrinding circuit.

[026] In an embodiment, the tailings processed through the regrinding circuit return to the

column magnetic separator and/or the further column magnetic separator.

[027] In an embodiment, the separating device includes a screen.

[028] In an embodiment, the screen assists with rejecting coarse particles to a tailings area.

[029] In an embodiment, the screen includes apertures with a size of 50um to 150um.

[030] In an embodiment, the screen is in the form of a vibrating screen.

[031] In an embodiment, the vibrating screen is a stack sizer vibrating screen. In an

embodiment, the stack sizer vibrating screen includes a plurality of screen decks positioned one

above the other.

[032] In an embodiment, tailings from the screen report to a tailings area when the magnetic

iron loss caused by the rejection is below approximately 1.5%. In another embodiment, the

rejection is below approximately 1%.

[033] In a further embodiment, tailings form the screen return to a grinding circuit for

regrinding.

[034] In an embodiment, the separating device includes a thickening magnetic separator.

[035] In an embodiment, the thickening magnetic separator is configured to adjust the

magnetic mineral slurry density of the magnetite ore.

[036] In an embodiment, the thickening magnetic separator is configured to dewater the

magnetite ore to obtain a predetermined density.

[037] In an embodiment, the predetermined density assists with the performance of the

column magnetic separator.

[038] In an embodiment, regrinding of the magnetite ore includes using a vertical stirred mill

and/or a cyclone cluster.

[039] In an embodiment, the system includes multiple separating devices.

[040] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for mining, the method

including the steps of:

processing magnetite ore with a separating device; and separating magnetite from the magnetite ore as the magnetite ore moves along a body of a column magnetic separator, wherein the separating device and column magnetic separator work in combination to improve one or more process parameters in extracting magnetite.

[041] In an embodiment, the separating device includes any combination of one or more of the

magnetic separator, further column magnetic separator, screen or the thickening magnetic

separator.

[042] In an embodiment, the magnetite ore enters the magnetic separator, fine screen or

thickening magnetic separator before entering the column magnetic separator and/or the further

column magnetic separator.

[043] In an embodiment, the method further includes the step of regrinding the magnetite ore.

[044] In an embodiment, the step of regrinding the magnetite ore takes place after tailings

from the screen, the column magnetic separator and/or the further column magnetic separator

are directed towards regrinding.

[045] In an embodiment, the step of regrinding includes using a vertical stirred mill and/or

cyclone to further liberate interlocked particles.

[046] In an embodiment, the magnetite ore has a degree of liberation of above 90% when

entering the separating device.

[047] In an embodiment, in response to the magnetite ore having a degree of magnetite

liberation of approximately 85%, the method includes processing the magnetite ore through the

separating device followed by the column magnetic separator and the further column magnetic

separator.

[048] In an embodiment, in response to the magnetite ore having a degree of magnetite

liberation of approximately 80%, the screen is used to reject coarse particles before entering the

column magnetic separator.

[049] In one or more embodiments, the use of the separating device in conjunction with the

column magnetic separator may improve one or more process parameters, such as improved concentrate grade, a higher feed throughput at a coarser grind size or reduced operational costs through the improvement of separation efficiency and the reduction of milling energy consumption.

[050] Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from

the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[051] Various preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way

of examples only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a flow diagram relating to a mining system, according to an

embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a section view of a drum separator, as depicted in Figure 1,

according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 3 illustrates a section view of a magnetic column separator, as depicted in

Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4 illustrates a flow diagram relating to a further mining system, according to an

embodiment of the invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a further flow diagram relating to a mining system, according to an

embodiment of the invention;

Figures 6A to 6C illustrate flow diagrams relating to variations of a mining system,

according to embodiments of the invention; and

Figures 7 to 9 separately illustrate schematics of different mining systems, according to

embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[052] Figure 1 illustrates a flow diagram relating to use of a mining system 10a. In this regard,

the use of a reference numeral followed by a lower case letter typically indicates alternative embodiments of a general element identified by the reference numeral in this specification. Thus for example mining system 10a is similar to but not identical to the mining system 10b. Further, references to an element identified only by the numeral refer to all embodiments of that element.

Thus for example a reference to mining system 10 is intended to include both the mining system

10a and the mining system 10b.

