Radiation Technology Applications in Mining and Mineral Processing

Radiotracers and nucleonic gauges are increasingly being applied by the mining, metallurgy and mineral processing industries for the exploration and efficient extraction of natural resources. Such industries exist in most countries and are often major contributors to national economies. Radiotracers are excellent tools for deriving data in a simple manner from a variety of complex and closed fluidic systems. Various processes, such as grinding, flotation and homogenization, are employed in the mineral processing industries, and vital information can be gathered from these processes for optimal recovery of the ore and extraction of the desired mineral. The information provided by the radiotracers helps with troubleshooting, process control and optimization, investigation of flow patterns, and development and verification of mathematical models.