Heavy Mineral Sands Pages

Mineralogical Report

Heavy Mineral Sands

Investigation of Ti distribution

Example Report (selected pages)

Project Mineralogist

James Strongman MSci ARSM

For & on behalf of Petrolab LimitedRegistered in England & Wales -- Company No. 4777735

Report to:

Client Name plc

By:

Petrolab Limited www.petrolab.co.ukTel +44 (0)1209 219541 email [email protected] Edwards Offices, Gweal Pawl, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 3AE

http://www.petrolab.co.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

MINERALOGICAL REPORT

ContentsExecutive summary (Ti distribution)..............................................................41 Sample details..........................................................................................12 Methods of investigation...........................................................................13 Combined ZZ-CN/HEAD sample..............................................................2

3.1 XRD analysis..................................................................................................................................23.2 XRF analysis...................................................................................................................................2

4 Screened size fractions.............................................................................34.1 Method............................................................................................................................................34.2 Summary of TiO2 distribution.........................................................................................................34.3 Particle size distribution..................................................................................................................44.4 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+1.0..................................................................................................................54.5 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+500.................................................................................................................64.6 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+250.................................................................................................................74.7 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+125.................................................................................................................84.8 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+75...................................................................................................................94.9 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/-75..................................................................................................................10

5 Mozley table separation..........................................................................115.1 Method..........................................................................................................................................115.2 Summary of TiO2 distribution........................................................................................................115.3 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+250.C...........................................................................................................125.4 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+250.T...........................................................................................................135.5 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+125.C...........................................................................................................135.6 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+125.T...........................................................................................................135.7 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+75.C.............................................................................................................135.8 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+75.T.............................................................................................................13

6 Dense media separation (DMS)..............................................................156.1 Method..........................................................................................................................................156.2 Summary of TiO2 distribution.......................................................................................................156.3 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+125.C.S........................................................................................................156.4 Sample ref:ZZ-CN/+125.C.F.........................................................................................................156.5 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+75.C.S..........................................................................................................176.6 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+75.C.F..........................................................................................................17

7 Magnetic separation................................................................................197.1 Method..........................................................................................................................................197.2 Summary of TiO2 distribution........................................................................................................197.3 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.PM............................................................197.4 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.M...................................................................................................207.5 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM................................................................217.6 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.M......................................................................................................22

8 Mineralogical summary...........................................................................23Appendix 1 - Plates.....................................................................................24

Heavy Mineral SandsExample Report (selected pages)

