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Comminution

Iron ore comminution

Comminution parameters and indices of Iron Ores are very important to any testwork program, particularly those relating to crusher design and operation. For this reason, the ALS Iron Ore Technical Centre (IOTC) runs a specimen-based comminution capability to determine crushing related indices efficiently on site as part of a standard iron ore program.

Cominuição de minério de ferro

Iron ore comminution services

Comminution service provided at the IOTC are as follows:

  • UCS (Unconfined compressive strength) Testing.
  • Bond Impact Crushing Determination (CWi).
  • Bond Abrasion Index (Ai) Determination.
  • PLT (Point Load Test)
  • Brazilian Tensile Test (BTT).

The comprehensive comminution facilities in Balcatta are still seamlessly available to the IOTC if additional comminution determinations are required.

Other related services

Comminution almost always occurs in conjunction with Sample Preparation or Geometallurgy testwork and beneficiation testwork.

Don't quite see what you're looking for or need more information?

Comminution needs to be coordinated properly into a program to ensure selection opportunities are not lost and data is properly captured. ALS can advise you on the best ways to ensure your comminution requirements are met.


Please contact us for further details.

Here are some frequently asked questions

  • How much sample mass do I need for these tests?

    Keep in mind the mass may vary depending on the core size or particle size distributions, but some rough guidelines are as follows:

    • UCS and PLT simply require sufficient mass to contain the required specimen sets. Soft of finer sized material may not be suitable for these tests and this provides an engineering outcome in itself (i.e. the ore is soft and will require very little crushing energy).
    • Bond Impact Crushing Test (CWi) – sufficient mass to produce 10-20 x particles between 50-75 mm with two parallel facing sides.
    • Bond Abrasion Index (Ai) – sufficient mass to produce 4 x 400 g of charges of - 19+12.7mm ore.
  • Will ALS treat hazardous samples?

    Generally, yes. ALS has facilities and procedures to treat fibrous and radioactive samples. Surcharges do apply, however, to cover safety equipment, monitoring and decontamination.

  • Our samples are from overseas, what do I do?

    ALS is a quarantine approved premises and treats many samples of oversea origin. Strict regulatory requirements are in needed around packaging and paperwork, however. ALS can advise you on these requirements.

  • Can my associates and I view the testwork at ALS’s laboratory?

    Yes, clients are always welcome to visit our facilities and observe samples or tests in progress. Inductions are required and other rules may apply to visitors.

  • Will ALS dispatch my samples to third parties?

    Yes, if a testwork program is in progress, ALS will happily dispatch testwork products and feed samples to vendors, third party laboratories, and customers as required. Fees apply.

  • Does ALS do design engineering and consulting?

    No, as it is not our core business and would put us in direct competition with many of our clients. In the case of HPGR testwork programs, KMA as equipment suppliers, provide engineering and consultancy for their industrial units and can provide relevant information for the manufacture and supply of appropriate Koeppern HPGR units.

Associated testwork services

Related testwork

Comminution is always part of larger metallurgical testwork programs, especially

Click on the above links or contact us for further information. We can integrate a full program for you if required.