VBKOM was appointed by an international tier 1 mining company to provide geometallurgical modelling for an African investment which the mining company was considering. Their need was to predict metallurgical recoveries for specific geological zones.  VBKOM was provided with multiple raw data sets and had to initiate the project by commencing with data analysis and interrogation. The VBKOM team assembled comprised of a metallurgical engineer, geologist and an industrial engineer.

Multi-disciplinary team

Combining their collective competencies with specialised statistical software, the VBKOM team conducted multi-variable analysis to identify the most significant variables, as well as their corresponding coefficients, which drive the recovery of minerals. This necessitated that statistical analysis of the mineral distribution per each geological zone, be conducted.

The outcome was that the equations derived from the multivariable analysis compared well with the laboratory results. The value to the client was that their confidence in the recovery equations were strengthened allowing them to confidently utilise it in their Reserve estimation, Plant Design Criteria, and ultimately supporting their investment decision in subsequent study phases.

The equations will be updated in future as more data becomes available.