© Petrolab Limitedi


Index of TablesTable 1 : Samples as received.................................................................................................................1Table 2 : ZZ-CN/HEAD : XRD mineral matches.........................................................................................2Table 3 : ZZ-CN/HEAD : TiO2 value from XRF analysis.............................................................................2Table 4 : Screened size fractions : Details...............................................................................................3Table 5 : Screened size fractions : TiO2 content by XRF..........................................................................3Table 6 : Screened fractions : Estimated TiO2 value by modal analysis...................................................4Table 7 : Screened fractions : PSD by retained weights...........................................................................4Table 8 : ZZ-CN/+1.0 : Mineral identification by stereoscopic microscopy...............................................5Table 9 : ZZ-CN/+500 : Modal analysis data............................................................................................6Table 10 : ZZ-CN/+500 : Liberation study................................................................................................6Table 11 : ZZ-CN/+500 : Locking.............................................................................................................6Table 12 : ZZ-CN/+250 : Modal analysis data..........................................................................................7Table 13 : ZZ-CN/+250 : Liberation study................................................................................................7Table 14 : ZZ-CN/+250 : Locking.............................................................................................................7Table 15 : ZZ-CN/+125 : Modal analysis data..........................................................................................8Table 16 : ZZ-CN/+125 : Liberation study................................................................................................8Table 17 : ZZ-CN/+125 : Locking.............................................................................................................8Table 18 : ZZ-CN/+75 : Modal analysis data............................................................................................9Table 19 : ZZ-CN/+75 : Liberation study..................................................................................................9Table 20 : ZZ-CN/+75 : Locking...............................................................................................................9Table 21 : ZZ-CN/+75 : XRD mineral matches.......................................................................................10Table 22 : Table products : Details........................................................................................................11Table 23 : Table products : Estimated TiO2 content...............................................................................11Table 24 : ZZ-CN/+250.C : Modal analysis data.....................................................................................12Table 25 : ZZ-CN/+250.C : Liberation study...........................................................................................12Table 26 : ZZ-CN/+250.C : Locking........................................................................................................12Table 27 : ZZ-CN/+125.T : TiO2 content by XRF....................................................................................13Table 28 : ZZ-CN/+75.T : TiO2 content by XRF......................................................................................14Table 29 : DMS products : Details..........................................................................................................15Table 30 : DMS products : Estimated TiO2 content................................................................................15Table 31 : ZZ-CN/+125.C.F : TiO2 content by XRF.................................................................................16Table 32 : ZZ-CN/+125.C.F : Modal analysis data..................................................................................16Table 33 : ZZ-CN/+125.C.F : Liberation study........................................................................................16Table 34 : ZZ-CN/+125.C.F : Locking.....................................................................................................16Table 35 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.F : TiO2 content by XRF..................................................................................17Table 36 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.F : Modal analysis data...................................................................................17Table 37 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.F : Liberation study..........................................................................................17Table 38 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.F : Locking.......................................................................................................18Table 39 : Magnetic separation products : Details.................................................................................19Table 40 : ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.PM : Modal analysis data........................................19Table 41 : ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.PM : Liberation study.............................................20Table 42 : ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.PM : Locking...........................................................20Table 43 : ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.M : Mineral identification.............................................................................20Table 44 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM : Modal analysis data...........................................21Table 45 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM : Liberation study.................................................21Table 46 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM : Locking...............................................................21Table 47 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.M : Mineral identification...............................................................................22


© Petrolab Limitedii


Client: Client Name plc

Sample source: Heavy Mineral Sands

Sample type: Stream sediment samples

Analysis required: Investigation of Ti distribution

Client reference: ABC01

Report date: Example Report (selected pages)

Report version:


© Petrolab Limitediii


Executive summary (Ti distribution)1. Two stream sediment samples were received and combined for a mineralogical

investigation of titaniferous phases.2. The TiO2 assay grade determind by XRF analysis for the combined head sample

(ref. ZZ-CN/HEAD) was X.XX%.3. A flowsheet was developed for the mineral processing testwork – see Figure 1

overpage. The primary objective of the investigation was to determine the amount and distribution of titaniferous minerals in the combined sample. It was reported that previous testwork on split samples had produced anomalous results.

4. The head sample was wet screened to produce +1.0 mm, +500 µm, +250 µm, +125 µm, +75 µm and -75 µm fractions.

5. The TiO2 assay grades of the fractions infer a head grade of X.XX%.6. The TiO2 head grade estimated from modal analyses of the fractions is X.XX%.7. Between XX% to XX% of the TiO2 in the head sample reported to the +125 µm

and +75 µm fractions. A detailed particle size distribution analysis of titaniferous phases in the +250 µm fraction (ZZ-CN/+250.C) suggests that increasing the top size of the +125 µm fraction to 300 µm would moderately improve recovery of TiO2 without excessively increasing the feed mass (see Appendix 3).

8. Only 2% of the the head TiO2 was lost to the fine (-75 µm) fraction (XRF assay data).

9. Benefication testwork was undertaken on the +125 µm and +75 µm fractions. Gravity separation using a Mozley Table followed by treatment of the concentrate with a heavy liquid was used to upgrade the two selected size fractions. The sinks recovered 94% of the TiO2 from the 125 µm fraction (approximately XX% of the TiO2 in the head sample); from the +75 µm fraction the sinks recovered 91% of the TiO2 (approximately XX% of the TiO2 in the head sample).

