AMIRA P843A GeM^III (Geometallurgical Mapping and Mine Modelling) is an extension of the highly successful P843 project due to commence in July 2009 for a period of four years.

The initial P843 project has made major advances in developing practical methodologies and tools to deliver predictive measures of processing performance which can be embedded in resource models and exploited in mine planning and optimization. The P843A extension project seeks to continue this development with an increasing emphasis on large-scale site-based comparative benchmarking and validation. The research will also extend to deposit types and processing attributes not covered in the original project.

The GeM^III vision incorporated into P843A is collaborative development of a fully integrated platform for defining inherent geometallurgical variability and processing performance domains, which can be embedded into resource block models and becomes accepted as industry best practice. Although many companies have begun this process, the research is designed to accelerate the significant changes in cross-discipline culture and enabling technology required to establish best practice.

The GeM^III mission is based on:

• Development of predictive indices for specific processing performance attributes that reflect the natural geological variability of mineral deposits.
• Provision of practical tools and methodologies to support more rapid testing of much larger sample populations linked to inherent geological variability.
• Application of enabling technologies and methods with potential for automation.
• A focus on deterministic rock-based modelling to understand intrinsic controls on machine-based processing performance behaviours.
• Definition of statistically meaningful processing domains that can be incorporated into resource block models for application in mine planning and optimization.

The primary aim of geometallurgy is to provide attributes that reflect inherent geological variability and their impact on metallurgical performance. This requires quantification of ore deposits in terms of machine-based process parameters such as hardness, comminution energy, size reduction, liberation potential and product recovery.

P843A Research Goals

• Research goals for the P843A extension project are:
• Consolidate an integrated approach to predictive geometallurgical modelling.
• Deliver the next generation of practical tools and enabling methodologies.
• Extend the research scope into environmental, blasting and leaching applications.
• Conduct site-based validation of the methodologies and tools.
• Generate technical knowledge for deposit types not included in P843.
• Provide programs for geometallurgy training and further education.
• Establish a forum for industry best practice.
• Support technology transfer initiatives.
• Develop a technology road map to guide future research needs.

Contact Information
Professor Steve Walters
AMIRA P843A Project Manager

Isles Road, Indooroopilly, Qld Australia 4068
Phone:+61 7 3365 5888
Fax:    +61 7 3365 5999
Email: jkmrc@uq.edu.au