AU2021267559B2

AU2021267559B2 - Mine site comminution arrangement and methodology

Info

Publication number: AU2021267559B2
Application number: AU2021267559A
Authority: AU
Inventors: John Alec SEXTON; Heath Lawrence WILLIAMS
Original assignee: Leschenault Ind Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Leschenault Industries Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-05
Filing date: 2021-05-05
Publication date: 2023-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2041-05-05
Also published as: WO2021222981A1; AU2021267559A1

Abstract

Provided is a comminution arrangement (10) for a mine site, said arrangement (10) comprising a feed bin (12) for receiving mined material. Feed bin (12) comprises a grizzly (14) at an upper portion thereof configured to allow material below a predetermined size to pass whilst filtering larger material, and a rockbreaker (16) proximate the grizzly for reducing such filtered larger material below the predetermined size. Feed bin (12) also includes an apron feeder (18) at a lower portion thereof for regulating feeding of material, and a vibrating grizzly feeder (20) operatively fed with material from the apron feeder (18). Arrangement (10) also includes a stacker conveyor (22) configured to receive material from the grizzly feeder (20), said stacker conveyor (22) feeding a radial stacker (24) for stacking at least one ore stockpile (26) with material. For each ore stockpile (26), a stockpile reclaim conveyor (30) is arranged within a reclaim tunnel (32) below the stockpile (26) and is configured to selectively convey material from such a stockpile (26). Finally, arrangement (10) includes a crusher feed conveyor (34) operatively fed with material from at least one stockpile reclaim conveyor (30), said crusher feed conveyor (34) for supplying Run of Mine (ROM) to a primary crusher (36).

Description

MINE SITE COMMINUTION ARRANGEMENT AND METHODOLOGY TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to the field of mining, in general, and more specifically to a comminution arrangement for a mine site, a comminution methodology, a mine site having such a comminution arrangement and a method of mining comprising such a comminution methodology.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] In the field of mining, valuable minerals are often extracted from rock via the process of comminution, which is the general reduction of solid materials from one average particle size to a smaller average particle size, typically through crushing, grinding, cutting, vibrating, or other processes.

[0004] In the mining and mineral processing sector, most energy use and greenhouse gas emissions derive from comminution, separation (froth flotation) and concentrate drying. Of these areas, comminution is the most energy intensive. In some mining sub-sectors, such as gold, copper and nickel, comminution comprises over 70% of total energy use. Additional energy is needed to mine and process ore grades of declining quality. As well as being less profitable or cost-effective, this situation increases the energy embodied in primary metal production and its associated greenhouse gas emissions.

[0005] According to industry studies, comminution accounts

for 3% of the entire world's energy consumption and

comminution accounts, on average, for more than 50% of a

mine's energy consumption and around 10% of total production

costs. Comminution energy costs are forecast to increase

significantly over the next decade due to the overall trend

of declining ore grades.

[0006] Accordingly, comminution costs could be better

managed through adopting more efficient comminution processes

and technologies. As mines rarely have control over the cost

of energy, such as electricity and fuel costs, it is vital

that comminution processes meet process objectives while

consuming as little energy as possible.

[0007] For example, in a typical mining environment, such

as an iron ore mine, Run of Mine (ROM) is delivered to a

primary crusher by haul trucks, conveyors and related

material moving equipment. At the ROM pad, mined material or

ROM is dumped into a primary crusher where large rock

fragments are broken into smaller sizes. Crushing to the

proper size usually occurs in stages as rapid size reduction,

accomplished by applying large forces, commonly results in

the production of excessive fines. For this reason, after

primary crushing, the material is typically run through one

or more secondary crushers. The material is screened after

each crushing cycle to separate properly sized particles

("throughs") from those needing additional crushing

("overs"). Additional washing, screening, or other processing may be required to remove undesirable material. The crushed material is then stockpiled awaiting shipment.

[0008] In such an example, any delays at the primary

crusher generally delays the entire processing of mined ore,

which delays mine production and has significant adverse

financial effects. Examples of delays include oversized rocks

delivered to the primary crusher, foreign material entering

the crusher (such as ground engaging tools or GET that

combine with ore during the mining process), continuity of

delivering mined material to the crusher, and the like.

[0009] Accordingly, ensuring continuous supply of high

quality ROM to the primary crusher or similar processing will

generally result in increased mine production and efficiency.

