Evaluation of the grinding performance at the Saucito I Plant and optimization of the Knelson QS30 gravimetric concentrator

Gravimetric concentration of minerals is a solid-solid separation process used to increase the percentage of the desired mineral. The objective of this work is to evaluate the performance and efficiency of grinding in a Knelson QS30 Gravimetric Concentrator, through the granulometric distributions of the process streams, the efficiency of screens and circulating loads, for its optimization in the extraction of Au and Ag in the Saucito I Plant. The experimentation was carried out at the plant located in the El Saucito del Poleo Ejido in Fresnillo, Zac. To achieve the objective, a sampling of the grinding area was carried out, some variables were kept constant, the concentration time was modified at the same fluidization flow of the concentrator. The results showed the need to optimize the concentration time. In conclusion, by optimizing the fluidization flow and concentration cycle time, the concentration of gold is increased.