Ddetermination of bond work index of Bagega gold mineral deposit of Zamfara State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined the bond work index of Begaga gold mineral deposit of Zamfara State Nigeria using Berry and Bruce modified bond method. Sample of gold mineral was sourced using random sampling method. Reference mineral (Granite) of known weight and work index of 15.13Kwh/ton was ground for thirty minutes at a particular speed and power consumed was determined from the power rating of the ball mill. An identical weight of Bagega gold mineral whose work index was to be determined was ground in the same ball mill under same condition as that of reference mineral. Size analysis of the ball mill under same condition as that of the reference mineral was performed. Size analysis of the ball mill feed and discharge for both ores was carried out and 80% passing particle size of the ball mill feed and discharge for the two ores were estimated mathematically using correlation approach. The work index of the Bagega gold mineral was determined by equating the power consumed in the two indexes of the ore. It was found to be approximately 14.24Kwh/ton which is within the acceptable range of 10 - 15.14Kwh/ton indicated in literatures as standard work index range of gold. This value of the work index means that 14.25Kilowatts hour of energy is required to reduced one tonne of the gold ore from 80% passing particle size of 1117.32μm to 80% passing particle size of 800.00μm, it should serve as the work index of Bagega gold.