The current invention was conceived with this goal in mind

and seeks to propose possible amelioration to conventional

ROM supply practices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that reference

herein to an apron feeder generally includes reference to a

suitable feeder in which mined material is carried on an

apron conveyor and in which the rate of feed is adjusted

either by varying a depth of material or the speed of the

conveyor, or both. Similarly, reference herein to Run of Mine

(ROM) generally refers to ore that has been mined and ready

to go to a mine processing plant, i.e. raw mined materials

prior to processing by a mining processing plant, such as a

primary crusher, or the like.

[0011] According to a first aspect of the invention there

is provided a comminution arrangement for a mine site, said

arrangement comprising:

a feed bin for receiving mined material and including:

i) a grizzly at an upper portion thereof configured

to allow material below a predetermined size to

pass whilst filtering larger material;

ii) an apron feeder at a lower portion thereof for

regulating feeding of material; and

iii) a vibrating grizzly feeder operatively fed

with material from the apron feeder;

a stacker conveyor configured to receive material from

the grizzly feeder, said stacker conveyor feeding a radial

stacker for stacking at least one ore stockpile with

material;

for each ore stockpile, a stockpile reclaim conveyor

arranged within a reclaim tunnel below said stockpile and

configured to selectively convey material from such

stockpile; and

a crusher feed conveyor operatively fed with material

from at least one stockpile reclaim conveyor, said crusher

feed conveyor for supplying Run of Mine (ROM) to a primary

crusher.

[0012] In an embodiment, the feed bin is sized and

dimensioned to receive mined material from a plurality of

haul trucks simultaneously.

[0013] In one embodiment, the feed bin is sized and

dimensioned to accommodate five haul trucks simultaneously

dumping mined material therein.

[0014] Typically, the feed bin defines a funnel-like

structure for guiding received material towards the apron

feeder under the influence of gravity.

[0015] In an embodiment, the arrangement comprises a

rockbreaker proximate the grizzly for reducing the filtered

larger material below the predetermined size.

[0016] Typically, the rockbreaker comprises a mobile

and/or stationary rockbreaker, i.e. mounted on a pedestal or

slew frame, and/or mounted on an excavator platform.

[0017] Typically, the grizzly is configured such that the

predetermined size of material is selectable according to

mining process requirements.

[0018] Typically, the apron feeder is configured to

regulate and control a rate of feeding of material from the

feed bin to the vibrating grizzly feeder.

[0019] Typically, the stacker conveyor stacks three to

five ore stockpiles.

[0020] In an embodiment, the stacker conveyor stacks the

ore stockpiles according to a grade of material, e.g. a high

grade stockpile, a medium grade stockpile, a low-grade

stockpile, etc.

[0021] Typically, the stacker conveyor includes at least

one belt magnet configured to remove unwanted magnetic

material from the conveyed material.

[0022] Typically, the at least one belt magnet is arranged

along a length of the stacker conveyor between the grizzly

feeder and the radial stacker.

[0023] Typically, each stockpile reclaim conveyor is

selectively operable to allow blending of material conveyed

to the crusher feed conveyor.

[0024] In an embodiment, the crusher feed conveyor

includes at least one secondary belt magnet configured to

remove unwanted magnetic material from the conveyed material.

[0025] Typically, the feed bin is arranged at a higher

level, the radial stacker at an intermediate level, and the

stockpiles and crusher feed conveyor at a lower level

relative to each other on the mine site.

[0026] According to a second aspect of the invention there

is provided a comminution methodology comprising the steps

of:

receiving, via a feed bin, mined material, said feed bin

comprising:

i) a grizzly at an upper portion thereof configured

to allow material below a predetermined size to

pass whilst filtering larger material;

ii) an apron feeder at a lower portion thereof for

regulating feeding of material; and

iii) a vibrating grizzly feeder operatively fed

with material from the apron feeder;

stacking, via a radial stacker fed by a stacker conveyor

which receives material from the grizzly feeder, at least one

ore stockpile with material;

selectively reclaiming from a stockpile, via a stockpile

reclaim conveyor arranged within a reclaim tunnel below said

stockpile, material from a desired stockpile; and

feeding, via a crusher feed conveyor operatively fed

with material from a stockpile reclaim conveyor, Run of Mine

(ROM) material to a primary crusher.

[0027] Typically, the step of receiving comprises

receiving mined material from a plurality of haul trucks

simultaneously.

[0028] Typically, the method includes the step of reducing

a size of larger material filtered by the grizzly via a

rockbreaker positioned proximate the grizzly for reducing

such filtered larger material below the predetermined size.

[0029] Typically, the step of stacking comprises stacking

three to five ore stockpiles.

