Liberated 0–10 μm particles from sulphide ores, their production and separation—Recent developments and future needs

The general types of industrial behaviour of liberated valuable sulphide minerals in the 0–10 μm size fraction are described and tests to explore on-site at a concentrator the general nature of any deficient behaviour are discussed. In addition, the general types of behaviour of the gangue minerals in this size fraction are also described in terms of their mechanisms for recovery.These behaviours are also discussed in terms of the type of grinding device and grinding environment in which they were produced and the target grinding product size. Major recent improvements in the industrial capabilities of grinding devices are discussed.Present difficulties in characterization of particles in the 0–10 μm range are described and desirable improvements for the future are outlined. Further, desirable improvements for industrial processing of valuable minerals in this size range are discussed along with some remedial actions.