Work

Evaluation of Energy Consumption for Mineral Processing of Tungsten Ore in Mongolia: Khovd Aimag and Erdene-Soum as Case Studies

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The tungsten deposits in Mongolia have the potential to be exploited as an alternative source to alleviate the risk due to the monopolization in the global production of such a critical metal. However, it is challenging to develop an efficient mineral processing method that can complement the supply based on the currently available energy resources in Mongolia. Therefore, the present study investigated the range of energy required for the beneficiation of tungsten ores, including theoretical assumptions and practical evaluation for two processes in Mongolia. The range of energy consumption was 0.12 to 2.21 kWh/t for crushing and 0.29 to 4.62 kWh/t for grinding regarding the range of Kick’s constant 0.2–0.6 kWh/t and Bond work index 7–17 kWh/t, respectively. The most dominant impact factor in the comminution was the product size. The evaluation of 18 different comminution–flotation circuits indicated a range of required energy from 362 kWh to 8298 kWh. The maximum values of energy consumption for mineral processing of Erdene-soum and Khovd Aimag tungsten ore were 6280 and 6355 kWh. An estimation regarding the energy demand (6355 kWh) and supply energy for the process of Khovd Aimag ore was conducted to propose a suitable system of renewable energy resources using the power pinch analysis method.

Source: Minerals

DOI: 10.3390/min15060660

Authors: Ha Bich Trinh, Seunghyun Kim, Taehun Son, Junkun Song, Jaeryeong Lee

Institution: Kangwon National University

Language: English

Topic: Mineral Processing and Grinding

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896