Metallurgical Testwork to Engineering Design in Copper and Gold Processing

Speaker

Doug Price

Abstract

Metallurgical samples and testwork are the foundation of process plant design, but the path from laboratory data to a robust, operable engineering design is frequently problematic. This talk looks at path chain: representative sampling and geometallurgical characterisation → testwork design and interpretation → process design criteria → process engineering design (mass balances, PFDs/P&IDs, equipment sizing and control philosophy) → plant operation. Drawing on operational and study experience in copper flotation and gold processing, the presentation highlights the links from sampling through to engineering design, common pitfalls and operational challenges caused.

Speaker Bio

Doug Price graduated from the University of Queensland in 2000 with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Minerals Processing. He has spent a substantial amount of time in copper and gold operations at mine sites in Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales. Subsequently he has worked leading data analytics projects for the mining industry at Interlate and now works as a Lead Process Engineer with Ausenco, designing mineral process plants.