10.TiO2 reporting to the mids, tailings and floats products are all attributed to processing losses. There was no significant evidence of locking, intergrowths or other mineral associations contributing to TiO2 losses.

11.Titanium bearing phases identified are rutile, pseudorutile, ±ilmenite. All are highly liberated (>95%). TiO2 is present predominately in the form of rutile / pseudorutile, with only trace or minor amounts present in ilmenite.

12.Figure 1 (overpage) shows summary mass flow and TiO2 data for all fractions and testwork products investigated.


© Petrolab Limitediv

Mineralogical Report Client Name plc


© Petrolab Limitedv

3842.04 100.00%

XX 100.0%XX 100.0%

↓

SIZE FRACTION TABLE PRODUCTCOLOUR KEY

694.1 34.10%

↓XX 8.42%

SCREEN AT 1.0 mm → 0.2% 2.7%0.2% 2.7%

↓ 0.1% XX 3.1%

* see notes on inferred grade belowXX 8.45%

→ → NOTES ON INFERRED GRADES

Sample ref. Inferred values calculated from . . .↓ 0.13% XX ZZ-CN/HEAD Sum of ZZ-CN/+500, +250, +125, +75 modal values, ZZ-CN/-75 assay value and inferred ZZ-CN/+1.0 value

0.2% XX 19.96 0.52% ZZ-CN/+1.0 Estimate by visual examination under stereomicroscope

ZZ-CN/+250.T ZZ-CN/+250 assay value less ZZ-CN/+250.C modal value

ZZ-CN/+125 ZZ-CN/HEAD assay value less ZZ-CN/+500, +250, +75, -75 assay values and inferred ZZ-CN/+1.0 value

ZZ-CN/+125.C ZZ-CN/+125 modal value less ZZ-CN/+125.T assay value

ZZ-CN/+125.C.S ZZ-CN/+125.C inferred value less ZZ-CN/+125.C.F assay value

304.86 7.93% ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.NM ZZ-CN/+125.C.S inferred value less ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.M inferred value (>100% maximum theoretical grade)

ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.PM

ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.M Estimate by visual examination of thin section

ZZ-CN/+75 ZZ-CN/HEAD assay value less ZZ-CN/+500, +250, +125, -75 assay values and inferred ZZ-CN/+1.0 value

XX 18.22% ZZ-CN/+75.C ZZ-CN/+75 modal value less ZZ-CN/+75.T assay value

→ → ZZ-CN/+75.C.S ZZ-CN/+75.C inferred value less ZZ-CN/+75.C.F assay value

ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM ZZ-CN/+125 modal value less ZZ-CN/+125.T assay value ↓ 0.61% XX ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM

0.5% XX 73.28 1.91% ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.M Estimate by visual examination of thin section

