Factors affecting high voltage pulse rock breakage and pre-concentration

Daniel Lay is a PhD candidate at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC). Daniel graduated with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Queensland in 2013 with first-class honours. He has previously worked in the coal seam gas industry. Since 2017, Daniel has been investigating pre-concentration with High Voltage Pulses (HVP) and is expected to complete his studies in late 2020.

Mineral extraction is increasingly moving towards low grade ore bodies with increased comminution energy requirements. Previous work at the JKMRC has established the potential of pre-concentration with HVP technology as a solution to these increased energy demands, however, a detailed understanding of the factors that affect pre-concentration performance does not currently exist. This study examines machine-related factors and their impact on rock breakage and pre-concentration performance.