Abstract

Techniques of performing applied mineralogy investigations, and applications and capabilities of recently developed instruments for measuring mineral properties are explored in this book intended for practicing applied mineralogists, students in mineralogy and metallurgy, and mineral processing engineers. The benefits of applied mineralogy are presented by using in-depth applied mineralogy studies on base metal ores, gold ores, porphyry copper ores, iron ores and industrial minerals as examples. The chapter on base metal ores includes a discussion on the effects of liberation, particle sizes and surfaces coatings of Pb, Cu, Fe, Ca and So4^- on the recoveries of sphalerite, galena and chalcopyrite. The chapter on gold discusses various methods of determining the quantities of gold in different minerals, including 'invisible' gold in pyrite and arsenopyrite, so that a balance of the distribution of gold among the minerals can be calculated. This book also discusses the roles of pyrite, oxygen, moisture and bacterial (thiobacillus ferrooxidans) on reactions that produce acidic drainage from tailings piles, and summarizes currently used and proposed methods of remediation of acidic drainage.
F. Habashi, Université Laval, Quebec City, Canada
...Petruk's book seems to be the first endeavor to organize a great deal of (relevant) information in a compact, well documented (over 350 references), and well indexed form. The book also contains numerous photomicrographs of mineral polished sections, numerous Tables giving chemical and mineralogical analysis of samples, graphs, and flowsheets. ...The book certainly will be an important guide for those entering the field and a valuable reference work for those already in the field.
Minerals Engineering
J. Finch, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
...Dr. Petruk is one of a handful of specialists who have developed the field of applied mineralogy. The text is richly illustrated with his experience which I am glad he has had the time and inclination to compile. The emphasis on practice - the applied - is welcomed and fills a void.
C.I.M. Bulletin
G.C. Amstutz, Heidelberg, Germany
...this book is very valuable in principle, and especially with reference to Canadian ores and similar ones elsewhere. ...I recommend it to anyone active in the solution of ore problems.
International Liaison Group on Gold Mineralization
L.J. Cabri
...The book should be in the libraries of mining companies that process the ores and ore types discussed therein, as well as those of university and government laboratories with strengths in mineralogy and mineral processing.
The Canadian Mineralogist