Agrimin has finalised test work on its Mackay potash project in WA, identifying unique mineralogy in startup feed salts.
The tests were conducted in partnership with Veolia Water Technologies and resulted in an increase in knowledge with positive impacts on process design and control.
Agrimin discovered leonite in the feed salts, giving the company a better understanding of its required process flowsheet.
“By understanding industry learnings and working in collaboration with Veolia, the test plan we created has tested a range of scenarios and sensitivities to narrow down the key design parameters required in conversion, the first stage of the process,” Agrimin process manager Graeme Ditri said.
“Using a cooling crystalliser for conversion enables tight and uniform temperature control which results in the required conversion ahead of flotation, the second stage of the process.
“We look forward to our continued partnership with Veolia and commencing the flotation test work with FLSmidth.”
Agrimin managing director and chief executive officer Debbie Morrow described the testing as “extensive”.
“Conversion to schoenite ahead of flotation, being the second stage in our process flow sheet, is essential and now we have a thorough understanding of the required cooling crystalliser conditions to resolve the occurrence of leonite,” she said.
“This development validates our patient and diligent approach to delivering the Mackay potash project and we look forward to continued collaboration and testing with Veolia and FLSmidth to finalise our process design and progress equipment selection.”
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