Gold Gravity Recovery At The Mill Of Les Mines Camchib Inc.

A. Laplante, L.Liu; McGill University, Montreal
A. Cauchon; St-Michel Geoconseil, Rouyn-Noranda

February 4th, 2000

This paper provides a detailed analysis of the gravity circuit at Les Mines Camchib in Chibougamau, Que. Originally commissioned in 1986, this is the longest continuous operating Knelson-based gravity circuit in the world.

The recovery performance of the Knelson Concentrator is among the key topics discussed. The aspects of overall recovery efficiency of gold in the feed stream and the recovery efficiency as it relates to the actual particle size of the gold is thoroughly explained. Other topics covered include optimum concentrating cycle durations, secondary stage concentration and some of the economic benefits which have been realized as a result of the installation the gravity circuit.

"The particle size at which the KC efficiency drops noticeably is below 37um, and most likely between 10 and 15um. The results published in this paper indicate that the Knelson is well suited for streams such as primary cyclone underflow and ball mill discharges, but much less for cyclone overflows."

"The gravity circuit at Les Mines Camchib Inc. makes a significant contribution to the economic performance of the mill. Part of this stems from the increased value of gold recovered as bullion, as compared to flotation concentrates. Another contribution is an actual increase in metallurgical recovery, estimated at 1-3%."
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Gold Gravity Recovery at the Mill of Les Mines Camchib., Chibougamau, Quйbec 191k | 16 page Acrobat Info Sheet