Combined Microwave-Assisted Comminution and Sorting:

Project Update

Erin R. Bobicki, PhD, P.Eng

June 9, 2020

ü Multi-mode scalability to >1000 tph

ü Seamless technology integration with bolt-on option

ü Up to 70% energy reduction for various ores

ü Compelling value proposition, impact on downstream processing & tailings

Project Overview

https://www.cementkilns.co.uk/grinding.html; http://www.rfcafe.com/references/popular-electronics/radarange-march-1955-popular-electronics.htm;

https://ferriteinc.com/industrial-microwave-systems/industries-applications/energy/; https://thewest.com.au/business/public-companies/ore-sorting-looking-lucrative-for-middle-island-ng-b88912375z

19th Century 20th Century Today Future

combined

microwave-assisted

comminution +

sorting

Benefits:

3

Mining Microwave

Treatment

Crushing Microwave Sorting

SENSOR

ACTUATOR

REJECT ACCEPT

Conventional Grinding CircuitF80 = 150mm

Result:

ü Weakened ore particles

ü > 20% mass rejection

ü Better liberated

and higher grade mill feed

ü Coarser product

ü Significantly

grinding energy

ü Downstream benefits

Heating of value mineralsCracking

(F80 = 150mm)

CanMicro Process

CanMicro Team

4

E. Bobicki

G. Holcroft

A. Gillis

D. Fragomeni

Ste

eri

ng

Co

mm

itte

eM

em

bers

5

Phase 1

Bench Scale Assessment

of Ores

Equipment Engineering

Phase 2

High Power Microwave

Testing

Sorter Fabrication

Phase 3

Process Integration

Sorting Grinding

Phase 4

Downstream Effects

Flotation Leaching

TRL 2 TRL 3 TRL 4-5 TRL 6

Months 0-4 Months 4-8 Months 8-14 Months 12-18

• Rapid development towards TRL 6 – Prototype Demonstration

Project Timeline

Phase 1: Bench-Scale Assessment

6

Fundamental Characterization

Microwave Heating Tests

Comminution Tests

Evaluation of Ore Sortability

• 50 kg minimum sample:

Phase 1: Bench-Scale Assessment

6

Fundamental Characterization

Microwave Heating Tests

Comminution Tests

Evaluation of Ore Sortability

• 50 kg minimum sample:

Phase 1: Bench-Scale Assessment

6

Fundamental Characterization

Microwave Heating Tests

Comminution Tests

Evaluation of Ore Sortability

• 50 kg minimum sample:

Phase 1: Bench-Scale Assessment

6

Fundamental Characterization

Microwave Heating Tests

Comminution Tests

Evaluation of Ore Sortability

• 50 kg minimum sample:

Phase 1: Permittivity & Heating Tests

• Over 30 ores tested at the bench-scale to date

• Sample permittivity and heating curves (3 kW system) shown

7

Phase 1: Grindability Tests

9

• A number of ores show significant potential for grinding energy reduction

PO

S

MIN MAX

PO

SN

EG

MIN MAX

MA

XM

IN

POSNEG

NE

GP

OS

Phase 1: Sorting Tests

• Sorting algorithms developed for each ore based on heating patterns

• Significant mass rejection obtained based on mid-IR sorting alone

9

POSNEG

MIN

MA

X

Phase 2: Microwave Testing

10

Future Work

11

Phase 3: Sorter Integration

Phase 4: Downstream Testing

Flotation

Leaching

Gravity Separation

Tailings

Automated sorting

Multi-sensor

Highlights

ü CanMicro is the ONLY technology to combine microwave-assisted comminution & sorting à Potential energy savings of up to 70%:1. Reduced ore competency

2. Increased product size

3. Removal of waste before grinding

ü Phase 1: Ore Screening à Complete!

ü Phase 2: High-power microwave testing à Underway

ü Promising results in improved grindability & sortability

ü Crush It! Challenge deadline: November 30Th

12

CanMicro

intends to

Crush it!

Thank-you!

14