NEW METHODS OF ANALYSIS AND RECOVERY REVITALIZE DORMANT BRITISH TIN MINE.

Now producing tin in concentrate at a rate of 1,400 tpy, the Wheal Jane mine in Cornwall, owned by Consolidated Gold Fields Ltd. has been revived after 60 years thanks to improved froth flotation recovery and computerized X-Ray analysis. The ore contains only 1. 25% Sn, high concentration of sulfide, and an extremely minute tin particle size. This fact combined with question how to control the process spelled out the difference between success and failure. Process control based on computerized analysis is described. Flowsheet of the treatment plant that produces besides tin, also mixed Cu-Sn concentrate is shown.