Master thesis : Geometallurgical Assessment of a Rutile Deposit In Akonoliga, Cameroon (Université de Liège)

Abstract

The move towards technological advancements underscores the need to expand exploration of raw materials. Consequently, a high investment is required for a reliable, quality-assured, and cost-effective mineral exploration campaign, reinforcing the need for robust, qualitative and quantitative mineralogical characterization. This thesis project directly contributes to finding and refining methods by examining rutile deposits as well as process improvements to a value-added recoveries. In addition, promote and incorporate a methodology based on technology flow, beginning with a focus on mineral characterization, liberation, and potential of extraction. This work also contributes to the science of automated mineralogy by incorporating outdated instruments, QEMSCAN and MINERALOGIC, into use for characterization. An individual 4.5m sonic drill core alluvial rutile sample was targeted towards characterization as part of advancement in exploration campaign, for this reason the sample undergoes various AM characterization including XRD,QEMSCAN AND MINERALOGIC (SEM-EDS) analysis. The results of these distinct techniques signifies discrepancies in modal mineralogy values, enforcing to a further investigation of the root cause. Upon the relevant literature reviews and assay reconciliation attempt, several points were examined and discussed. Firstly, the effect of particle segregation was examined, considering the unique sample preparation technique implemented by Mineralogic using admixture of nano carbon with epoxy-resin, a definite performance. Secondly, the case of nugget effect on bulk mineralogy was investigated by SEM analysis, by one stage crushing to obtain similar particle size leading to significant reduction of bulk mineralogy result, but prone to sample bias. Finally, a careful adjustment on mineral database input was defined leading to a notable mineral classification. Based on the results of validated outputs, the target mineral rutile is highly concentrated in lower horizon, which is well liberated but low free surface area. The textural information depicts rutile is coated by clay minerals which emphasizes the need for attrition prior to mineral separation. Furthermore, a potential “ off-spec’’ fine rutile is recommended for further investigation, for its significant concentration in the upper horizon of the sonic drill core sample.