Mining’s old guard needs strong medicine
A new report details subpar investor returns in the mining industry over the last decade, particularly big cap diversified companies which have not adapted to new realities.
The Reflux™ Classifier is new, patented FLSmidth technology that improves fines gravity separation compared to alternative equipment. The Reflux™ Classifier is an enhanced gravity separator, using lamella plates on top of an autogenous zone and a teeter bed, improving both the capacity and efficiency.
With acceptance now gained in the coal market, the next target markets for the Reflux™ Classifier are iron ore and mineral sands. After significant trialling and test work FLSmidth has received a breakthrough with the first orders for full-scale Reflux™ Classifier installations from iron ore customers in Australia, Canada and Southern Africa. In addition, the first Reflux™ Classifier order for a mineral sands application has been received from an Australian customer.
Positive test results for iron ore
The results shown in pilot scale testing of iron ore indicate an increase in yield and grade when compared to spirals, reverse flotation, WHIMS (Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separation) and other competing technologies. The experience of the Reflux™ Classifier in the chrome industry over the past three years suggests that rapid penetration of this technology into iron ore is possible.
Specific examples from independent testing of the recovery of iron – with results for the same material on different technologies showing recovery (yield) and grade (quality) – are that the Reflux™ Classifier in the test opposite the reverse flotation achieved a 64% recovery vs. reverse flotation at 49%. Furthermore, the Reflux™ Classifier achieved an iron ore grade of 60% and the reverse flotation one of 47%. The Reflux™ Classifier in other words clearly performed better in this test.
In the test opposite WHIMS, the Reflux™ Classifier achieved a 63% recovery vs. WHIMS at 36%. The Reflux™ Classifier achieved an iron ore grade of 65% and the WHIMS one of 64%. The Reflux™ Classifier overall also performed better in this test.
The positive acceptance of this new technology in the market is a clear indication to FLSmidth that the efforts carried out in relation to the development of new technologies are greatly appreciated by the customers and must remain a strong focus area.
