Each new generation of computers—particularly personal computers—increases the availability of and the capabilities for creating simulations for all sizes and types of size — reduction processes and machinery. Computers will continue to be important tools in studying size reduction and in making the needed developments.
Manufacturers of mechanical machines and electrical motors have demonstrated the capabilities and readiness necessary to engineer and build larger equipment for size reduction. The scale-up factors can be projected, as they affect the size-reduction performance of the machinery more than the mechanical performance of the machine. The technologies are available to design and manufacture new processes and machines as they are developed.
CONCLUSION
The prospects for the future of size reduction vary from the continuation of the currently available processes, circuits, and machinery to a complete revision and new processes and machinery. The breakage methods of compression, impact, abrasion, and shearing seem to be the practical mechanisms available; however they all require energy and are subject to wear on the working surfaces of the machinery. Additionally, energy of some type always will be required for size reduction.
A developing approach is the in-situ leaching of gold ores and oxide minerals. Leaching of ore could be done in place, crushed in stockpiles, and overburden could be put in stockpiles, and tailings put in special leaching ponds. The chemicals used in leaching and the liquid-solid separation create problems, however, particularly with the contamination of groundwater and free-flowing streams and rivers in the area of the leaching basins.
The direction of future prospects is dependent upon demands created by environmental and economic pressures, the character of domestic and international politics, and the availability and type of educational and research facilities. The only certainty for the future of this field is the existence of a continuing need for size reduction to develop and fit the lifestyles of people both today and in the future.
Copyright © 2005 by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration.
All rights reserved. Electronic edition published 2009.