Ann: Director Appointment - Mr Peter Hood, page-11

Hi Sharpy,

There is a significant difference between mining and chemical engineers. Mine engineers typically add the most value in pit optimisation and mine plans. Chemical engineers typically add the most value through plant optimisation and performance monitoring.

On a technical level they also have different understanding on heat / mass transfer phenomenon and reaction engineering.

The best solution is to have both disciples within a team so you can match the mine and plant performance and not have one over developed.

No point having a 200ktpa plant if the mine can't provide that amount of ore. Even then you want the mine to have a constant supply to allow a continuous, stable plant.
You also want as uniform of a feed stock as possible so you can optimise the plant for that particular feed. These small things result in measurable recovery % and energy efficiency.

Remember most of the energy used in a mine is in crushing. No point crushing nuggety ore to <100micron when you can get away with 1000micron.