Mine-Mill Integration - The Business Case

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Summary

Mine-Mill Integration (MMI) encompasses a range of approaches for the integration of novel technologies into the mine to improve the efficiency and profitability of the mineral extraction and beneficiation process. Mine-Mill Integration can involve operational integration, such as the use of drill- and shovel-monitoring technologies, down-the-hole and face-mapping tools, optimization of the blast fragmentation/comminution process, as well as improved process monitoring in the pit and ore handling system. Mine-Mill Integration can also involve the physical integration of waste - rejection technologies such as size classification, sorting or flash flotation into the mine itself, for improved grade control as well as potentially improving ore grades in the feed to the mill. Significant benefits in mine, mill and smelter operations can be enjoyed with correct application of mine-mill approaches for increased overall profitability of the mine.

Background

The term Mine-Mill Integration was fist coined by the Australians in the 1990’s. It was defined in terms of approaches used to improve the interface between the mining operation in the pit and the surface mill. Aspects included in this definition include:

• drill-mill technologies,
• down the hole sensing
• blast fragmentation/comminution optimization
• technology for the interpretation of ore textures in terms of their impact on mineral processing.

Since 1999, Dr. Bamber has been involved in strategic research into Mine-Mill Integration, more specifically research into the integration of mineral processing and waste disposal technologies into the underground and surface mining environment. Aspects included in this body of work include:

• technologies for improved face mapping and grade control
• integration with both selective and bulk mining technologies
• innovative ore handling systems
• ore grade sensing and control
• ore pre-concentration by size classification
• sorting, dense media separation
• coarse-particle flotation or gravity methods.

The course describes the comprehensive range of technologies and applications and their respective benefits to the mine developer and operator. Impacts and benefits of the successful implementation of such technologies include inter alia: increased ore extraction, improved metal recoveries, reduced energy and costs, improved concentrate quality and improved smelter operations. An executable impact demonstration tool PreCalculatOre will be demonstrated during the course and provided to all participants.

Pre-Course e-Learning

Prior to the course, registered delegates have access to online e-learning material consisting of two introductory courses titled “Introduction to Mining and Mineral Processing” and "Mine Project Economics".

UBC Certificate in Mining Studies

This course qualifies for one day of short course credit for the UBC Certificate in Mining Studies, a continuing education initiative by the Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining at the University of British Columbia. More details »

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

This course meets the requirements for formal CPD activity for most Canadian provincial associations and US state boards and may contribute the equivalent in hours towards your CPD requirement. More details »

Who Should Attend

The course is profiled for mine owners and developers, mining project professionals and beneficial to those working at mine operations or as engineering consultants to the minerals industry.