THE APPLICATION OF THE SAG POWER INDEX TO ORE BODY HARDNESS CHARACTERIZATION FOR THE DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF AUTOGENOUS GRINDING CIRCUITS

This thesis investigates the application of the SAG (Semi-Autogenous Grinding) Power Index for characterizing ore body hardness, which is critical in the design and optimization of autogenous grinding circuits in mining engineering. The objective is to develop a more precise understanding of how ore hardness impacts the efficiency and design of grinding operations. The methodology encompasses both experimental and analytical approaches, where the SAG Power Index is utilized to quantify the hardness of various ore samples. An extensive set of tests was conducted using standard laboratory procedures to evaluate the performance of the SAG Power Index in predicting grinding characteristics. The results demonstrate significant correlations between the measured ore hardness parameters and the performance metrics of autogenous grinding circuits. This research provides valuable insights that can lead to improved design practices and operational efficiencies in mineral processing, ultimately enhancing the economic viability of mining operations. The findings emphasize the importance of accurately determining ore hardness for effective grinding circuit design and optimization strategies.