抄録
A summary of the base metal industry in Australia in terms of its development, major resources at the project stage and principal mines is given as an introduction to the AM & S Mining operations. A brief description of current practice then provides the basis for a review of recent developments in the mineral processing operations at the Broken Hill, Cobar and Woodlawn mines. The operations are reviewed in terms of the influence of ore type and economic factors on processing priorities.
Broken Hill is a mature operation producing premium grade concentrates from a coarse grained feed. Developments at the ZC/NBHC operations have been directed at increasing productivity and throughput at NBHC in conjunction with closure of ZC concentrator. Cobar has a finer and more complex feed than at Broken Hill which requires careful control of the differential flotation to achieve acceptable grades and recoveries. Cobar Mines has recently increased throughput and feed grade in an effort to achieve viability from the relatively low value ore. Woodlawn has the most complex feed and lowest net smelter return as a percentage of ore value. Woodlawn Mines has directed its effort towards a number of process changes aimed at improving the metallurgical performance.
