Interpretation of Breakage Mechanisms in Comminution Processes by Using Particle Shape Properties: The Case Study at Buzwagi Comminution Circuit

Abstract

This study interprets the breakage mechanisms at Buzwagi comminution circuit by using particle shape properties. The particle shape properties of aspect ratio, angularity, convexity and solidity were acquired from a mineral liberation analyser using DataView software. The results indicated that ground particles at Buzwagi comminution circuit were more elongated with mean aspect ratio ranges from 1.5893 to 1.6426, less angular with mean angularity values from 0.3770 to 0.4137 and smoother with mean convexity values from 0.9766 to 0.9817. The study concludes that ore particles at Buzwagi comminution circuit were ground by the combination of impact as a dominant mechanism and abrasion as a less dominant mechanism. The information on particle shape properties from comminution circuit can be used to predict the performance of downstream processes such as gravity and flotation.