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Geometallurgical modelling techniques applicable to pre-feasibility projects: La Colosa case study

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conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-23, 12:05 authored by Montoya, PA, Keeney, L, Jahoda, R, Julie HuntJulie Hunt, Ronald BerryRonald Berry, Drews, U, Chamberlain, V
La Colosa is a world-class porphyry Au project located in Colombia, currently undergoing pre-feasibility analysis. As part of collaboration between AngloGold Ashanti and the AMIRA P843A GeMIII Project, the application of emerging geometallurgical characterisation testing and modelling tools has been incorporated in early stages of project development. The aim of the geometallurgical study is to map inherent comminution variability across the La Colosa deposit providing information critical for mine/mill design and optimisation. In this study, site-based data incorporating multi-element assays, QXRD bulk mineralogy measurements, EQUOtip rebound hardness data, and routine geological logging information from 59 diamond drill holes has been integrated with a range of geometallurgically specific comminution test (i.e. GeMCi, A*b, BMWi). The work in this paper demonstrates the integration techniques used at La Colosa to link routine data acquisition methods with comminution test results through the development of proxy support models. The integration incorporates a range of statistical techniques including principal component analysis and regression modelling. By creating proxy models, comminution index estimates can be propagated into the geological database enabling comminution processing domains to be defined. These domains provide the first spatial representation of comminution performance and variability at La Colosa and can be compared against traditional geological domains. This study provides the foundation for ongoing comminution characterisation as the La Colosa project evolves through project cycles into an operational mine.

Funding

Australian Research Council

AMIRA International Ltd

ARC C of E Industry Partner $ to be allocated

Anglo American Exploration Philippines Inc

AngloGold Ashanti Australia Limited

Australian National University

BHP Billiton Ltd

Barrick (Australia Pacific) PTY Limited

CSIRO Earth Science & Resource Engineering

Mineral Resources Tasmania

Minerals Council of Australia

Newcrest Mining Limited

Newmont Australia Ltd

Oz Minerals Australia Limited

Rio Tinto Exploration

St Barbara Limited

Teck Cominco Limited

University of Melbourne

University of Queensland

Zinifex Australia Ltd

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the 1st International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet 2011)

Editors

S Dominy

Pagination

103-111

ISBN

9781921522499

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy

Place of publication

Burwood, VIC, Australia

Event title

1st International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet 2011)

Event Venue

Brisbane

Date of Event (Start Date)

2011-09-05

Date of Event (End Date)

2011-09-07

Rights statement

Copyright the author

Repository Status

  • Open

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences

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    University Of Tasmania

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