Developing a 3D mineral texture quantification method of drill core for geometallurgy
Date
2019-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Abstract
Mineral texture is a critical factor which controls ore variability and is an important attribute in geometallurgy.
In relation to downstream processes, it affects the fracture pattern during breakage, where rock strength is
inherently a function of mineral texture. Because of the subjective nature of mineral texture, it has not been
easy to quantify, especially in the context of a measurement suitable for use in geometallurgical programmes.
The aim of this paper is to present the first steps in developing a 3D mineral texture quantification method
for drill core and to assess its sensitivity to differences in rock strength using a case study. The methodology
includes classifying the textural information using the 3D grey level co-occurrence matrices (GLCM) and
X-ray computed tomography (XCT) coupled method. Rock strength tests were performed using the split
Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). The case study investigates a heterogeneous polymetallic sulphide deposit
and a homogeneous shale subdivided into three ’mineral textural types’. The variability is largely captured
by the GLCM matrices, and preliminary trends can be observed where the shale is finer grained and has a
higher yield strength in comparison with the coarser grained polymetallic sulphide ore.
Description
CITATION: Voigt, M.J. et al. 2019. Developing a 3D mineral texture quantification method of drill core for geometallurgy. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 119(4):347-353. doi:10.17159/2411-9717/590/2019
The original publication is available at https://www.saimm.co.za/publications/journal-papers
The original publication is available at https://www.saimm.co.za/publications/journal-papers
Keywords
Drill cores -- Analysis, Mineral texture -- Analysis, Ore variability, Minerals -- Classification
Citation
Voigt, M.J. et al. 2019. Developing a 3D mineral texture quantification method of drill core for geometallurgy. Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, 119(4):347-353. doi:10.17159/2411-9717/590/2019