[053] The mining system 10a includes a first separating device in the form of a (low intensity)

magnetic separator 100a. The magnetic separator 100a is a drum magnetic separator. The

magnetic separator 100a is shown further in Figure 2 as magnetic separator 100. The magnetic

separator 100 includes a drum 110 and a magnet 120. The drum 110 is elongate and extends in

a lateral direction. The drum 110 is configured to rotate. The drum 110 rotates over the magnet

120 to form a magnetic drum. The magnet 120 is located in a lower half of the drum 110. That

is, the magnet 120 is located near where the drum 110 interacts with the magnetite ore. The

position of the magnet 120 is biased to one side of the drum 110, where magnetite concentrate

is intended to be collected. The magnet 120 is a permanent magnet. The magnetic separator

100 also includes a manifold 130. The manifold 130 is configured to assist in evenly distributing

the magnetite ore over the drum.

[054] As magnetite ore enters the manifold 130, it makes its way towards a lower end of the

drum 110. In this embodiment, a flow of water also passes the lower end of the drum 110.

Magnetite particles cluster adjacent the rotating drum 110 due to the magnetic field. When the

magnetite particles engage with the drum 110 they are rotated lifted towards a position that

allows them to drop into a concentrate collation area. Meanwhile, the flow of water assists in

channelling tailings towards a tailings collation area. In this regard, the magnetic separator 100

assists in separating magnetite from other tailings.

[055] As indicated in Figure 1, from the magnetic separator 100a, the magnetite concentrate is

then passed to a column magnetic separator in the form of desliming elutriation column 200a.

Accordingly, the magnetic separator 100a is in communication with the desliming elutriation

column 200a. A simplified example of a desliming elutriation column 200a is shown in Figure 3

as desliming elutriation column 200. Other desliming elutriation columns may be implemented

including that disclosed in Chinese Application No. 111632753 and Australian Patent No.

2018274955 (both herein incorporated by reference). The desliming elutriation column 200

includes a column body 205, a feed inlet 210, magnet(s) 220, a concentrate outlet 230, a

tailings outlet 240 and a water input 250. The desliming elutriation column 200 forms an

elongate body that extends in a vertical direction.

[056] As magnetite ore enters the feed inlet 210 (from the magnetic separator 100), the ore

enters a buffer chute which allows an ore slurry to be: i) distributed more uniformly along the

circumference of the (elongate) column body 205; and ii) stabilised as the speed of the flow

slurry is reduced. Water is introduced through the water input 250 and flows upwards in a

manner that counterflows the incoming ore. This assists in flushing out the tailings which are

directed towards the tailings outlet 240. The magnet(s) 220 assist in directing the magnetite

towards the concentrate outlet 230. That is, with a combined magnetic and gravity force,

together with the buoyancy in the elongate body 205, the: i) magnetic particles form magnetic

chains and settle downwardly; ii) non-magnetic particles or poorly interlocked particles will move

upwardly as the settling velocity of them is lower than the rising rate of water; and iii) non-

magnetic particles or poorly interlocked particles that are entrained in magnetic chains will be

released from the chains and move upwardly as well. The magnetic field of the magnet(s) 220

can be modified to tune the collection of magnetite. Similarly, the water flow can be varied to (for

example) assist in separating tailing from the ore. In the present embodiment, the desliming

elutriation columns 200 are configured to process 30-50 t/hr of ore with a water consumption of

80-120 m³/hr.

[057] The non-obvious benefit of using the desliming elutriation column 200, in combination

with the magnetic separator 100, is that it allows for variation of the ore properties. That is, the

desliming elutriation column 200 accommodates a varying grain size of magnetite ore,

compared to the magnetic separator 100, and the two devices working together increase the

amount of concentrate and reduce the tailings.

[058] Figure 4 illustrates a further flow diagram relating to use of a mining system 10b. In a

similar manner to mining system 10a, product generated from (for instance) a previous stage

grinding circuit with a higher degree of liberation for magnetite (eg, >90%) reports to the mining

system 10b. The product then enters a first stage desliming elutriation column 200b where, in a

similar manner to the mining system 10a, magnetite ore is separated into a magnetite

concentrate and poorly interlocked magnetic particles and slimes are rejected as tailings. In

comparison to the mining system 10a, in the mining system 10b, the magnetite concentrate is

then passed to a second desliming elutriation column 200b' where the magnetite ore is again

processed to further separate magnetite from other tailings.

