Análise comparativa de modelos geometalúrgicos de produtividade da mina Morro do Ouro: abordagens recentes e convencionais

Abstract

Geometallurgy is an integrated approach that uses knowledge from geology, mining, and processing plants to optimize mining operations. A geometallurgical productivity model predicts the feed rate and the energy required for ore comminution, considering variables such as P80, F80 and Work Index. Traditionally, the Bond Work Index (BWi) is used to calculate specific grinding energy, however, it is limited to ball milling circuits with a 250% circulating load. This study compared classical and recent models for energy prediction applied to the Morro do Ouro mine, including SPI, SMC, and models proposed by Valle Peche. The results indicate that the SPI (2001) methodology shows the best alignment with the actual plant data, outperforming the other models tested. Additionally, a proposed equation was developed based on the structure of the SPI model but adapted to the company's routine by replacing SPI and T80 with BWi and P80. This equation resulted in 80% of the data falling within a ±10% deviation from the actual values, standing out as the most robust and practical alternative for predicting the specific grinding energy in the studied plant and time frame analyzed.