A Knelson Continuous Variable Discharge (CVD) concentrator continues to yield positive results for Beralt Tin and Wolframite at their Minas da Panasquiera in Portugal. The unit is installed treating a portion of final plant tails and returning values back to the tabling circuit.
“Generally speaking, the Knelson is working very well. It is producing a concentrate with 1% WO3 (from final plant tails), at a recovery of 30%. Mechanical availability is high, superior to 95%” commented Eduardo Crespo; Manager of Processing at the historic Panasquiera operation.
The processing plant employs heavy media and magnetic separation at the front end along with flotation and numerous gravity separation devices prior to the Knelson CVD20 unit. Historically, overall plant recoveries have been in the range of ~85% with the balance of the wolframite reporting to tails either as unliberated or extremely fine –15 micron particles.
“This is a most interesting and ground breaking installation of our CVD technology” stated Kevin Peacocke; KGS Director of Process Development. ”It’s a fascinating place to visit and the processing team at Panasquiera have managed to produce some impressive results with our equipment and we are keen to see just how far we can push the recovery envelope” added Peacocke.
The Panasquiera Mine has operated almost continuously since 1896 with the exception of a brief period after World War II and a short period in the mid 1990’s. Primary Metals Inc. holds a 100% interest in the Panasqueira concession through its wholly owned subsidiary companies.
