Fine grinding characteristics of a cassiterite-bearing skarn ore

The grinding characteristic of a cassiterite-bearing skarn ore was investigated for the fine particle size range using an agitated ball mill. The applicability of Mineral Liberation Analyzer was investigated for the fine particle range. The appropriate liberation of cassiterite was determined with the help of tangible parameters such as the degree and coefficient of liberation and grade-recovery diagrams. The liberation of cassiterite was found to be in a satisfying range for downstream upgrading. A more etailed analysis of the liberation characteristics of the potential valuables together with a better understanding of the breakage characteristics of the gangue minerals will help to optimize the operation of the subsequent upgrading process. Therefore, the breakage behavior of the most important gangue minerals was analyzed. The effect of selectivity in breakage for the different minerals became visible.
A clear spreading for the mineral recovery versus size class indicated a mineral specific accumulation during milling. These trends lead to the assumption that the separation of the minerals into different particle size classes can be optimized by applying a specific energy input.