Abstract: An attrition mill that includes a grinding chamber having a plurality of grinding elements and an internal classification and separation stage. The mill also includes at least one grinding element providing a larger flow path therethrough, when compared to other of the grinding elements. In other embodiments, mill includes at least one grinding element having an open area in the grinding element created to allow a larger flow path as a proportion of the grinding element surface area without such allowance and in the range of from 15% to equal to or less than 100%.

Abstract: A method of operating a flotation cell wherein a feed stream containing particles is provided to the flotation cell wherein a proportion of the particles rise in the cell and exit the cell in a concentrate stream and a proportion of the particles sink in the cell, wherein at least a portion of the particles that sink in the cell are subject to a classification process to produce classified particles and at least a portion of the classified particles are recycled to the flotation cell.

Abstract: A pumpbox, the pumpbox being in fluid communication with one or more vessels, wherein the pumpbox comprises a classification portion and level control means adapted to control the level of fluid within the one or more vessels.

Abstract: A method for the pyrometallurgical processing of sulphide material containing nickel using a fluxing composition that includes calcium. The fluxing composition forms a slag having an Fe/CaO ratio of between about 0.5 and 5.0 by weight and an SiO2/Fe ratio of less than 0.2 by weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripping metal from a cathode plate, the apparatus comprising stripping means adapted for positioning between the metal and the cathode plate in order to separate the metal from the cathode plate, and wherein movement of the stripping means is achieved through movement of a robotic arm.

Abstract: A feeder apparatus for a furnace includes a vessel for feed material, the vessel being positioned at least partially above a feed port of the furnace, and a feeding apparatus located at least partially within the vessel, the feeding apparatus being configured for controlling the rate of feed flow from the vessel, through the feed port and into the furnace, the apparatus preventing escape of fugitive gases between an exterior of the vessel and the feed port.

Abstract: A method for the pyrometallurgical processing of sulphide material containing nickel using a fluxing composition that includes calcium. The fluxing composition forms a slag having an Fe/CaO ratio of between about 0.5 and 5.0 by weight and an SiO2/Fe ratio of less than 0.2 by weight.

Abstract: A method for producing lead involves feeding lead concentrate, flux and solid fuel passing to a feed preparation unit. The prepared, mixed feed is then passed to a lead smelting furnace, such as an ISASMELT furnace or other top entry, submerged lance furnace. Air or oxygen, is injected into the molten charge in the ISASMELT furnace via the submerged lance. The feed mixture is converted into lead bullion and a lead-containing slag. The slag removed from the furnace is formed into lumps having a desirable size range. The slag lumps, together with coke and flux are fed into a blast furnace. In the blast furnace, the slag is converted into lead bullion and discard slag. The lead bullion removed may be subsequently fed to a lead refinery for further treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripping metal from a cathode plate, the apparatus comprising stripping means adapted for positioning between the metal and the cathode plate in order to separate the metal from the cathode plate, and wherein movement of the stripping means is achieved through movement of a robotic arm.

Abstract: A method of operating a flotation cell wherein a feed stream containing particles is provided to the flotation cell wherein a proportion of the particles rise in the cell and exit the cell in a concentrate stream and a proportion of the particles sink in the cell, wherein at least a portion of the particles that sink in the cell are subject to a classification process to produce classified particles and at least a portion of the classified particles are recycled to the flotation cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for stripping metal from a cathode plate in which part of the metal has been separated from the cathode plate to form a gap between the part of the metal and the cathode plate, the apparatus comprising at least one roller for positioning in the gap between the metal and the cathode plate and drive means for driving the roller along the cathode plate or the metal to cause stripping of the metal from the cathode plate.

Abstract: A method for reducing particle size of a particulate comprising feeding a feed material to a grinding mill having a power of at least 500 kW, the mill having a specific power draw of at least 50 kW per cubic meter of grinding volume of the mill and the grinding mill including a grinding media comprising particulate material having a specific gravity of not less than 2.4 tons/m3 and a particle size falling in the range of from about 0.8 to 8 mm, grinding the feed material in the grinding mill and removing a product from the grinding mill, the product having a particle size range such that D80 of the product is at least about 20 microns.

Abstract: A pumpbox, the pumpbox being in fluid communication with one or more vessels, wherein the pumpbox comprises a classification portion and level control means adapted to control the level of fluid within the one or more vessels.

Abstract: A method for producing self-dunnaged cathode bundles, comprising the steps of forming at least one deformed cathode by bending opposed ends of at least one cathode to form a pair of supports disposed at an angle to a central portion of the at least one deformed cathode, and stacking one or more further cathodes above or below the at least one deformed cathode.

Abstract: A method for obtaining pure copper is provided wherein oxygen is blown onto a copper melt, in a melting furnace lined with refractory material, having a waste heat boiler set onto it, in order to oxidize contaminants contained in the melt and thereby remove them from the melt, and wherein a splash protection device through which water flows is provided above the copper melt, on the inside wall of the melting furnace, which prevents copper that splashes out of the copper melt from penetrating into the waste heat boiler. Boiling water is used for cooling the splash protection device, which water is under a pressure of more than 5 bar and is evaporated, at least in part, as it flows through the splash protection device.