[059] An advantage of utilising the two desliming elutriation columns 200b, 200b' together, in

series, is that the second desliming elutriation column 200b' can compensate for inefficiencies,

short-circuiting and surging in the first desliming elutriation column 200b, further improving the

final concentrate grade. Accordingly, overall, a higher concentration grade can be obtained as the desliming elutriation columns 200b, 200b' work together, and can be individually tuned based on ore input flow, water flow and/or the magnetic field, to deliver a more ideal outcome.

[060] Figure 5 illustrates a flow diagram for further improving magnetic iron recovery when a

lower degree of liberation magnetite (eg, >85%) is provided to a mining system 10c. In this

system, magnetite ore is processed through one magnetic separator 100c, followed by two

desliming elutriation columns 200c, 200c', and the tailings from the desliming elutriation

columns 200c, 200c' are fed to a regrinding circuit 300c. The regrinding circuit 300c then returns

a finer ground ore to the magnetic separator 100c. The finer ground ore is more easily

separated, further benefiting the separation of magnetite from other (undesired) tailings. In other

words, the regrinding circuit 300c assists in further improving concentrate grade and decreases

magnetic iron loss.

[061] Figures 6A to 6C illustrate other additional mining system 10d, 10e, 10f for further

improving the magnetite concentrate grade based on the ore received. The product generated

from a grinding circuit 400 (including 400d, 400e and 400f), with at least a degree of liberation

higher than 80%, reports to the magnetic separators 100d, 100e, 100f in each of the systems

10d, 10e, 10f. Following this, the magnetic separators 100d, 100e, 100f reject parts of non-

magnetic particles and slimes to tailings. The magnetic separators 100d, 100e, 100f then

separately feed concentrate to a separating device in the form of the screens 500d, 500e, 500f.

The screen(s) 500 include a plurality of apertures to assist with separating and sorting the

magnetite ore. Normally, the aperture sizes are approximately 100um. The screen(s) 500 are

usually also a stack sizer vibrating screens, which consists of up to five individual screen decks

positioned one above the other and operating in parallel, providing high capacity and efficiency.

[062] In Figure 6A, oversize materials directed to the (fine) screen 500d will be rejected to a

tailing pile, whilst the undersize material reports to a separating device in the form of thickening

magnetic separator 600d. The thickening magnetic separator 600d is configured to adjust the

mineral slurry density in upstream and downstream operations. Conventional dewatering tanks

and thickening ponds, occupying large area, can be replaced by the thickening magnetic

separators 600d in thickening operation of strong magnetic minerals. Thickening magnetic

separator 600d is configured to adjust the water amount so as to assure suitable density of the

concentrate. Concentrate is moved onto the desliming elutriation columns 200d after the

thickening magnetic separator 600d. The thickening magnetic separator 600d is configured to

unload magnetic particles by (for example) a scraper in a non-magnetic zone. Tailings (eg, non-

magnetic particles, slimes and poorly interlocked materials) are also unloaded through the thickening magnetic separator 600d to a tailings pile. In the final stage of mining system 10e, the desliming elutriation column 200d works in the same manner shown in Figures 1 and 3.

[063] In Figure 6B, the system 10e is similar to 10d but the oversize material from the screen

500e is returned to the grinding circuit 400e. This assists in ensuring that the ore is properly

grounded, and adds the potential to increase the amount of magnetite recovered, without a

dramatic increase in energy consumption. It would be appreciated that the oversize material

may be returned to the grinding circuit 400e via a pump or the alike. The thickening magnetic

separator 600e and desliming elutriation column 200e work in the same manner as the

thickening magnetic separator 600d and desliming elutriation column 200d.

[064] Figure 6C illustrates a system 10f, that is similar to system 10e, but the oversize material

of fine screen 500f is fed to a separate regrinding circuit 300f (which is often closed with a

vertical stirred mill and cyclone cluster (discussed further below)). Regrinding circuit products

return to the previous stage associated with the magnetic separator 100f. The undersize

material of fine screen 500f reports to thickening magnetic separator 600f. The thickening

magnetic separator 600f concentrate then reports to the desliming elutriation column 200f to

obtain the desired concentrate. The tailings of desliming elutriation column 200f are fed to the

regrinding circuit 300f for regrinding. With the additional fine grinding, a higher magnetic iron

recovery can be secured.

