From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 14: Screening, Crushing and Blending
From our ore to your door, Episode 14: SCREENING, CRUSHING AND BLENDING
As the magnesite decrepitates during calcination, the resulting magnesia breaks down into different size fractions. These can range from 20mm down to fine powders less than 30 microns in size. The first step in processing calcined magnesia is the Caustic Calcine Upgrade - screening, crushing, and blending.
SCREENING
Each of our three MHFs have separate calcination outputs, with individual dry screening processes that separate the magnesia into four size distributions per output. We continuously collect samples from each of the twelve particle streams and test them twice daily for chemical and particle sizing.
CRUSHING AND BLENDING
An advantageous characteristic of our magnesia is that differing percentages of impurities, such as silica and calcium oxide, align to each of the magnesia size fractions. This means we can select each product stream individually and blend them together to get exactly the correct chemical composition for the products being manufactured. Some of the calcined magnesia fractions are lower in calcium and silica than the magnesite fed into the multiple hearth furnace, hence the term Caustic Calcine Upgrade.
At this point, we make adjustments in line with our sales requirements, and crush the magnesia (reducing the size of larger particles) with impact hammer mills and additional screening.
BLENDING
With the magnesia analysed and separated into twelve silos, we use high accuracy weighfeeders to blend the product and discharge from the silos at exact chemical specifications, depending on what we need for downstream processing.
Pictured: Aaron Olsson, site manager Parkhurst
State of Origin - QLD vs NSW
Ah, the State of Origin—where New South Wales and Queensland go head-to-head in a rivalry fiercer than a kangaroo on caffeine! It's the time of year when families are divided, friendships are put on hold, and everyone suddenly becomes an expert on rugby.
From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 3 - Mine Planning
With the geological models from drilling and sampling, we create the Kunwarara mine plan. This plan identifies the most suitable, quality magnesite available in sufficient quantities to feed the beneficiation plant.
From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 2 - Drilling and Sampling
Drilling campaigns are designed to meet the requirements of the mining schedule.
From our Ore to Your Door - Episode 1 - Exploration and Geology
Our Kunwarara – Yaamba deposit extends for around 30km, as one of the world’s largest deposits of cryptocrystalline magnesite.
Careers Expo
Last week, QMAG had the opportunity to be a part of the Capricorn MEGA Careers Expo held at CQUniversity.
QMAG Milestones
Last week QMAG eagerly celebrated the milestones that our fellow team members achieved at our mining operations in Kunwarara.
Any remaining questions?
Just get in touch using the contact form and we’ll get back to you
as soon as we can.