Introduction
A jig is a simple mineral processing device using water and the force of
gravity to separate a raw ore stream by density. In many applications this
permits a low grade ore stream to be upgraded in quality sufficient for
sale: Gangue of different density to the valuable component is rejected into
a waste stream, leaving a higher percentage of the valuable component in the
product stream compared to the feed. The distinguishing characteristic that
separates a jig from other gravity and water based mineral processing
devices is the action of a pulsing water current on a bed of ore to
alternately fluidize and compact the bed, allowing the denser minerals to
settle to the bottom of the bed for subsequent splitting into a product and
reject stream.
My History in Jigs
The first time I saw a mineral processing jig was in 1987. Since that
moment it has dominated my career as a chemical and process engineer. I have
been working on various aspects of jigging right up to the present day. The
most fascinating thing about jigs; indeed the aspect that keeps me working
with them, is the apparent dichotomy between the simplicity of the device in
action, and the underlying theoretical complexity of the stratification
process of the ore.
Acknowledgments
My work with jigs over the years has been conducted with the support of
the JKMRC (University of
Queensland), and the Bateman
Jig Group. Particular thanks goes to Dr. Geoff Lyman of the JKMRC (my
thesis supervisor and all round good guy and a genius to boot). Ultimately it is the mining companies that buy and use
jigs that fund most of the work.
I would particularly like to thank BHP,
MIM, Hamersley Iron, Tarong Coal, CRA and Rio Tinto for their financial
support over the last 19 years. In recent years, most support has come
directly from the Bateman Jig Group, and it is their on-going support that
allows me to develop and maintain this web site as well as continue research
and development of various aspects of jigging. The Bateman Jig Group design
and build jigs and jig plants, and may be contacted through
Geoff Mann. I
disclose here that I work on retainer to the Bateman Jig Group for jig
related activities within my business.