[065] Figure 7 illustrates a mining system 10g, according to a further embodiment of the

invention. In this embodiment, an autogenous (AG) mill grinding circuit reports to a first

magnetic separator 100g. The first magnetic separator 100g rejects non-magnetic materials,

approximately 48% of the total mass, to tailings. The concentrate from the first magnetic

separator 100g is pumped to a ball mill circuit for classification and/or regrinding, and this circuit

is closed by ball mill 900g and secondary cyclone cluster 800g. The ball mill circuit produces a

fine secondary cyclone overflow with a particle size (P80) of around 35-50 um (and the degree

of liberation for magnetite is approximately >85%). The secondary cyclone overflow reports to

secondary magnetic separator 100g'. The secondary magnetic separator 100g' rejects around

17% of the total mass to tailings. Concentrate from the secondary magnetic separator 100g' is

then fed to desliming elutriation column 200g.

[066] To illustrate the effectiveness of the mining system 10g, compared to other traditional

mining techniques, the following data has been populated in the table below. By using the

desliming elutriation column 200g, in combination with the other separating devices, the amount

of iron concentrate has been suitably increased whilst tailings have decreased compared to more traditional arrangements. That is, the concentrate grade is typically higher by 1.0%-2.0%, and the tailings grade is lower than by 3.0%-4.0%. Furthermore, the mining system 10g rejected more poorly interlocked particles compared to traditional processes, meaning the magnetic iron loss was also lower.

Secondary New Feed 200g cyclone 200g Cons Traditional Traditional Batch Throughput, Tailings Fe, overflow P80, Fe, % Cons Fe, % Tailings Fe, % t/hr

um % µm

1 16.21 1366 35.12 65.53 64.45 64.45 20.08

2 2 1390 35.15 65.73 17.65 64.48 22.28

3 1440 36.44 65.35 17.51 63.95 21.52

4 1473 37.20 65.65 18.57 63.57 21.03

1337 33.24 66.06 18.75 64.37 22.40

6 1490 34.68 64.64 16.08 62.77 18.06

7 1368 35.41 66.10 18.92 64.26 22.08

8 1392 34.20 65.45 19.15 63.57 22.99

9 1434 34.79 65.61 15.99 63.93 20.67

10 1468 34.93 34.93 66.08 17.02 64.51 20.99

11 1526 35.61 65.52 16.01 64.03 19.17

12 1400 30.59 65.42 14.74 64.02 19.50

13 1496 35.44 64.59 64.59 16.02 63.10 20.03

14 1423 33.68 65.18 18.17 63.73 22.30

WO wo 2023/272333 PCT/AU2021/050709 12

1444 33.03 65.53 17.79 64.05 21.45

16 1360 32.77 65.89 19.13 64.34 23.68

17 1390 32.13 66.22 18.64 64.93 22.66

18 1451 33.22 65.61 17.03 64.14 20.97

19 1548 36.52 65.47 16.21 64.10 19.01

1491 33.92 65.56 19.09 64.12 20.93

21 1461 35.62 65.42 18.80 64.52 24.02

22 1320 32.28 65.04 21.33 64.00 25.37

23 1323 31.06 65.36 21.29 64.16 25.62

24 1395 33.83 65.74 18.30 64.21 21.01

1353 31.01 66.64 20.92 65.61 25.48

26 1325 30.91 66.93 23.72 65.93 27.52

27 1349 32.86 66.61 22.06 65.66 25.62

28 1354 32.11 66.74 20.45 65.89 24.90

29 1383 33.97 66.39 18.04 65.05 22.08

1374 33.76 66.21 18.80 64.86 22.86

31 1295 31.35 66.12 20.43 65.61 23.83

32 1509 35.94 65.16 17.24 17.24 64.04 64.04 20.47

33 33 1586 39.51 65.22 18.71 63.68 21.52

34 1550 36.18 65.37 19.12 64.21 21.53

35 1492 35.02 65.99 19.10 64.89 22.52

36 1497 34.81 66.12 19.13 19.13 64.84 23.37

[067] In addition, market requirements dictate that the concentrate grade be maintained at

around 65%. Hence, given the ability of system 10g to maintain a concentrate grade above

65%, the application of system 10g potentially releases the ability to process new, lower grade

feed throughput. This opens up another ~10% of feed throughput that could be processed

(compared to traditional technologies). This is another non-obvious advantage of using the

system 10g that is of economic importance. Moreover, system 10g can obtain the qualified

concentrate at coarser grind sizes, which leads to reasonable energy savings due to less

grinding requirements. It has been estimated that power consumption will decrease by

approximately 10%, using the same number of processing steps, whilst the concentrate yield

increases as outlined above. Again, this is a significant advantage.