[0030] In an embodiment, the step of stacking comprises

stacking the ore stockpiles according to a grade of material,

e.g. a high-grade stockpile, a medium grade stockpile, a low

grade stockpile, etc.

[0031] Typically, the method includes the step of removing

unwanted magnetic material, via a belt magnet, from the

material conveyed on the stacker conveyor.

[0032] Typically, the step of selectively reclaiming

comprises reclaiming from each stockpile, via a stockpile

reclaim conveyor, to allow blending of material conveyed to

the crusher feed conveyor.

[0033] According to a third aspect of the invention there

is provided a mine site having a comminution arrangement in

accordance with the first aspect of the invention above.

[0034] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there

is provided a method of mining comprising a comminution methodology in accordance with the second aspect of the invention above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the

accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective overview

representation of a comminution arrangement for a mine site,

in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective sectional

representation of the arrangement of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is diagrammatic side sectional representation

of a feed bin of the arrangement;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic front view sectional

representation of the feed bin of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side sectional overview

representation of the arrangement of Figure 1;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic front view representation of

the arrangement of Figure 1; and

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic top-view overview

representation of the arrangement of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0035] Further features of the present invention are more

fully described in the following description of several non- limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout.

[0036] Broadly, where conventional mining practices often

see mined material or ROM being delivered directly by haul

trucks to a primary crusher, the present invention is

intended to function as an intermediary comminution

arrangement which provides benefits as described below. The

skilled addressee will have mining experience and, as a

result, technology and concepts well-known in the field of

mining will not be described herein in any detail.

[0037] Referring now to the accompanying figures, there is

shown an embodiment of a comminution arrangement 10 for a

mine site, in accordance with aspects of the present

invention. The arrangement 10 generally comprises a feed bin

12 for receiving mined material, a stacker conveyor 22, a

radial stacker 24 for stacking stockpiles 24, stockpile

reclaim conveyors 30, and a crusher feed conveyor 34 for

feeding a primary crusher 36.

[0038] In a typical example, the feed bin 12 comprises a

grizzly 14 at an upper portion thereof (shown more clearly in

Figures 3 and 4) which is configured to allow material below

a predetermined size to pass into feed bin 12 whilst

filtering larger material, and a rockbreaker 16 proximate the

grizzly 14 for reducing such filtered larger material below

the predetermined size so that it may pass into the bin 12.

[0039] The rockbreaker 16 may comprise a mobile and/or

stationary rockbreaker, i.e. mounted on a pedestal or slew

frame, and/or mounted on an excavator platform, or the like,

as is known in the art. The rockbreaker 16 generally reduces

larger material below the predetermined size as such larger

material lies on the grizzly 14, or it may do so on a surface

besides or proximate the grizzly before such reduced material

is transferred by means of front-end-loader, or the like,

into the feed bin 12, onto the grizzly, etc. The skilled

addressee is to appreciate that variations hereon are

possible and expected and within the scope of the present

invention.

[0040] Feed bin 12 further typically includes an apron

feeder 18 at a lower portion thereof, as shown, for

regulating feeding of material, and a vibrating grizzly

feeder 20 which is operatively fed with material from the

apron feeder 18.

[0041] Arrangement 10 then features a stacker conveyor 22

which is configured to receive material from the grizzly

feeder 20, with said stacker conveyor 22 for feeding a radial

stacker 24 with material from the feed bin 12 for stacking on

at least one ore stockpile 26.

[0042] For each ore stockpile 26, arrangement 10 includes

a stockpile reclaim conveyor 30 which is arranged within a

reclaim tunnel 32 below that particular stockpile 26 and

which is configured to selectively convey material from such

a stockpile 26. Finally, arrangement 10 includes a crusher

feed conveyor 34 which is operatively fed with material from

at least one stockpile reclaim conveyor 30, requirements depending, with the crusher feed conveyor 34 supplying Run of

Mine (ROM) to a primary crusher 36.

[0043] The feed bin 12 is typically sized and dimensioned

to receive mined material from a plurality of haul trucks

simultaneously. In one embodiment, the feed bin 12 may be

sized and dimensioned to accommodate, for example, five haul

trucks simultaneously dumping mined material therein.

Variations hereon are possible and within the scope of the

invention.

[0044] As seen in Figure 4, the feed bin 12 typically

defines a funnel-like structure for guiding received material

towards the apron feeder 18 under the influence of gravity.

The grizzly 14 is generally configured such that the

predetermined size of material is selectable according to

mining process requirements, e.g. 500mm, or the like. The

apron feeder 18 is generally configured to regulate and

control a rate of feeding of material from the feed bin 12 to

the vibrating grizzly feeder 20, as is known in the art.

