Explain why mineral processing is important in extractive metallurgy.

Discuss two communition mechanisms and explain how they can be achieved and optimised during ball milling.

A large mineral processing plant, specialising in the extraction of base metals, is facing challenges with the efficiency of its hydrocyclone classifiers. The plant operates multiple wet ball mills in closed circuit, and the hydrocyclones are crucial for controlling the product size distribution. However, the current hydrocyclone setup is experiencing inefficiencies, leading to suboptimal performance and increased operating costs.

Discuss how hydrocyclone classifiers contribute to the efficiency of wet ball mills in a mineral processing circuit, and discuss what limits their performance.

$(10)$

Discuss the factors that results in the choice of using each of the three concentrators. Discuss your choice according to their mechanism, performance, capability etc

Propose a comparative analysis between a simple quarry operation $($sand processing$)$ and a complex plant $($e$.$g PGMs processing$)$ with multiple concentrating circuits, highlighting the differences in their operational requirements and equipment selection. Use schematic diagram to as an addition to your analysis.