Connecting the Mine with the Mill using the JKMRC Stockpile Model

Speaker

Dr Marko Hilden

Abstract

Mine sites move massive quantities of rock and ore and store it in bulk stockpiles, silos, hoppers and bins; performing important functions such as blending and decoupling the stream and downstream processes. In recent work at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC), a dynamic stockpile and bin model has been developed that uses the continuous cellular automata (CCA) technique and a novel method for characterising and simulating size segregation. These enable modelling of materials flow and size segregation in materials handling and storage facilities and is fast enough to model the process in real time. Real-time modelling is essential for digitalisation and geometallurgical programs, allowing raw material tracking from mine to plant. The capability is designed to enable process engineers to better use geomet and other data generated at the mine for immediate process optimisation. This presentation describes how the model works and its applications in process optimisation, stockpile design, and soft-sensor development for advanced process control.

Bio

Dr Marko Hilden is a mineral processing engineer with over 17 years of experience bridging research and industry. As a Senior Research Fellow at the JKMRC, he leads innovations in comminution modelling and simulation, helping improve predictions of milling performance at production scale. His work includes advancing SAG mill models for multi-component feeds and dynamic simulators, as well as developing tools that link comminution to mineral liberation. Marko’s expertise spans HPGR, stirred milling, screening, and circuit design for complex flowsheets. Before joining JKMRC, he worked in iron ore and coal operations, gaining hands-on experience in large-scale processing. His PhD research on industrial screening earned him the Ian Morley Prize in 2007. Today, Marko collaborates with industry partners and mentors postgraduate students, driving practical solutions for mineral processing challenges.