3.1% XX

XX 16.31%

Note:0.0% XX

XX 34.36%

→ → DMS PRODUCT

↓ XX XXXX XX 171.59 4.47% XX 0.34% XX 0.30%XX XX → →

0.0% XX 96.2% XX 67.8% XXXX 0.03% XX XX

XX 29.91%XX 0.02%

0.05% XX XX 4.12% 10.0% XX

0.15% XX0.0% XX

XX 15.36%

→ →↓ XX XX 94.62 2.46% XX 0.56% XX 0.50%

XX XX → →0.0% 33.7% 70.3% XX 78.6% 35.0%

XX 0.05% 71.2% 31.7%

XX 12.89% XX 0.01%

XX 1.91% 15.0% 0.1%0.12% XX

1.19% XX2.1% XX

XX 15.18%

→0.22% XX

HEAD SAMPLEZZ-CN/HEAD

SIEVE SIZE ANALYSISWET SCREEN

PRODUCT detailZZ-CN/nn

+1.0 mmZZ-CN/+1.0

SCREEN AT 500 µm -1.0 mm +500 µmZZ-CN/+500

CONCENTRATEZZ-CN/+500.C

MIDS + TAILSZZ-CN/+500.T

SCREEN AT 250 µm -500 µm +250 µmZZ-CN/+250


MIDS + TAILSZZ-CN/+250.T MIDS combined with TAILS prior

to DMS


MAGNETICSEPARATION


SINKSZZ-CN/+125.C.S

NON MAGNETICZZ-CN/+125.C.S.NM

PARA MAGNETICZZ-CN/+125.C.S.PM

MIDS + TAILSZZ-CN/+125.T MAGNETIC

ZZ-CN/+125.C.S.M

FLOATSZZ-CN/+125.C.F



SINKSZZ-CN/+75.C.S

NON MAGNETICZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM

PARA MAGNETICZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM

MIDS + TAILSZZ-CN/+75.T

MAGNETICZZ-CN/+75.C.S.M

FLOATSZZ-CN/+75.C.F

-75 µmZZ-CN/-75

Figure 1: Mass flowsheet (some figures removed from original report to maintain confidentiality)

Weight (g) & % of Head

SAMPLE REFERENCE

Assay Grade (%TiO2) & % of Head

Modal Grade (%TiO2) & % of Head

Product / process detail

Inferred* Grade (% TiO2) & % of Head


4.3 Particle size distributionThe particle size distribution (PSD) according to the dry weights of the screened fractions is shown in Table 7 and Figure 2.

Screen size Weight Finer

(µm) (g) (%) (%)

1000 323.3 8.4 91.6

500 324.8 8.5 83.1

250 699.9 18.2 64.9

125 1320.7 34.4 30.5

75 590 15.4 15.2

-75 583.4 15.2

Total 3842.1 100

Table 7 : Screened fractions : PSD by retained weights


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Figure 2 : ZZ-CN/HEAD : PSD by % weight& estimated % TiO2 distribution

10 100 1000 100000%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100% 99.6%98.5%

91.3%

60.7%

2.8%

% passing by weight

% TiO2 passing

Screen size (µm)

Per

cent

pas

sing


5.3 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+250.C

5.3.1 Modal analysis

Mineral Formula Av s.g. Wt%

Quartz SiO2 2.65 86.1%

Kyanite Al2SiO5 3.61 9.5%

Rutile TiO2 4.25 2.9%

Garnet (Grossular) Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 3.57 0.4%

Ilmenite FeTiO3 4.72 0.3%

Zircon/Monazite ZrSiO4 / (Ce,La,Nd,Pr)PO4 4.65/5.2 0.3%

Tourmaline (Schorl) NaFe3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 3.15 0.2%

Kaolinite Al2Si2O5(OH)4 2.60 0.1%

Table 24 : ZZ-CN/+250.C : Modal analysis data

5.3.2 Liberation

Mineral locked Quartz Ilmenite-Rutile

Kyanite Zircon/ Monazite

%locked %liberated

Quartz - none none none <5% >95%

Ilmenite - Rutile none - trace none <5% >95%

Kyanite none trace - trace <5% >95%

Zircon/Monazite none none 50% - 50% 50%

Table 25 : ZZ-CN/+250.C : Liberation study

5.3.3 Locking characteristics

Mineral Min Max Av Prominent type

Ilmenite - Rutile 100 µm 700 µm 350 µm Liberated grains

Description Liberated grains and rare as simple inclusions in kyanite.

Quartz 200 µm 600 µm 400 µm Liberated grains

Description Liberated irregular single crystal fragments. Grains host rare simple inclusions of rutile. Quartz grains show rare iron oxide stains.

Kyanite 250 µm 600 µm 450 µm Liberated grains

Description Liberated single crystal fragments, it also contains rare simple inclusions of rutile (80 µm – 120 µm) and zircon (40 µm – 90 µm).

