The application of modular plants to diamond recovery

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 85, No. 956, 1992

Graham Popplewell and J. Smith, Van Eck & Lurie Pty S.A., Sanderwood, South Africa

Modular, predesigned diamond recovery plants have been a feature of the diamond mining industry for more than 20 years. The reasons for the selection of such a design route are contrasted with the alternative option of custom-designed route and the relative merits of the two approaches are discussed. The predesigned, modular plant is shown to be particularly applicable for the smaller operation, whether as part of a diverse alluvial mine, an auditing facility for an adjacent large plant, bulk sampling or a remote installation such as is envisaged in the Canadian diamond industry. The characteristics of the predesigned modular plant are described, as well as the inevitable compromises resulting from the concept.

Mots Clés: Diamond mining, Mineral processing, Recovery plant design.