Sustainable Extraction and Processing of Raw Materials Journal (Nov 2021)

ONLINE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SCREENING OF ORE FOR SILVER AT THE MINES OPERATED BY KAZAKHMYS CORPORATION LLC

  • Zaure Abdrakhmanova,
  • Andrey Kan,
  • Roman Yun,
  • Sergey Yefimenko,
  • Dmitry Makarov

DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5594992
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2, no. 2
pp. 6 – 11

Abstract

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ABSTRACT. This paper discusses the process and methodological aspects of X–ray fluorescence online monitoring of ore silver grade at the underground mines and open pits operated by Kazakhmys Corporation LLC. The analysis was complicated by the requirement to: a) ensure reliable silver grade determination of the ore, starting at 1+ ppm; b) sample mine faces in vertical sections to a height of up to 7 m. For geophysical online monitoring of the ore material in the walls of mine workings and in the broken rock mass, a portable energy–dispersive X–ray fluorescence spectrometer RPP–12T (Aspap Geo LLC, Alma–Ata) was developed, assembled, and comprehensively tested. The results of investigations carried out using the RPP–12T spectrometer are discussed. The data collected during the investigations made it possible to implement online ore silver grade monitoring in the underground mines and open pits operated by Kazakhmys Corporation LLC.

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