Certainly! Here's an outline of a 60 tons per hour (tph) alluvial diamond extraction process:
1. Site Preparation
- Surveying and Mapping: Identify and map out potential diamond-rich areas using geological surveys and satellite imagery.
- Clearing Land: Remove vegetation and topsoil to access alluvial deposits.
2. Excavation
- Excavators and Bulldozers: Utilize heavy machinery to dig and transport alluvial soil.
- Haul Trucks: Transport the excavated soil to the processing plant.
3. Initial Screening
- Grizzly Feeder: Move soil into the grizzly feeder to eliminate oversized materials.
- Trommel Screen: Rotate large cylindrical screen to separate smaller particles from larger rocks.
4. Washing
- High-Pressure Jets: Wash the screened materials to eliminate dirt and clay.
- Water Recycling System: Utilize to minimize water consumption and manage environmental impact.
5. Concentration
- Jigging System: Separate heavier diamond-bearing gravel from lighter waste material using pulsating water movements.
- Dense Media Separation (DMS): Employ a medium like ferrosilicon to further concentrate the diamonds by density.
6. Recovery
- X-ray Fluorescence (XRF): Detect diamonds using their unique luminescent properties when exposed to X-rays.
- Grease Tables: Sticky surfaces where hydrophobic diamonds adhere while the hydrophilic waste material is washed away.
7. Sorting and Grading
- Manual Sorting: Workers manually sort through the concentrated material to pick diamonds.
- Automated Sorters: Utilize advanced machines to separate diamonds based on size, shape, and purity.
8. Waste Management
- Tailings Management: Safely store and manage waste materials in tailing ponds or disposal areas.
- Environmental Reclamation: Implement measures to restore the mined area to its natural state as much as possible.
9. Quality Control
- Lab Analysis: Conduct thorough analysis to verify the quality and authenticity of extracted diamonds.
- Continuous Monitoring: Ensure ongoing assessments to optimize efficiency and minimize losses.
10. Transport and Sales
- Packaging: Secure the diamonds in tamper-proof packaging.
- Transport: Arrange for secure transport to wholesalers, retailers, or polishing facilities.
- Sales: Conduct sales through certified channels to ensure adherence to ethical and legal standards.
Implementing such a comprehensive and systematic approach ensures efficient, effective, and responsible extraction of diamonds from alluvial deposits.
