Khumani Iron Ore Mine Paste Disposal & Water Recovery System
Khumani Iron Ore Mine Paste Disposal & Water
Recovery System
By Du Toit T*, Crozier M*,
Abstract
Traditional iron ore beneficiation plants using washing screening and Jigging processes require large volumes of process water. However when a suitable large iron ore deposit is found in a location where rainfall is erratic and raw water sources are limited. Innovative process designs are required to minimize water losses, maximize reuse of process water and minimize raw water intake to ensure the project viability.
This case study provides an overview of the Khumani Paste Disposal Facility (PDF) located in the Northern Cape of South Africa. The plant uses a central ring main water reticulation circuit combined with a two stage thickening system to maximize water recovery.
At the process plant there are two large 90m diameter traction thickeners and at the paste disposal facility (PDF) two by 18m paste thickeners. The net raw water usage has been minimized, and water losses on the PDF are at levels of between 0.43 to 0.69m3/t deposited.
1. Introduction
Khumani Iron Ore Mine is situated in the Northern Cape of South Africa adjacent to Khumba’s
Sishen Mine and approximately 30km from Kathu.
Formally known as BKM Project after the farms the iron ore deposits are located on Bruce,
King and Mokaning the mine is part of Assmang Limited which is jointly owned by African
Rainbow Minerals and Assore Limited.
The first phase of Khumani was commissioned in 2008 with initial production of 8.4 million tonnes per annum of iron ore is then exported through Saldanha Bay on the West Coast of South
Africa. The second phase increasing production to 16 million tonnes per annum is due for final completion in 2012; life of mine is in excess of 25 years.
The Northern Cape is a semi arid climate with historical rainfall of approximately 330 mm mainly between October and April. The evaporation rates though are high with reported values of around 1900mm per annum.
Recovery System
By Du Toit T*, Crozier M*,
Abstract
Traditional iron ore beneficiation plants using washing screening and Jigging processes require large volumes of process water. However when a suitable large iron ore deposit is found in a location where rainfall is erratic and raw water sources are limited. Innovative process designs are required to minimize water losses, maximize reuse of process water and minimize raw water intake to ensure the project viability.
This case study provides an overview of the Khumani Paste Disposal Facility (PDF) located in the Northern Cape of South Africa. The plant uses a central ring main water reticulation circuit combined with a two stage thickening system to maximize water recovery.
At the process plant there are two large 90m diameter traction thickeners and at the paste disposal facility (PDF) two by 18m paste thickeners. The net raw water usage has been minimized, and water losses on the PDF are at levels of between 0.43 to 0.69m3/t deposited.
1. Introduction
Khumani Iron Ore Mine is situated in the Northern Cape of South Africa adjacent to Khumba’s
Sishen Mine and approximately 30km from Kathu.
Formally known as BKM Project after the farms the iron ore deposits are located on Bruce,
King and Mokaning the mine is part of Assmang Limited which is jointly owned by African
Rainbow Minerals and Assore Limited.
The first phase of Khumani was commissioned in 2008 with initial production of 8.4 million tonnes per annum of iron ore is then exported through Saldanha Bay on the West Coast of South
Africa. The second phase increasing production to 16 million tonnes per annum is due for final completion in 2012; life of mine is in excess of 25 years.
The Northern Cape is a semi arid climate with historical rainfall of approximately 330 mm mainly between October and April. The evaporation rates though are high with reported values of around 1900mm per annum.