Comparison of different breakage mechanisms in terms of product particle size distribution and mineral liberation

This paper describes the work carried out for the comparison of mineral liberation and particle size distribution in the particle bed breakage with impact breakage of two different copper ores. Ground products from these two different modes of breakage were screened into size fractions which were analyzed for the particle size distributions by sieve analysis and the degree of liberation by an image analysis system. The results of these analyses were statistically compared to make inferences in relation to the stated objective of the work. Test results indicated that compressive bed breakage mechanism gives finer product particle size distribution and provides better mineral liberation compared to impact breakage mechanism.