mineralsprocessing
Minerals processing, also known as ore dressing or mineral processing, is the practice of separating valuable minerals from gangue to produce concentrates or refined metals. The aim is to liberate target minerals from the surrounding rock and to separate them from unwanted material using physical and, where appropriate, chemical methods. The workflow typically spans from mine to market and may include crushing, grinding, size classification, concentration, dewatering, and drying.
The initial stage, liberation, relies on size reduction through crushing and grinding to expose mineral grains.
Separation and concentration rely on differences in physical properties. Common methods include gravity concentration (jigs, spirals,
Dewatering and drying prepare concentrates for smelters or refineries and generate tailings and process water streams.
Advances in minerals processing focus on higher recovery, energy efficiency, automation, and sustainable practices, while maintaining