Recent developments in microwave processing of minerals

Abstract

The demand for minerals and metals is increasing. However, it is well established that the impact of mining and subsequent processing operations must be reduced to meet future sustainability requirements. One way in which mining operations may reduce their impact is through the use of emerging science and technology. One such area which has shown particular promise over a period of several years is the use of microwave heating technologies to improve the efficiency of various mineral processing unit operations including: leaching, refractory gold ore treatment, grindability and liberation and coal grinding. Each of the above areas is reviewed and the main reasons that have either ensured or hindered development to a pilot or industrial scale are discussed. Opportunities for the future development of microwave technologies for the minerals industry are discussed and the review concludes by identifying a series of research challenges that must be met before scale up to an industrial level can be considered. © 2006 Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and ASM International.