ORE COMMINUTION PROCESS USING BED-COMPRESSION METHOD AT LOW PRESSURES AND INSTALLATION THEREFOR

摘要

The invention provides a method and installation for processing heterogeneous value bearing material by pressure comminution. The material is compressed in a bed of particles, at low pressures and at low bulk material densities, and preferably no more than is necessary to liberate the desired values, thereby to minimise the formation of fines. The compressive bed pressure applied to the material does not exceed 300 MPa, and the process is preferably operated in an open circuit mode. Surprisingly, these measures lead to enhanced liberation of values compared with conventional comminution techniques.