Mining Magazine > Panorama > Olympic Dam commissions the Courier

Outotec has announced its supply of an advanced automated mineral processing sampling and analysing system to Australia’s largest underground mine, Olympic Dam. The package, including Outotec’s latest Courier 6i SL on-line X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) slurry analyser and sampling system is engineered to save processing time and enhance mineral recoveries at the plant. The system was chosen by BHP and will be managed by the project delivery team, a joint effort from BHP Billiton and Worley Parsons. The project is scheduled to be commissioned by March 2009.
 
Olympic Dam mine is 100%-owned by BHP Billiton. Located 560km north of Adelaide, it is the world's fourth largest copper deposit, fifth largest gold deposit and the world’s largest uranium deposit. Outotec’s package is part of a comprehensive project of analysis, automation and sampling technology at the mine. The company’s scope includes the full design and installation of the analyser system and the accompanying structural, mechanical and electrical package.
 
Traditionally, the frequent manual sampling, sample preparation and laboratory assays required for 24/7 real-time process control, are prohibitively expensive and require large amounts of manpower and equipment. With the Courier system, the analyser is linked to a series of 16 samplers and uses high power WDXRF (wavelength dispersive) spectrometer technology to simultaneously measure concentrations of iron, copper uranium and pulp density from 12 sample streams. Recoveries can be improved and lab time reduced, as process upsets are detected early and can be solved rapidly.
 
Service and after sales projects manager for Outotec in Australia, Mr Wayne Pearce commented: “This is the largest and most advanced of more than 400 Courier installations worldwide, with major efficiency and mineral recovery benefits from real-time and immediate analysis. This means that, instead of waiting several hours for traditional lab assay results, increased recoveries can be achieved from system adjustments.”
 
A key element of Outotec’s offering is the ongoing support of the XRF analyser through a service contract. All automated analyser systems need to be correctly inspected and serviced on a regular basis to ensure optimum asset performance.
 
“We always ensure our customers have the correct support after project commissioning. Our service engineers are on call 24/7, as required. This, combined with a specifically tailored training package, form essential components in maintaining high performance. This level of support really makes us stand out in the market,” added Mr Pearce.