[068] Figure 8 illustrates a mining system 10h, according to an embodiment of the invention.

The mining system 10h is similar to mining system 10g in that a primary magnetic separator

100h, secondary cyclone cluster 800h and ball mill 900h are used. However, in comparison to

mining system 10g, mining system 10h includes a first desliming elutriation column 200h and a

second desliming elutriation column 200h'. The desliming elutriation columns 200h, 200h' would

provide similar benefits to system 10b. That is, in comparison to using the magnetic separator

100g', utilising the two desliming elutriation columns 200h, 200h' together, in series, can

compensate for inefficiencies, short-circuiting and surging in the first desliming elutriation

column 200h', further improving the final concentrate grade. These non-obvious advantages

have been identified based on a significant amount of systems based work and analysis, in an

environment where downtime is costly and traditional practices are preferred.

[069] Figure 9 illustrates a further mining system 10i where the benefit of combining a

desliming elutriation column 600i with a screen 500i, a thickening magnetic separator 600i and

an alternative grinding circuit including a vertical mill 1100i. In a similar manner to system 10g

shown in Figure 7, primary cyclone overflow discharged from an AG mill circuit reports to the

magnetic separator 100i, which rejects coarse non-magnetic materials (around 44% of the total

mass in this embodiment) to tailings. Concentrate from the magnetic separator 100i is pumped to a ball mill circuit for regrinding and classification and, in the same manner as system 10g, this circuit is closed by ball mill 900g and secondary cyclone cluster 800g. The ball mill circuit produces fines from the secondary cyclone overflow with a particle size (P80) of around 45-53 um (the degree of liberation for magnetite is approximately >80%). The secondary cyclone overflow reports to a secondary magnetic separator 100g which rejects around 17% of the total mass to tailings.

[070] Concentrate from the secondary magnetic separator 100g is then fed to fine screen 500i,

and the oversize material (0.3% of the total mass) is rejected whilst the undersize material

reports to the thickening magnetic separator 600i. For the oversize material, magnetic Fe

recovery is optionally improved by sending the oversize material to vertical stirred mill 1100i,

which is closed with tertiary cyclone cluster 1000i. Underflow from the tertiary cyclone cluster

1000i returns to the vertical stirred mill 1100i and overflow reports to the secondary magnetic

separator 100i" feed hopper. To this end, it has been discovered that when the oversize material

of fine screen is ground to ~18 um - 28 um, concentrate with grade around 64% could be

obtained, but the mass is recovered is relatively small (only 0.05% of the total mass). Compared

with the input energy consumption to regrind, it may therefore be uneconomical and

unnecessary to process the oversize material depending on the nature of the ore.

[071] With the above in mind, concentrate from the thickening magnetic separator 600i reports

to desliming elutriation column 200i, and around 2.6% of the total mass is rejected to tailings

and the desired concentrate is obtained. The following table illustrates indicative results for

using the system 10i in comparison to other traditional processes.

500i-200i Traditional Secondary New feed 500i-200i flowsheet flowsheet Traditional cyclone Batch throughput flow sheet flowsheet overflow t/hr Tailings Fe, Tailings Fe, % Cons Fe, % Concentrate P80, um Fe, % % 1 1386 47.64 66.33 17.28 62.04 17.47

2 1459 44.10 67.44 22.00 64.07 23.87

3 1375 47.34 66.24 17.99 62.28 18.86

4 1422 49.91 66.71 19.53 62.57 19.56

1474 48.33 65.89 20.58 62.58 21.76

6 1418 45.81 66.25 21.67 63.34 22.35

7 1342 45.65 65.33 19.89 62.53 20.03

[072] The trial results show that, when the new feed throughput reaches 1411 t/h, the

traditional system could only obtain concentrate with grade of 62.6%. However, with the new

system 10i (particularly using the combined application of the screen 500i and desliming

elutriation column 200i) the final concentrate grade could achieve 66%. This is a significant

improvement in the beneficiation of magnetite.

[073] The mining systems 10 improve one or more process parameters in extracting

magnetite, including increasing the magnetite concentrate grade during production, reducing

energy consumption and lowering operational costs. This makes the use of magnetite more

commercially viable and can lead to, for example, less carbon emissions in the production of

premium-quality steel. Accordingly, in addition to the economic benefits, the mining systems 10

have non-obvious associated environmental benefits. The mining systems 10 also render

separation processes shorter by using less concentrate cleaning stages, allowing less use of

separating equipment at lower maintenance demand.

