"Geometallurgy – Driving Innovation in the Mining Value Chain"

"Geometallurgy is a discipline that seeks to improve the sustainability of the extraction of metals and minerals by promoting the smarter use of non-renewable resources, better energy efficiency and greater use of renewable energy. To achieve these goals, development of innovative technologies and approaches are being developed along the entire commodity value chain, starting with exploration and extraction and extending to reuse and recycling. This paper discusses the geometallurgy of industrial minerals with special emphasis on kaolin, a versatile industrial mineral applied in ceramics, paper, paint, plastics, rubber, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, ink, sealants, adhesives, sanitary ware, glass fibre, toothpaste, animal feed etc. Aspects of kaolin extraction in south-west UK are analysed from a geometallurgical perspective. While geometallurgy already features in kaolin extraction, its role can be significantly expanded by combining advanced in-pit characterisation and orebody modelling with integrated planning and control of the refining and calcination process. This paper highlights the importance of innovation in realising the full potential of geometallurgy.CITATION:Glass, H J, 2016. Geometallurgy – Driving Innovation in the Mining Value Chain, in Proceedings The Third AusIMM International Geometallurgy Conference (GeoMet) 2016, pp 21–28 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne)."