This article from Ying Mining Machinery explains: What is a mineral processing test? Why is it conducted? When is it necessary? What types of tests should be conducted?

1. What is a mineral processing test?

Mineral processing tests are conducted to test ore selection for the purpose of mineral processing plant design. The results of mineral processing tests not only directly impact the rational determination of the process flow, equipment selection, product plan, and technical and economic indicators for mineral processing design, but also form the basis for the plant's ability to successfully achieve design targets and achieve economic benefits after commissioning. Therefore, mineral processing tests, which provide a basis for design, must be undertaken by specialized testing and research institutions. Mineral processing test reports must be reviewed and approved in accordance with relevant regulations before they can be used as a basis for design.

2. Why Conduct Mineral Processing Tests?

Mineral processing tests provide a comprehensive understanding of ore properties, providing more effective guidance and assistance for later geological prospecting.

Mineral processing tests provide a basis for mineral processing plant design and construction. Ore properties vary greatly from region to region, and the resulting mineral processing processes and process conditions also differ. Therefore, before developing each ore, mineral processing tests must be conducted, rather than simply copying processes from other processing plants. Only through mineral processing tests can the appropriate process flow be determined, resulting in the appropriate mineral product quality and recovery rate. Furthermore, mineral processing tests can help select the most appropriate equipment for plant construction and find the optimal balance between investment, costs, performance indicators, and economic benefits. This reduces both initial investment and post-production costs, enabling the mine to achieve substantial economic benefits and minimize resource waste. It can even be said that, once the mine's resource conditions are determined, mineral processing tests are crucial to its profitability and survival.

Mineral processing tests provide direct scientific basis for the transformation of existing processing plants, addressing numerous issues such as low concentrate grade, high impurity content, low recovery, high production costs, and inappropriate equipment selection.

3. When should mineral processing tests be conducted?

Before deciding to purchase a mine, verify whether the ore is profitable.

Before conducting a detailed geological survey, reduce geological investment risks and determine whether detailed survey investment is necessary.

Before obtaining a mining license, this is required by the land and resources department, environmental impact assessment report, and construction feasibility report.

Before building a plant, conduct detailed mineral processing tests to determine the process flow, production costs, and investment amount.

To determine equipment selection, ensure product quality, and provide recovery rates for mine design.

Determine how to adjust the production process.

When ore properties change, determine process adjustment plans to reduce economic losses.

When products are substandard.

When recovery rates are low.

When costs are high.

When recycling water is being utilized.

When determining a reagent manufacturer.

Every year of production, determine the ore properties, reagent quality, worker operation, and management.

The importance of mineral processing tests. Why are mineral processing tests conducted?

4. What types of tests should be conducted?

Simple exploratory mineral processing tests—practical for conducting investment analysis and preliminary valuation assessments before purchasing mining rights, reducing investment risk. Ore feasibility tests are used for detailed geological investigations and analysis, evaluation and certification, and determination of optimal processes and process indicators.

Systematic process flow tests are used before plant construction to finalize the design and identify patterns and determine process indicators.

Technical research tests are used when mining problems are unresolved, to improve efficiency, and to recover substandard products at a low cost.

Process flow verification tests are used to compare ore properties, select pharmaceutical plants, and determine suitability for different ores.

Process flow verification tests are used in existing plants to identify root causes and conduct plant inspections to analyze plant problems.