THERMALLY ASSISTED LIBERATION - A REVIEW

Thermally assisted liberation (TAL) has been suggested as a possible method for improving recovery of minerals from appropriate ores. In some cases heat treatment has been shown to reduce grinding resistance by significant amounts and has improved liberation by promotion of intergranular fracture rather than transgranular fracture. Unfortunately, in most studies reported to date, the process is not economically viable unless the downstream recovery of valuable mineral species can be increased to offset the extra costs involved in heating. If cheaper, and more efficient, methods of heating can be employed the process might become profitable. The current paper reviews the work carried out on TAL and surveys current research in the area. © 1990.