[074] In this specification, adjectives such as left and right, top and bottom, hot and cold, first

and second, and the like may be used to distinguish one element or action from another

element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order.

Where context permits, reference to a component, an integer or step (or the alike) is not to be

construed as being limited to only one of that component, integer, or step, but rather could be

one or more of that component, integer or step.

[075] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes', 'including', or similar

terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus

that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include

other elements not listed.

[076] The above description relating to embodiments of the present disclosure is provided for

purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be

exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above,

numerous alternatives and variations to the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled

in the art from the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been

discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by

those of ordinary skill in the art. The present disclosure is intended to embrace all modifications,

alternatives, and variations that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall

within the spirit and scope of the above description.

Claims

1. A mining system including:

a separating device configured to assist with processing magnetite ore; and

a column magnetic separator in communication with the separating device, the column 2021453495

magnetic separator configured to separate magnetite from the magnetite ore as the magnetite ore moves along a column body,

wherein:

the separating device and column magnetic separator work in combination to improve one or more process parameters in extracting the magnetite;

water flow inside the column body is directed upwards in a manner that is in an opposite radial direction to incoming magnetite ore; and

the separating device includes a magnetic separator having a drum that rotates about a magnet.

2. A mining system including:

a separating device configured to assist with processing magnetite ore; and

a column magnetic separator in communication with the separating device, the column magnetic separator configured to separate magnetite from the magnetite ore as the magnetite ore moves along a column body,

wherein:

the separating device and column magnetic separator work in combination to improve one or more process parameters in extracting the magnetite; and

3. The mining system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the column magnetic separator is configured to allow magnetite concentrate to flow circumferentially around the column body whilst tailings flow centrally upwards.

4. The mining system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drum is configured to lift magnetite particles to a position that directs them to a concentrate area. 2021453495

5. The mining system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the drum extends substantially in a lateral direction.

6. The mining system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the column magnetic separator is introduced after the magnetic separator.

7. The mining system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein tailings from the magnetic separator and the column magnetic separator are both rejected to a tailings collation area.

8. The mining system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the separating device includes a further column magnetic separator.

9. The mining system of claim 8, wherein the further column magnetic separator assists with inefficiencies including surging in the column magnetic separator.

10. The mining system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the column magnetic separator and/or the further column magnetic separator is configured to: i) process 30-50 tonne of magnetite ore per hour; and/or ii) use approximately 80-120 cubic metres of water per hour.

11. The mining system of any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein tailings from the column magnetic separator and the further column magnetic separator are both rejected to a tailings collation area.

12. The mining system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein tailings from the column magnetic separator are processed through a regrinding circuit.

13. The mining system of claim 1 to 12, where the separating device includes a vibrating screen.

14. The mining system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the separating device includes a thickening magnetic separator.

15. A method for mining, the method including the steps of:

processing magnetite ore with a separating device; and 2021453495

separating magnetite from the magnetite ore as the magnetite ore moves along a body of a column magnetic separator,

wherein:

the separating device and column magnetic separator work in combination to improve one or more process parameters in extracting magnetite;

16. A method for mining, the method including the steps of:

processing magnetite ore with a separating device; and

wherein:

the separating device and column magnetic separator work in combination to improve one or more process parameters in extracting magnetite; and

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein the separating device is any combination of one or more of a magnetic separator, further column magnetic separator, screen and/or a thickening magnetic separator.

18. The method of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the magnetite ore enters the magnetic separator, fine screen or thickening magnetic separator before entering the column magnetic separator and/or the further column magnetic separator. 2021453495

19. The method of any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the method further includes the step of regrinding the magnetite ore.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the step of regrinding includes using a vertical stirred mill and/or cyclone to further liberate interlocked particles.

