Overview
The Brunswick Processing Plant is a conventional comminution and flotation concentrator that has been processing antimony and gold-rich sulphide ores since 2007. Acquired by Mandalay Resources in late 2009, the plant has undergone several upgrades to increase its capacity to approximately 13,000 tonnes/month. The facility operates continuously (24/7) with crushing operations following noise restriction guidelines during extended day shifts.
Key Process Stages
- Crushing & Screening: Two-stage closed circuit using Finlay I-130RS mobile impact crushers (12mm product size)
- Milling: Two ball mills in series with DSM screen and centrifugal gravity concentrators (target P80 of 60µm)
- Gravity Concentration: Recovers 40-55% of gold using centrifugal concentrators and shaking tables
- Flotation: StackCell® roughers, tank cells, Denver DR cells, and CavTube® columns (added April 2021) with lead nitrate and PAX reagents
- Concentrate Handling: Dual thickener system with plate-and-frame pressure filtration
- Tailings: Thickened to 50% w/w solids and pumped to one of two TSFs
Critical Data
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Throughput Capacity | 13,000-14,000 dmt/month |
| Antimony Recovery | 94.1% (2022 forecast) |
| Gold Recovery | 92.7% (2022 forecast) |
| Gravity Gold Recovery | 40-55% of feed gold |
| Operating Schedule | 24/7 (crushing limited to day shift) |
| Water Usage | 1.5-2 ML/day from mine dewatering |
Recent Upgrades
- Second StackCell® flotation unit installed (July 2021)
- CavTube® column flotation cells commissioned (April 2021)
- Additional 2.4m³ concentrate thickener installed (2019)
- Finlay I-140RS impact crusher planned (2022)
- Second filter press planned (2022)
Water Management
The plant operates with a positive water balance using a 2 ML/day reverse osmosis plant and Splitters Creek evaporation facility (104 ML/year capacity). Process water is recycled from thickener overflows and TSF decant systems.
