High Voltage Pulse Comminution Pretreatment

The High Voltage Pulse Comminution (HVP) Pretreatment technology has the potential to be a game changer for the industry, reducing energy use and separation efficiencies by preweakening the ore; promoting selective breakage to enable preconcentation by screening and improving liberation.  The JKMRC's Separation program has conducted experimental testwork to evaluate the potential of this technology for two major mining companies.

HVP technology uses a short-pulsed high voltage discharge, akin to a lightning strike, to selectively break mineralised ores whilst keeping barren rocks intact. This selectivity makes it possible to choose the material which should go to the processing plant and leaving behind material which contains little or no metal.

1. Preconcentration - potential to unlock low-grade reserves, upgrading feed grade, allows for early-gangue rejection, increase processing efficiencies
2. Preweakening - reduces energy demand in downstream energy intensive comminution stages
3. Improved liberation - potential for recoveries at coarser grind sizes, improved metal recoveries.