Innovations on an InLine Pressure Jig (IPJ) used at the Bisie Tin Mine in the Democratic Republic of Congo has increased efficiency and reduced capital costs.
Results from the first phase of the project demonstrated that the mine had achieved both the desired recovery and concentrate grade during a single stage of IPJ operation.
When mine construction began in 2018, the original IPJ circuit design was to pre-concentrate the tin at a metal recovery of >90%. The circuit included the IPJ2400 (rougher jig) and IPJ1500 (cleaner jig).
It was found that the rougher jig performance on its own was exceeding the design performance of the rougher-cleaner circuit, an innovation due to the fine-tuning ability of the IPJ including the hydraulic jig pulse rate, stroke length and ragging configuration.
This resulted in significantly reduced operating costs because only a single stage of jigging was required. It also meant reduced capital costs and a simplified flow sheet.
The IPJ uses 20% less power and consumes 10% of the water, of traditional jigs. Saving water and reducing energy helps mine operators reduce their environmental impacts while remaining profitable.
IPJ pre-concentration of old tailings or low-grade deposits can liberate commercially viable minerals and maximise mine operations.
