Exploring the role of ore texture in comminution and approaches to identify and promote non-random breakage

• Relevance of ore texture in comminution for mineral liberation and recovery. • Significance of identifying ore textures and breakage modes. • Integration of analytical techniques for ore and breakage characterisations. • Advocating preferential breakage for increased mineral liberation. Understanding ore texture is essential for optimising comminution and mineral liberation, yet no standardised framework exists for defining and quantifying textural attributes. This review explores the complex relationship between ore texture, breakage mechanisms, and mineral liberation, emphasising the importance of textural parameters such as grain size, mineral intergrowths, and mechanical properties in determining comminution behaviour. The review is structured into key themes: (i) characterisation techniques for ore texture, spanning optical, electron beam, X-ray, and laser-based methods; (ii) conventional and proxy comminution tests for assessing ore hardness and breakage response; (iii) modelling approaches to relate ore texture to mineral liberation, including texture-based and kinetic-based liberation models; and (iv) innovative pre-treatment methods such as microwave heating, high-voltage pulse disintegration, and ultrasonication, which aim to promote non-random breakage and improve mineral liberation. The literature is analysed through a comparative assessment of these methods, evaluating their applicability, limitations, and integration potential in modern mineral processing. Key takeaways include the need for a standardised classification of ore texture, at least for mineral processing purposes, improved methods for quantifying breakage modes, and the development of more accurate liberation models that incorporate textural heterogeneity. While advanced pre-treatment techniques show promise in promoting non-random comminution, their widespread adoption remains constrained by energy consumption and economic feasibility. By synthesising recent advancements and identifying research gaps, this review contributes to the field by advocating for a geometallurgical approach that integrates ore texture characterization into comminution models.