Optimizatio of a productive system. The case of Mont'Ega mine

In the Mont'Ega mine (Sardinia) a complex orebody, composed of the juxtaposition of two heterogeneous mineralizations, selectively mined in the past, is being exploited. The modifications in the nature of the orebody wich have emerged over the years, have led to the revision of the technical solutions adopted wich had been derived from a model based on information available at the time. After a brief description of the preent configuration of the mineralizations, the mining method is illustrated which furnishes two distinct run-of- mines of different composition. The industrials results of the possible alternatives for beneficiating these ores are presented. The economic analysis of the choices feasible indicated the optimum flowsheet as the preliminary gravity concentration of each ore followed by flotation. In conclusion directives for further rationalization of the productive system are outlined.