Introduction - Advanced Control and Supervision of Mineral Processing Plants - page 1

Chapter 1
Introduction
Daniel Sbarbaro and Rene del Villar
Abstract A general overview of the processes for extracting and upgrading valuable
minerals is given. A concentration plant is then described in terms of the main pro-
cesses used and process control challenges. The main functions of an automation
system are defined in terms of their use to address these challenges. The benefits
normally obtained through the implementation of these functions are identified, and
a historical perspective of the evolution of automation systems in the mineral indus-
try is highlighted.
1.1 Introduction
Valuable minerals normally locked within the ore body are extracted using different
exploitation methods. These methods are determined by the characteristics of the
mineral deposit and the limits imposed by safety, technology, environmental con-
cerns and economics. Geological conditions such as the dip, shape and strength of
the rocks play a key role in selecting the method. Mining unit operations are the
basic steps to extract the valuable minerals from the deposit. They are grouped into
two main categories: rock breakage and material handling. The first consists of two
basic unit operations: drilling and blasting, whereas material handling encompasses
loading or excavation and haulage (horizontal transport) [1].
Rocks are in general brittle heterogeneous materials; this heterogeneity is caused
by the mineral composition, grain size, grain shape, grain strength, porosity and
micro-cracks from blasting, among other factors. As a consequence, the raw ma-