An evaluation of an operating Courier 300 system at Black mountain

Copper, lead and zinc concentrates are produced by sequential flotation from a complex base metal deposit at Aggeneys. The process control strategy is based on six minute, on-line assays which are carried out by the Outokumpu Courier 300. The copper, lead, zinc, silver, iron and percent solids content of 14 critical slurry streams are determined by X-ray Fluorescence Techniques (XRF). The Courier accuracy is largely determined by the calibration frequency, however there must be a trade-off between accuracy and availability. It is also faster than chemical analysis and is more cost effective. The initial expenditure of the installation can be recouped within one year