As ore grades have declined in recent years and deposits have become more mineralogically and metallurgically complex, geometallurgy has gained recognition as an increasingly valuable exercise in the development of mining projects. By integrating mineralogical, geochemical, and metallurgical data into a single data set, geometallurgy enables a more comprehensive understanding of ore variability and its impact on processing performance. When implemented early in the project development stage, this approach serves as a powerful risk management tool, helping reduce risks associated with process plant design.
One of the key benefits of early-stage geometallurgical work is the ability to characterize ore domains based on both geological and metallurgical attributes. This allows project teams to identify potential processing challenges—such as variable hardness, mineral liberation characteristics, or unusual water demand—well before detailed design or operational decisions are made. The outcome is a more realistic and confident forecast of metallurgical recovery, throughput and operating costs; improving the accuracy of financial models and risk assessments.
From a process design perspective, early geometallurgical input supports more representative sampling and testwork. Rather than relying on a limited number of composite samples, testwork programmes can be structured around defined ore domains to ensure a deposit’s metallurgical variability is properly represented. This approach leads to more comprehensive and informed process designs, optimized circuit configurations, and more accurate equipment selection and sizing, ultimately improving capital cost estimation.
Incorporating geometallurgical data into mine planning and ore blending enables the development of production schedules that consider not only grade but also process response. This integration supports smoother plant performance and more consistent recoveries, throughput and metal production.
Geometallurgical modelling is a valuable tool for both new and operating mining projects. Identifying favourable as well as metallurgically-challenging ore domains helps to inform decisions on process routes and capital allocation, benefiting overall project performance. Early-stage implementation aids project development by associating geological characteristics with metallurgical performance, enabling more reliable forecasts, and reduced technical and financial risks throughout the life of mine.
