19 - What is geometallurgy?

The relatively new practice of geometallurgy is giving miners an additional tool to employ in their search for viable mineral reserves. Dr. Simon Dominy, an old friend of Optiro's and a leading geometallurgist joins Optiro's Director of Geology Ian Glacken to discuss the discipline and how it's being used in industry. 

In this episode:

1:32 What are the differences between geometallurgy, geology and metallurgy? 2:40 If you're going to be a geometallurgist, should you start out as a geologist or a metallurgist? 3:43 What are the sorts of problems we can tackle with geometallurgy? 4:41 You've talked about two types of geomet: strategic and tactical. What is the difference? 7:29 What's the relationship between geometallurgy and environmental management? 8:38 What is 'mine to mill' in the context of geometallurgy? 9:44 What would you characterise as a geomet block model? 11:29 Looking forward, what are the challenges going to be in geometallurgy? 13:35 Are all companies going to be able to benefit from geomet or is it only for the big companies? 14:37 Where can people find more information on the subject?

For more information:

• Contact Ian Glacken - Optiro Director of Geology: iglacken@optiro.com
• Contact Simon Dominy - s.dominy@e3geomet.com
• Optiro website

Links:

Dominy SC, O’Connor L, Parbhakar-Fox A, Glass HJ, Purevgerel. S. 2018. Geometallurgy – a route to more resilient mine operations. Minerals, 8(560)