Abstract A Brazilian Tensile Strength (BTS) laboratory test for meta-andesite was modeled using a Finite/Discrete Element Method (FDEM or FEM-DEM). These hybrid methodologies allow modeling the transition from continuous to discontinuous that happens on mechanical tests of rock samples. This article presents the calibration and the simulation of BTS tests using some parameters previously calibrated on UCS modeling of the same material. Irazu, a two-dimensional software developed by Geomechanica, was used to simulate the tests based on the tensile strength and the fracture pattern. The model shows that, in BTS test simulation, the mode II (shear) happens mainly on the rock-platen contact. The mode I (traction) rules the fractures on the BTS test as observed in laboratory tests. The model represents, with great fidelity, the results obtained in the physical test.

Abstract Finite/discrete element methods (FDEM) are hybrid numerical models that use algorithms to analyze the transition from continuous to discontinuous. This type of formulation allows modeling physical laboratory tests with greater proximity to reality. This article proposes to simulate the average behavior of a uniaxial compression test campaign. The tests were modeled and calibrated based on the strength and the fracture pattern using Geomechanica Inc. Irazu two-dimensional software. The simulated results were analyzed by the mean standard deviation of approximately 3000 elements in the middle third of the model, the same region where the clip gages are located in the physical test. The obtained results show that FDEM can replicate the laboratory test with great similarity.

Abstract Mining projects are often budgeted in millions of dollars, making it of interest to the investor to measure a project’s uncertainties and risks, which include the changes in the commodity price. The simulation of asset prices is valid because it enables displaying, with a degree of certainty, the future behavior of a financial asset. One of the most commonly used mathematical forecast models is the Geometric Brownian Motion (GBM) model. This article aims at simulating the forecast price of an iron ore commodity with the GBM method based on the historical price series and comparing it to other forecast approaches used in the financial market. The results of this study indicate that the model has limitations, which should be considered. However, it is an overall good tool to support the economic evaluation of a project, if performed along with other approaches.

Abstract The Minas Rio project, owned by Anglo American, has HPGRs in open circuit operated as a tertiary/quaternary crushing stage. Currently this type of equipment is designed from HPGR tests on laboratory scale and pilot scale tests. This paper presents a methodology for simulating HPGR from piston-die tests on laboratory scale and a mathematical model developed in Hacettepe University in Turkey. The parameters determined from the results of the piston-die tests were used to validate the HPGR testing on pilot scale. Finally, the model was used to predict the particle size distribution in the HPGR product on industrial scale.

O Projeto Minas-Rio é o maior projeto da Anglo American no mundo e considera um circuito de remoagem com Vertimill para adequar a distribuição de tamanho de partículas para alimentar o mineroduto que irá transportar o minério da cidade de Conceição do Mato Dentro, no Estado de Minas Gerais, ao Porto do Açu, no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Uma campanha de testes em escala-piloto com Vertimill foi realizada nas instalações da Metso localizadas na cidade de York, Estado da Pensilvânia, EUA, para fornecer informações para o dimensionamento do circuito de moagem industrial. O principal objetivo desse trabalho é propor uma forma de simular o circuito industrial com Vertimill, utilizando o modelo de balanço populacional, normalmente usado para simular moinhos de bolas. As simulações foram baseadas na função seleção e na função quebra determinadas a partir dos testes de laboratório utilizando um moinho de bolas de batelada. As simulações foram realizadas utilizando um modelo de Vertimill implementado no simulador de processos minerais ModsimTM. Os resultados das simulações mostraram que é possível simular os testes-piloto, com boa precisão, através de testes simplificados em escala de laboratório, com pequenas quantidades de amostras.

The Minas-Rio Project is the biggest project from Anglo American in the world and considers Vertimill in the regrinding circuit to adequate the particle size distribution to feed slurry pipeline that will pump the ore from Conceição do Mato Dentro in Minas Gerais State to Acu Port in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. A Vertimill pilot test campaign was carried out at Metso's pilot plant facility located in York city, Pennsylvania State, USA, to provided information to sizing the industrial grinding circuit. The main objective of this work is proposing a way to simulate the industrial Vertimill using the population balance model, normally used to simulate ball mills. The simulations were based on the selection and breakage functions determined from the laboratory tests using a batch ball mill. The simulations were performed using a Vertimill model implemented in the ModsimTM plant-wide simulator. The results of simulations shows that was possible to simulate the pilot tests, with good accuracy, considering simple laboratory tests with small quantities of samples.

A otimização de circuitos industriais de moagem tem sido realizada com sucesso, utilizando-se modelos matemáticos que relacionam dados industriais com parâmetros de quebra determinados através de testes de moagem em escala de laboratório. O material estudado é um minério de ouro moído através de um circuito fechado de moagem de bolas. A classificação foi realizada por hidrociclones. Várias campanhas de amostragens foram realizadas com o objetivo de fechar um balanço de massas e fornecer material para os testes em laboratório. Os parâmetros determinados nos testes em laboratório, foram utilizados para prever, por simulação, o comportamento do circuito operado com baixo enchimento de bolas e com distribuição balanceada de tamanhos de bolas.

The optimization of industrial grinding circuits has been successfully performed using mathematical models that describe the industrial scale data from breakage parameters determined in laboratory grinding tests. The test material studied here is a gold ore ground in a closed ball mill circuit with hydrocyclone classification. Several sampling campaigns were carried out aiming to produce mass balances and provide material for laboratory tests. The parameters determined in the laboratory tests were used to predict, by simulation, the circuit behavior with a low ball charge level and a balanced ball size distribution.