Mineral Processing & Metallurgical Testing

The Mineral Processing team at SLR specialises in delivering comprehensive metallurgical testing and sustainable processing solutions to the global mining industry. Our state-of-the-art laboratory in Cornwall, UK, is equipped to handle a wide variety of ores and commodities, including base and precious metals, industrial minerals, and battery metals.

We offer a full range of metallurgical testwork programmes, from small bench-scale investigations to large-scale pilot plant operations. Our services include comminution, froth flotation, and hydrometallurgical testing in addition to gravity and magnetic separation, all aimed at optimising process efficiency and project economics.

Scientist working in a mineral processing laboratory

Overview

At SLR, we are committed to developing sustainable processing solutions that minimise environmental impact. Our focus on sustainability ensures that our clients receive tailored solutions that meet their specific project requirements while promoting environmental stewardship.

With extensive experience and a commitment to innovation, SLR’s Mineral Processing team is a leader in the field, dedicated to delivering successful project outcomes for our clients.

Metallurgical Testwork Programmes

Our metallurgical testwork programmes are designed to optimise process efficiency and project economics while minimising environmental impact. We offer a wide array of testing services, including froth flotation, gravity separation, hydrometallurgical testing, and magnetic separation.

Crushing and grinding are critical components of mineral processing, often accounting for a significant portion of plant operating costs. As ore bodies become more complex and fine-grained, efficient comminution circuit design becomes essential. Our comminution testing services enable accurate characterisation of ore hardness to optimise circuit performance.
Froth flotation, one of the most versatile and extensively used mineral processing techniques, is applicable to a wide range of commodities and mineralogies. Our experienced team can conduct bench-scale amenability and optimisation testing, as well as process multiple tonnes of material through our modular pilot plant for detailed process design and flowsheet development studies.
Gravity separation, a low-cost and environmentally friendly technique, is another area of expertise at SLR. We offer a range of gravity separation tests, including spirals, shaking tables, and centrifugal separators, which are often used in the concentration of heavy minerals such as tin and tungsten.
Our magnetic separation services are crucial for the processing of many battery metals, both from primary and secondary materials. We provide low- and medium-intensity magnetic separation, wet high-intensity magnetic separation, and Davis Tube testing.
Our hydrometallurgical testing capabilities include a variety of leach tests, such as agitated leach tests (CIL/CIP), coarse ore bottle roll tests, and full column leach tests. These tests are essential for the recovery of metals such as gold and silver.
Our team of experienced metallurgists can also offer activated carbon/IX resin testing, solvent extraction, precipitation, and electrowinning services.