Optimal Design of a Secondary Milling Circuit for Treating Chromite-Rich UG-2 Platinum Ores

This research investigates the optimal design of a secondary milling circuit specifically tailored for the treatment of chromite-rich UG-2 platinum ores. The objective is to enhance the efficiency of the milling process and improve the recovery rates of platinum while minimizing operational costs. A series of preliminary investigations were conducted at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, where various milling configurations and feed compositions were tested to analyze their impact on the selectivity of grinding. The methodology involved systematic testing of different ratios of limestone and ilmenite within the milling circuit to ascertain their effects on the grinding performance. Results indicated that a feed ratio of 20% limestone to 80% ilmenite promoted selective grinding of the less dense particles, confirming the potential for optimizing the milling process. Furthermore, the study highlighted the necessity for future tests to further explore slurry pooling effects and other material transport phenomena in an ongoing continuous milling operation. The findings contribute valuable insights into the design improvements needed in milling circuits for enhanced mineral recovery in the platinum mining sector.