Using microwave technology to pre-condition rock | Anglo American

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Using microwave technology to pre-condition rock

The process of using microwave technology to pre-condition rock significantly reduces the energy needed to weaken or break down the natural rock face at the earliest stage, before it is mechanically crushed and milled.

Using microwave technology in this way, also allows more of the ore to be recovered because of the smaller particles generated, making it easier to process and adding value as a result.

Its greatest value is expected to be realised when it is combined with technologies like Hard Rock Cutting, Coarse Particle Recovery (CPR) and Hydraulic Dry Stacking.

Microwave treatment of ores

Microwave treatment of ores containing metal has long been investigated as a means to enhance recovery and reduce energy required for liberation and comminution, by 'softening' minerals. When the ore is exposed to microwaves, the different minerals in the rock have different heat signatures, expanding and cooling at different rates and causing micro-fractures.

These cracks, which happen along mineral boundaries, mean it is much less energy intensive to liberate and then crush and mill the rock.

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