Testwork Management
With the planned mining of a new ore body at the Al Jalamid site, Ma’aden Phosphate Company required a large and comprehensive testwork program to define the geophysical and metallurgical characteristics of the new ore. METS was engaged to develop testplans, coordinate with the laboratories and report results with interpretation.
METS began the project by developing block flow diagrams of the testwork plan to be used for over one hundred and ninety diamond drill cores in the project. The testplans ensured maximum use of drill core, with samples undergoing physical tests at coarse size, before size reduction for comminution and beneficiation work at finer crush and grind sizes.
METS procured certified reference standards and included these in assay submissions assisting in the quality assurance and control of the project. Our engineers made regular visits to both laboratories carrying out the testwork, in order to observe testing and to ensure all work was being carried out as required.
Ongoing interpretation of testwork results was used to make changes and improvements to the testplans, including optimisation of the flotation conditions early in the project. This fluid nature of the testplans allowed the client’s objectives to be constantly achieved.
Project Brief
Outcome
- Detailed metallurgical testwork, characterising the entire ore body
- Produced database with geophysical and metallurgical attributes
- Successful and well managed testwork program
Background
MPC exploits the phosphate deposit at Al Jalamid, located near the city of Ar’ar in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It utilises natural gas and sulphur resources to manufacture Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) at processing facilities at Ras Al Khair on the Arabian Gulf coast. Al Jalamid comprises the phosphate mine, beneficiation plant and all supporting infrastructure.
Project Objectives
METS was to develop testplans, oversee and manage the laboratory work and deliver testwork reports with interpretation. This testwork was to evaluate the amenability of the entire Al Jalamid ore body processing through the plant.
Challenges
Some of the challenges encountered included the management and tracking of large numbers of tests and results and the monitoring of QA/QC protocols. The testwork included chemical assays, physical attributes such as Bond rod mill work, and flotation testwork.
Our Approach
METS began the project by developing block flow diagrams of the testwork plan to be used for over one hundred and ninety diamond drill cores in the project. The testplans ensured maximum use of drill core, with samples undergoing physical tests at coarse size, before size reduction for comminution and beneficiation work at finer
crush and grind sizes.
METS procured certified reference standards and included these in assay submissions assisting in the quality assurance and control of the project. METS engineers made regular visits to both laboratories carrying out the testwork, in order to observe testing and to ensure all work was being carried out as required.
Ongoing interpretation of testwork results was used to make changes and improvements to the testplans, including optimisation of the flotation conditions early in the project. This fluid nature of the testplans allowed the client’s objectives to be constantly achieved.