Grinding Kinetics Study of Tungsten Ore

The European Commission (EC) maintains the consideration of tungsten as a critical raw material for the European industry, being the comminution stage of tungsten-bearing minerals an essential step in the tungsten concentration process. Comminution operations involve approximately 3-4% of worldwide energy consumption; therefore, grinding optimization should be a priority. In this study, the grinding behavior of tungsten ore from Barruecopardo Mine (Salamanca, Spain) is analyzed. A protocol based on Austin's methodology and PBM is developed in order to study the influence of operational and geometallurgical variables on grinding kinetics. In addition to the kinetic parameters, the breakage probability (S-i) and breakage function (B-ij) is determined. The selection function was formulated for the Barruecopardo Mine with respect to the mill speed.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the grinding behavior of tungsten ore from the Barruecopardo Mine in Spain, and developed a protocol to study the influence of operational and geometallurgical variables on grinding kinetics, as well as determine breakage probability and breakage function. The research findings are helpful for optimizing grinding operations and reducing energy consumption.