Tourmaline 40 µm 500 µm 350 µm Liberated grains

Description Liberated grains and rare euhedral inclusions in quartz.

Table 26 : ZZ-CN/+250.C : Locking




7.5 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM

Mineral Formula Av s.g. Wt%

Rutile TiO2 4.25 75.7%Kyanite Al2SiO5 3.61 10.4%Zircon/Monazite ZrSiO4 / (Ce,La,Nd,Pr)PO4 4.65 / 5.2 8.1%

Ilmenite FeTiO3 4.72 5.6%Tourmaline (Schorl) NaFe3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 3.15 0.1%Garnet (Grossular) Ca3Al2(SiO4)3 3.57 TraceQuartz SiO2 2.65 0.0%

Table 44 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM : Modal analysis data

7.5.1 Liberation

Mineral locked Ilmenite-Rutile

Kyanite Zircon/ Monazite

%locked %liberated

Ilmenite - Rutile - trace none <5% >95%

Kyanite trace - none <5% >95%

Zircon/Monazite none none - <5% >95%

Table 45 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM : Liberation study

7.5.2 Locking characteristics

Mineral Min Max Av Prominent type

Ilmenite - Rutile 40µm 180µm 130 µm Liberated grains

Description Liberated single crystals, angular to rounded, typically subrounded

Kyanite 70µm 180µm 120 µm Liberated grains

Description Liberated single crystal fragments. Kyanite also hosts extremely rare simple inculsions of rutile

Zircon/Monazite 80µm 200µm 120µm Liberated grains

Description Rounded liberated grains. Some of the material identified as zircon was identified on the stereomicroscope as monazite.

Table 46 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.NM & ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.PM : Locking




7.6 Sample ref: ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.M

Mineral Formula Av s.g. Abundance

Limonite/Hematite Fe3+O(OH) / Fe2O3 3.8 / 5.3 Major

Ilmenite FeTiO3 4.7 Major

Rutile TiO2 2.6 Trace

Zircon/Monazite ZrSiO4 / (Ce,La,Nd,Pr)PO4 4.6 Trace

Kyanite Al2SiO5 3.61 Trace

Table 47 : ZZ-CN/+75.C.S.M : Mineral identification




8 Mineralogical summary

● TiO2 is present predominately in the form of rutile and pseudorutile, ± traces of ilmenite.

● Rutile is extremely well liberated (>95%) in all fractions and test products investigated.

● Rutile shows significant variations in colour indicating a wide variety of compositions from ilmenite/pseudorutile to rutile.

● The majority of rutile / pseudorutile grains show a slight purple colouration indicating that they probably contain some iron. SEM analysis would be required to determine the compositional range of the ilmenite, pseudorutile and rutile.

● Other than the titaniferous phases, all fractions and test products investigated also contain significant amounts of kyanite. Kyanite is generally extremely well liberated but exhibits rare inclusions of rutile and zircon.

● Zircon is present in significant amounts in the investigated +250 µm and finer fractions. Some of the zircon was identified under the stereomicroscope as monazite. SEM analysis would be required to determine the distribution between zircon and monazite. Both zircon and monazite are extremey well liberated.

● Both kyanite and zircon have similar specific gravities to the TiO2 bearing minerals and were effectively upgraded with the TiO2 minerals.

● The principle gangue mineral is quartz. It is extremely well liberated, devoid of inclusions and may be suitable as a high quality silica sand product.

* ZZ-CN/-75 values shown from XRF assay



ZZ-C

N/-75

ZZ-C

N/+75

ZZ-C

N/+125

ZZ-C

N/+250

ZZ-C

N/+500

0

1

2

3

4

5

80

85

90

95

100

Figure 3 : Screened fractionsDistribution of key minerals

SiO2Rutile – IlmeniteKyaniteZircon/Monazite

Sample ref.

Wt%

(mod

al a

naly

ses)

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