Hot Prospects

As mineral prices rise in response to strong global demand, exploration is underway for gold, silver, zinc, copper, lead, molybdenum, tungsten, potash, oil/gas and coal throughout the province. New Brunswick is experiencing a mining boom that is creating high demand for RPC’s mineral extraction services.

When minerals are discovered, the commercialization of a mine is dependent on the successful development of a mineral extraction process that allows for the effective, economically viable and environmentally compliant extraction of minerals from the ore. RPC expertise for the optimization of these processes is in demand worldwide, but most importantly available to support New Brunswick developments. During the past year, RPC has worked on numerous mineral beneficiation projects around the province.

The optimal mineral extraction processes are determined by the characteristics of the ore and considers factors such as environmental regulations, energy costs, etc. New processes are continually being developed and RPC has had success in a variety of technologies. Flotation is presently the most widely used metals recovery process in the mining industry. RPC recently made investments in staff and equipment and now offers a well-equipped flotation laboratory to serve New Brunswick mining prospects.

Flotation involves the processing of ores, including crushing and milling, into very fine particulate suspended in aqueous solutions. The particles are milled to sizes fine enough to liberate or expose the target metals which with pH adjustment, chemical activators, collectors and frothers cause the individual minerals to become separated and float to the surface. Utilizing a series of flotation cells, a successful flotation occurs when the target minerals become suspended on surface froth allowing for collection through skimming and the production of saleable grade concentrates. This process is particularly effective for ores with multiple minerals where sequential flotation is used. Each individual metal circuit usually consists of rougher flotation cells where the majority of the mass is rejected and 90% or more of the target metal is recovered. The rougher concentrate is then upgraded to saleable grade in cleaner flotation cells. RPC offers bench to pilot plant flotation facilities allowing for scoping to process optimization which is integral to successful feasibility and commercial development for mining companies. RPC specializes in developing solutions for problematic complex ores.

Other techniques that RPC employs for mineral extraction include bio-leaching, a process where bacteria release the minerals from the ore and fluidized bed roasting and fuming, a process where minerals are vaporized then concentrated by condensing.

RPC is actively working with some of the world’s largest mining companies on projects around the globe, but our world-class expertise is in highest demand here in New Brunswick. RPC’s expertise in effective mineral process development will continue to positively impact New Brunswick’s mining industry.

 

 

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