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

摘要

The invention provides a method and installation for processing heterogeneou s value bearing material by pressure comminution. The material is compressed i n 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 minimize the formation of fines. The compressive bed pressure applied to the material does not exceed 300 MPa, preferably at most 50 MPa and more preferably 30 MPa. The process is preferably operated in an open circuit mod e. Surprisingly, these measures lead to enhance liberation of values compared with conventional comminution techniques.