RO/AU (Rule 26) Substitue Sheets

Figure 1

Concentrate Tailings

Desliming Elutriation Column

200a

Separator Low Intensity Magnetic

100a of liberation >90% 10a Ground products with a higher degree

1/9 01/09/2021 PCT/AU2021/050709

RO/AU (Rule 26) Substitue Sheets Figure 2

Tailings

Concentrate

Magnet

Feed 120

130

110

100

2/9 01/09/2021 PCT/AU2021/050709

RO/AU (Rule 26) Substitue Sheets Figure 3

Non-magnetic Particle or slimes Underflow-Concentrate

Magnetic Particle 230 Water

Feed

250

Dilution Water

Magnetic Field

220

240

Overflow-Tailings 205

210 200 Feed

3/9 01/09/2021 PCT/AU2021/050709

RO/AU (Rule 26) Substitue Sheets

Figure 4

Desliming Elutriation Column

200b'

Desliming Elutriation Column First Stage

200b

of liberation >90% Ground products with a higher degree

10b

4/9 01/09/2021 PCT/AU2021/050709

RO/AU (Rule 26) Substitue Sheets

Figure 5

Concentrate Tailings

Desliming Elutriation Column Second stage

200c'

Desliming Elutriation Column 300c First Stage

200c

Separator Low Intensity Magnetic

100c

of liberation >85% Ground products with a lower degree

10c

5/9 01/09/2021 PCT/AU2021/050709

10e

10f 10d (ROM) Mine of Run (ROM) Mine of Run 400e (ROM) Mine of Run 400d

400f Circuit Grinding Circuit Grinding 100d 83% Liberations of Degree Liberation=80% of Degree Circuit Grinding 100e

100f Magnetic Intensity Low Separator

Separator 500d

500f 500e Oversise Oversize

Screening Fine Screening Fine 600e Undersize 600d

600f Undersive RO/AU

Separator Magnetic Thickening Separator Magnetic Thickening Circuit Regrinding (Rule 26)

Separator Magnetic Thickening Substitue Sheets

200d

200f Column Elutriation Desliming Column Elutriation Desliming Column Elutriation Desliming Concentrate Concentrate Tailings Tailings Concentrate Tailings

Figure 6C Figure 6B Figure 6A

01/09/2021 PCT/AU2021/050709

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/

100 will - <<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ## ///////////////////////// 100g

800g

100g' MAG PRIMARY 20s SEPARATORS of

0

7/9 MGD21503-20 CYCLONE SECONDARY HPR22602 CLUSTER

PMP22603 MAG SECONDARY 16x RO/AU

CCL22601

SEPARATORS X (Rule 26)

MG022601-16 COR DEMAG 20x Substitue Sheets

MILL BALL DMC21601-20 BLM22601

COIL DEMAG 16x DMC22601-16 200g ELUTRIATION DESLIMING 15x COLUMN DEC22601-16 900g

HPR22605

MP822603 HPR22601

CONCENTRATE PMP22601

- *

:

PMP22604 PMP22605 PMP21604

TAILINGS HPR21504

01/09/2021 PCT/AU2021/050709 Figure 7

RO/AU (Rule 26) Substitue Sheets

HPR21604

HPR22601

PMP21604

100h SEPARATORS MGD21601-20 1601-20 DMC2 MAG PRIMARY 20x COIL DEMAG 20x PMP22601

BALL MILL BLM22601

CLUSTER CYCLONE SECONDARY 800h

900h

HPR22602

PMP22605 Figure 8

HPR22605

HPR22603

COLUMN

PMP22604

200h DSC22601-16 OMC22601-16 DESLIMING 16% COIL DEMAG 16x ELUTRIATION DESLIMING 16x 200h'

10h

TAILINGS CONCENTRATE 8/9 01/09/2021 PCT/AU2021/050709

10i 100i

500i 800i

Alternative 1000i 100i' SCREEN PINE % 30 MAG PRIMARY 20x SEPARATORS ,

600i 68GU21501-20 CYCLONE SECONDARY OXCLONE TERTIARY HP823602 MAG SECONDARY a 16 PM822603 CLUSTERS CLUSTER

MAE THICKENING 10 SEPARATORS CCL22601 9

1100i SEPARATORS MGD23601-8 con DEMAG 20% MBL BALL 81482601 DMC23601-10 PR4P23908 HPR28603 MALE VERTICAL 6/6 ELUTRIATION 16 RO/AU

0

COLUMN (Rule 26)

DEC28601-16 PMP22504 MPR22508 200i HP022604 PM223605 900i Substitue Sheets

HPR23501 0

TAILINGS FINAL HPR23603 PMP22601 CONCENTRATE = HPR23502 PMP23603 0

TAILINGS PM8921804 PCT/AU2021/050709 01/09/2021 Figure 9