A new agreement between Glencore Technology and SGS Minerals will extend certification of the Albion Process test work to Africa. SGS provides lab test work services globally and Glencore Technology said the agreement will further extend the global reach of the Albion Process test work. It has grown 300% in the last two years as more mines see it as viable in terms of capital costs, operational costs and project feasibility, according to the company.
The new test work service locations will now include Randburg, South Africa, along with other locations currently under consideration. “The extension to Africa has been under discussion for quite some time,” said Paul Voigt, manager of hydrometallurgy and pyrometallurgy, Glencore Technology. “We know the importance of local contact and context. It’s also part of a wider focus we have for the African continent.”
“This is a natural and highly relevant extension of our work with Glencore Technology on the Albion Process test work,” said Niels Verbaan, technical and business development manager, metallurgy, SGS. “We look forward to a larger global footprint to help operations in Africa and the Americas, especially those with complex mineralogy, to get an objective opinion on process options.”
Both Voigt and Verbaan felt it was also a significant proposition that Albion Process test work has been perfected to require only small sample masses and that no pilot plant is required.
SGS is the third certified provide of test work, joining Core Resources in Australia, and TOMS Institute in Russia.
The Albion Process combines ultrafine grinding with oxidative leaching at atmospheric pressure. It tolerates a more variable feed and lower grade than alternative processes, which could improve feasibility and profitability. The sulphides in the feed are oxidized and the liberated metals are recovered by conventional downstream processes. The Albion Process has delivered consistently high recoveries in refractory gold and base metal concentrates with six plants operation globally, according to Glencore Technology.