A combined flotation and crystallization processing route at the Lanigan mill has produced finished potash products since 1968, with reported mill recovery rates averaging 81.8% over the past decade.
Report context
This article is based on the technical report for the Lanigan Potash Mine, dated to cover operations through December 31, 2014. The report describes processing methods and historical performance for a potash operation that has been mining and concentrating ore since 1968.
Processing route
Overview of recovery methods
At Lanigan, both flotation methods and crystallization methods are used to concentrate potash ore into finished potash products. The simplified process flow diagram referenced in the report shows that raw potash ore is processed on surface, and concentrated finished potash products (near-pure KCl) are produced for sale and shipment to markets in North America and offshore.
Ore processing and concentration
Potash ore is mined and concentrated to produce saleable quantities of high-grade finished potash products, including granular, standard and industrial grade potash for agriculture and industry. The process is designed to produce final product grades averaging above 60% K₂O based on reported historical data.
Quality control and optimization
Quality control testing and monitoring geared towards fine-tuning and optimizing potash milling and concentrating processes are conducted on a continual basis at PotashCorp minesites and research facilities. At Lanigan, tests to fine tune basic potash milling and concentration operations are carried out on an ongoing basis. The report states that given the long-term and recent history of actual mill recovery, no fundamental potash milling problems are anticipated in the foreseeable future.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure is in place to meet current and projected requirements for energy, water and process materials. High-voltage power utilization at the Lanigan Division is 32 MVA. The ten year projection indicates that the utility can meet the foreseeable future demand. The operation requires a sustained fresh water supply for the milling process, sourced from both a local reservoir called the Dellwood Reservoir and a regional aquifer called the Hatfield Valley Aquifer. The Lanigan Division is also served by existing paved roads, rail-lines and natural gas feed.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Finished potash production (2012) | 1.653 million tonnes at 60.87% K₂O average grade | Historical operating data |
| Finished potash production (2013) | 2.241 million tonnes at 60.83% K₂O average grade | Historical operating data |
| Finished potash production (2014) | 1.676 million tonnes at 60.94% K₂O average grade | Historical operating data |
| Mill recovery rate over past decade | 75.6% to 85.7%, averaging 81.8% | Historical operating data |
| Mine life production (1968 to December 31, 2014) | 181.284 million tonnes ore hoisted; 52.643 million tonnes finished potash products | Historical operating data |
| Concentration ratio (ore tonnes to finished product tonnes) | 3.44 | Historical operating data |
| High-voltage power utilization | 32 MVA | Reported design/current capacity |
Technical qualifications
This article is based solely on the original technical report sections provided. The report describes a simplified process flow diagram (Figure 23) and a chart of mill recovery rates (Figure 24) that are referenced but not reproduced here. No detailed flowsheet information, circuit designs, reagent schemes, equipment specifications, or economic data were provided in the extracted source material. The report does not present specific testwork results; rather, it notes that ongoing quality control testing and monitoring are conducted. Production figures and recovery rates represent actual historical operating data, not design or guaranteed performance. The report date covers operations through December 31, 2014, and does not show any changes after that date.
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*Source: Lanigan Potash Mine technical report covering operations through December 31, 2014, Sections 17.0 Recovery Methods.*
