📋 Case Study

Copper Porphyry Mine Geometallurgical Model Deployment

Mismatch between predicted leach kinetics and actual SX/EW performance

🏗️ Project Overview

Andean porphyry copper mine with complex sulfide/oxide zoning

🎯 Challenge

Mismatch between predicted leach kinetics and actual SX/EW performance

🔧 Design Approach

3D block model integrating QEMSCAN mineralogy, acid consumption assays, and column leach test data

📐 Key Calculations

Acid Consumption Forecast

Σ(Block Acid Demand × Tonnes)

Result: 1.85 t H₂SO₄/t ore

Drives reagent budget and tank residence time

📊 Results

Leach cycle time reduced by 22%; reagent overuse cut by 17%

💡 Lessons Learned

• •QEMSCAN resolution must match blasthole sampling interval
• •Leach kinetics require time-dependent mineral liberation modeling

✅ Key Takeaways

• 1QEMSCAN resolution must match blasthole sampling interval
• 2Leach kinetics require time-dependent mineral liberation modeling