1. Comminution is the first stage of unit operations towards feed preparation to mineral separation stages. The energy consumption in comminution is greater than the energy requirements combined in the subsequent processing stages.

a) What is the purpose of comminution? List the major types of crushers used in the size reduction of ore following the drilling/blasting operations.

b) Briefly discuss the basic operating principles of each crushing stage with the most typical product size range associated with it.

Note: With the use of descriptive sketches, restrict your answers to crushers only.

2) Briefly explain and differentiate the following items in terms of mechanism, features,

functionality and purpose where applicable.

a) Cataracting and Cascading

b) Mesh number and Aperture size

c) Concentration criterion and Ratio of Concentration

d) D50 and P80

e) Xanthate and MIBC