Modern Mining April 2019

MODULAR PLANTS

The TriTank is a particularly interesting product and can be scaled for a variety of opera- tions. A step away from conventional CIP/CIL cyanidation plants, it is – according to APT – more efficient and environmentally conscious than conventional equipment. Being triangu- lar in shape, its six sectors fit into one circular tank, creating a range of benefits, among them on-site cleanliness, a smaller ‘footprint’, less material usage and higher recoveries. In similar fashion, the TriFloat system is based around a group of six float cells arranged in a circular tank, each individual cell fitted with impellers, air spargers and froth launders. The cells can be arranged in

and motors – supplied by established OEMs. McFarlane notes that the company has a com- prehensive library of more than 140 plant designs, which means that the design process is fast and efficient. “Having said this, we are able to tailor plants to suit the specific require- ments of the orebody.” APT markets two ranges of equipment – its small-scale or ‘GroundBreaker’ range, cater- ing for artisanal and small-scale miners with throughput requirements up to 3 t/h, and its medium-scale range. Between them, the two ranges can fill almost every conceivable requirement for small to medium-sized mining projects. The biggest plant supplied thus far has been an 80 t/h gold plant but APT can go much bigger. “We have designed but not yet manufac- tured a 140 t/h plant as the client is currently waiting for funding,” says McFarlane. He adds that all APT’s equipment can be combined in multiple configurations to provide ore processing solutions of varying capacities right through from initial crushing and screen- ing through to saleable product, which would usually be either bagged mineral concentrates or gold doré. Products in the APT line-up include the entry-level GoldMasta sluice and GoldKacha concentrator; the GoldJigga, a manual hydrau- lic jig concentrator; the proven RG scrubber; the TriTank cyanidation system; the TriFloat flotation system; and the Combo plant, which combines the RG scrubber with the JCRD hard rock crusher plant.

A manganese plant supplied by APT.

The RG30 scrubber is part of APT’s GroundBreaker range.

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April 2019  MODERN MINING  37