BATEMAN develops its technology portfolio
BATEMAN is engaged in development programmes to augment its portfolio
of currently-proven technology. One of the ways it strives to do this
is by participating in collaborative research projects that not only
bring together collective global expertise and reduce the cost of
what is often a very expensive exercise, but accelerate the rate at
which improved technology can be made available to clients.
One such involvement is through AMIRA International, the Mineral
Industries Research Association. This is an internationally based,
not-for-profit private-sector company operating as an industry association
to develop and manage collaborative research projects for its members
in the global minerals industry.
Through its membership of AMIRA, BATEMAN is collaborating in several
of AMIRA’s cooperative research and development projects on minerals
processing topics that are now well underway.
A large mineral-processing programme, with sub-projects related to
crushing, milling, classification and flotation of minerals, is being
jointly sponsored by several of the world’s largest mining companies
and suppliers of mineral-processing technology, with additional support
from the Australian, Canadian and South African governments. The research
effort is spread amongst leading research teams from these countries.
A project on improving thickener technology is developing a holistic
understanding of the operation of thickeners, with sub-studies on
settling and flocculation, clarification and thickener overflow, sedimentation
and dewatering, rake operation, mathematical modelling and practical
thickener design. The project has already provided useful guidelines
on thickener design and the handling of operational difficulties,
with potential future savings to sponsors.
Both anode and cathode processes are being investigated in the project
on base-metal electrowinning, being conducted in several Australian
research institutes, and BATEMAN’s main interest in a project
on goldprocessing technology is the use of thiosulphate as a possible
alternative to leaching by cyanidation.
A project that could have significant impact for BATEMAN clients
in several areas is on HPGR (high-pressure grinding rolls) comminution
and classification circuits.
While some of these projects are due to continue for some years still,
BATEMAN is already infusing the results that become available into
its design of minerals-processing facilities. The networking opportunities
and knowledge of the technology developments that are occurring worldwide
are also a benefit through participation in these projects.
More information may be obtained from Steve Burks, BATEMAN’s
Chief Technology Officer, on +27-11-899-9111
or email technology@BatemanEngineering.com.
