Geometallurgy

Geometallurgy is an interdisciplinary field that integrates geological, mineralogical, metallurgical, and mining information to predict the processing behavior of ore and to optimize extraction, processing design, and production scheduling. The aim is to account for spatial variability in ore chemistry, mineralogy, texture, and liberation characteristics to maximize recovery and minimize costs.

Geology and mineralogy establish ore body characteristics, including mineral identity, grain size, textures, and liberation potential. Metallurgical data come from characterization studies and bench-scale or pilot-scale processing tests, covering comminution (crushability, grindability), flotation, gravity separation, magnetic separation, and leaching. Data are gathered from drill cores, bulk samples, and plant operations, and are used to build a predictive framework linking ore properties to metallurgical response.

Modeling in geometallurgy typically yields a predictive geometallurgical model or block model that ties ore characteristics to processing performance. This model informs mine planning, blending strategies, and process design, allowing dynamic simulations of throughput, recoveries, energy use, and costs. The approach supports both short-term grade control and long-term capital expenditure decisions by reducing risk associated with ore variability.

Applications include improved ore handling and feed quality, better selection of processing routes, and more accurate reconciliation between mined ore and plant performance. Challenges involve data quality and representativeness, scaling laboratory results to plant conditions, deposit heterogeneity, and method standardization. Despite these challenges, geometallurgy is widely used to enhance economic outcomes and resource efficiency in mining operations.