Heron Resources has received advanced technology equipment that is integral to its Woodlawn zinc-copper processing plant in New South Wales.
Heron claimed that IsaMill is one of the best advances made in sulphide processing technology since Woodlawn closed in 1998.
It takes on the grinding tasks of many global mining operations including one of the largest zinc mines in the world, Teck Resources’ Red Dog operation north of the Arctic Circle.
Heron managing director Wayne Taylor said, “The arrival of the IsaMill marks the step change in technology to be applied to the Woodlawn zinc-copper project. This technology only became available after Woodlawn’s former operations.
“It enables Heron to reduce the grind size to provide the most effective mineral liberation, allowing for the highest recoveries to our base metal concentrates.”
The 3 megawatt (MW) IsaMill boasts fine grinding capability to reduce flotation feed to 30 microns in size — several tests have proven this sizing to be the most effective in separating the different zinc, copper and lead sulphides for recovery to the base metal concentrates.
Feed particles also pass through eight grinding stages in series before a particle reaches the product separator.
The project continues to make good development under Heron’s engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor Sedgman, who has completed 62 per cent of project construction as of last month.
The Woodlawn project remains on schedule for commissioning towards the end of the year.