Mmétal contenu = Mminerai à teneurM: masses in the same unit; fraction content, not gross percentage.
Use when: Estimation of the content, distinct from the metal actually recovered.
Mineral deposit formation
Linking material transport, geological concentration and economic interest.
What is happening?
A deposit results from geological processes that concentrate a useful substance. Hydrothermal circulation can transport and then deposit elements in fractures; sedimentation can concentrate particles or form chemical deposits.
Content alone does not define usability. Volume, geometry, mineralogy, access, recovery and environmental constraints also participate in the evaluation.
The formulas, with their conditions.
MmĂ©tal rĂ©cupĂ©rĂ© â MmĂ©tal contenu Ă RR: metallurgical recovery between 0 and 1.
Use when: Simplified estimate, to be adapted to the different stages and losses.
Where is this principle used?
Exploration and mining
Describe an ore body and prepare for its exploitation.
Mining plant design
Adapt the treatment to the ore actually present.
What to observe in the experiment
Compare a vein deposit and a sedimentary deposit. Link geometry to sampling and then to the calculation of metal content.
References and readings
This sheet explains the principles and their assumptions. Educational simulation can simplify the process; an industrial model requires suitable data and validation.
Have you understood the essentials?
Only one correct answer per question. Answer all three questions, then view the answer key.
Intu Lab · Understanding sheet · Kimba Christian