Uncertainty assessment in particle tracking processing models of cassiterite in complex skarn ores

An alternative method for the particle tracking approach for SEM-based image analysis is introduced, using kernel density estimates instead of discrete bins. This allows to obtain more robust information. Therefore, the bandwidth adjustment for the kernels is of special importance. Uncertainties of the data are assessed using the bootstrap resampling method. The mentioned methodology enables for the calculation of multidimensional partition curves, which can be used for a detailed analysis of separation processes. The measure of the entropy is used to evaluate the separation efficiency of the partition maps. A density separation process, using a falcon separator and a dry magnetic separation process, using a drum type separator serve as case studies for the described methodology. As feed material for the separation processes a cassiterite bearing skarn ore from the Pöhla deposit in the Erzgebirge region in Germany is used.