The Mineral Processing Laboratory provides a wide range of ore beneficiation and metal extraction research services for the mining industry. It is equipped with a unique platform of laboratory bench scale facilities for the development and testing of energy-saving, low-cost crushing, grinding and concentration processes in environmental friendly ways. Testing of appropriate methods can be conducted from bench-scale to pilot-scale with effectively desired output through considering different ore properties such as; physico-chemical, magnetic susceptibility, grindability, floatability, specific gravity etc. The equipment available allow the laboratory to perform conventional bench scale operations such as;
- Sample preparation
- Ore crushing and grinding (Comminution tests)
- Ore hardness testing
- Bench scale gravity concentration
- Dense/ heavy media separation
- Magnetic separation
- Froth flotation
- Solid-liquid separation
- Ore screening and classification using hydro-cyclones
- Leaching (hydrometallurgy)
- Solution purification and concentration & recovery from solution
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| Shaking table for gravity concentration investigations | Pilot Leaching |
SERVICES
Consultancy:
The laboratory provides consultancy services to interested institutions and individuals wishing to develop mineral recovery systems. Special emphasis is offered to the improvement of mineral recoveries in small to medium scale operators.
Research and Development:
The laboratory conducts research and development studies on specific problems facing mineral recovery operations, beneficiation and value addition to industrial minerals and low value minerals/ materials and other issues related to the mining industry especially on environmental and social issues.
Training:
Training courses on different subjects related to mineral recovery techniques are provided to all stakeholders who desire to acquire knowledge about the mineral industry. Laboratory equipment and facilities are used for demonstration of the different methods for the recovery and beneficiation of minerals. Course participants are allowed to come with their own samples for use during the training courses.
The section collaborates with the different universities in Tanzania by training their students during their field attachment and final year projects.
Currently the following courses offered:
The section collaborates with the different universities in Tanzania by training their students during their field attachment and final year projects.
Currently the following courses offered:
- Practical Mineral Processing and The Basic Mineral Processing Flowsheet
- Sampling and Sample Preparation for Laboratory Testing
- Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Activities
- Techniques of Gold Cyanidation
- Mineral Economics
- Metallurgical Balance and Process Evaluation
- Extractive Metallurgy – Metallic Ore Deposits, Metal Extraction and Purification Processes
- Environmental Management in Mining
The courses are delivered for five days of both classroom learning and laboratory practicals. Participants who attend the entire short course and complete an evaluation at the end of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance, confirming their participation and knowledge gained.
STAFF
Alex Mkama - Mineral Processing Engineer
mkama@seamic.org