Mineral liberation analysis

Petrographic analysis of samples to determine the optimum ‘mesh of grind’ i.e. the particle-size target for crushing and milling in preparation for mineral processing trials.

Heavy-media separation (HMS)

Wet processing option for small-scale heavy mineral concentration using non-toxic, water-soluble heavy media (density range 1 - 3 g.cm-3):

• Sodium PolyTungstate (SPT)
• Lithium Sodium Tungstate (LST)

Gravity separation

Wet processing option for larger-scale heavy mineral concentration using gravity separators:

• Holman-Wilfley laboratory shaking table (with decks for fine and coarse separations)
• Knelson Concentrator (centrifugal gravity separator)

Magnetic separation

Dry processing option for the concentration of ferro- and paramagnetic minerals using magnetic separators:

• Frantz isodynamic magnetic separator (small-scale separation, 5-10g typically)
• Carpco high intensity induced roll magnetic separator (larger separations, 100g to 2 kg)

Air classification

Dry processing option for the separation of minerals based on their particle-size and shape:

• Hosokwa Alpine centrifugal air classifier (250 - 2 microns)
• Hosokawa Micron zig-zag air classifier (6 mm - 150 microns)

Hydrocyclone classification

Wet processing option for ‘desliming’ (removal of particles finer than 10 micron) and the concentration of clay minerals such as kaolin:

• Mozley hydrocyclone test rig with 50mm, 25mm and 10mm hydrocyclones
• Solid-liquid hydrocyclone test rig using small glass hydrocyclones

Froth flotation

Wet processing option for the concentration of minerals such as graphite, talc, mica and feldspar using reagents (frothers, collectors and modifiers):

• Denver D12 flotation equipment with glass cell

Pilot-scale processing

Larger scale mineral processing work (samples larger than 25kg) can be carried out in collaboration with pilot-scale processing facilities in the UK.

Further information on industrial minerals can be found here: http://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/planning/industrial.html and here: http://www.bgs.ac.uk/mineralsuk/mines/industrial.html

For further information please contact:

Clive J Mitchell
Industrial minerals specialist
British Geological Survey,
Nicker Hill, Keyworth,
Nottingham, NG12 5GG, United Kingdom
Tel. +44 115 936 3257 Fax. +44 115 936 3520

• Thin Sections
• XRD, Thermal Analysis and Clay Mineralogy
• XRD overview
• XRD techniques
• Petrography and Microanalysis
• Industrial mineral commodity and end-use property testing
• Industrial minerals