[0045] Depending on mine requirements, the stacker

conveyor 22 typically stacks three to five ore stockpiles 26,

although variations hereon as possible and expected. In an

embodiment, the stacker conveyor 22 stacks the ore stockpiles

26 according to a grade of material, e.g. a high-grade

stockpile, a medium grade stockpile, a low-grade stockpile,

etc. The stacker conveyor 22 also generally includes at least

one belt magnet 28 which is configured to remove unwanted

magnetic material, such as GET gear, from the conveyed

material. Typically, the at least one belt magnet 28 is

arranged along a length of the stacker conveyor 22 between

the grizzly feeder 20 and the radial stacker 24. The skilled

addressee is to appreciate that a plurality of belt magnets may be arranged as desired along the stacker conveyor 24.

Variations on the number and location(s) of the at least one

belt magnet 28 are possible and within the scope of the

present invention.

[0046] In a typical example, each stockpile reclaim

conveyor 30 is selectively operable to allow blending of

material conveyed to the crusher feed conveyor 34. In one

embodiment, the crusher feed conveyor 34 also includes at

least one secondary belt magnet 38 which is additionally

configured to remove unwanted magnetic material, such as GET

gear, from the conveyed material. As with the at least one

belt magnet 28 above, variations on a number and location(s)

of the at least one secondary belt magnet 38 are possible and

expected.

[0047] As shown in the accompanying figures, the feed bin

12 is arranged at a higher level, the radial stacker 24 at an

intermediate level, and the stockpiles 26 and crusher feed

conveyor 34 at a lower level relative to each other on the

mine site. Such an arrangement facilitates operation of

arrangement 10, as understood in the field of mine planning.

[0048] The present invention further includes a

comminution methodology which generally comprises the steps

of receiving mined material into feed bin 12, stacking (via

radial stacker 14) at least one ore stockpile 26 with

material, selectively reclaiming from a stockpile (via

stockpile reclaim conveyor 30) material from a desired

stockpile, and feeding (via crusher feed conveyor 34) Run of

Mine (ROM) material to primary crusher 36.

[0049] As with arrangement 10 described above, such a

methodology may include steps of receiving mined material from a plurality of haul trucks simultaneously, reducing a size of larger material filtered by the grizzly 14 via the rockbreaker 16, stacking three to five ore stockpiles 26 with radial stacker 24, and/or stacking the ore stockpiles 26 according to a grade of material, e.g. a high-grade stockpile, a medium grade stockpile, a low-grade stockpile, etc.

[0050] Similarly, the methodology may include the step of

removing unwanted magnetic material, via belt magnet 18, from

the material conveyed on the stacker conveyor 22, and/or the

step of selectively reclaiming from each stockpile 26, via

stockpile reclaim conveyor 30, to allow blending of material

conveyed to the crusher feed conveyor 34.

[0051] The skilled addressee is to appreciate that the

present invention extends towards a mine site having a

comminution arrangement 10 as generally described and

illustrated herein, as well as towards a method of mining

comprising a comminution methodology described herein.

[0052] Applicant believes it particularly advantageous

that the present invention provides for a comminution

arrangement 10 and associated methodology which is able to

function as intermediary between mined material and ROM

supplied for mining processing, such as primary crushing. In

this manner, arrangement 10 is able to provide a buffer

against delays in supplying ROM, whilst also enabling

blending of ROM material supplied to mining processing.

[0053] Optional embodiments of the present invention may

also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and

features referred to or indicated herein, individually or

collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0054] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the",

and/or similar referents in the context of describing various

embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject

matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and

the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly

contradicted by context. The terms "comprising, " "having,

" "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open

ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,")

unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or"

includes any and all combinations of one or more of the

associated listed items. No language in the specification

should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject

matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject

matter.

[0055] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner,! "outer,!"

"beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like,

may be used herein for ease of description to describe one

element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or

feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative

terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of

the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation

depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the

figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or

"beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented

"above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0056] It is to be appreciated that reference to "!one example" or !an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[0057] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor(s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor(s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0058] Any method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

Claims

1. A comminution arrangement for a mine site, said

arrangement comprising:

a feed bin for receiving mined material and including:

i) a grizzly at an upper portion thereof configured

to allow material below a predetermined size to

pass whilst filtering larger material;

ii) an apron feeder at a lower portion thereof for

regulating feeding of material; and

iii) a vibrating grizzly feeder operatively fed

with material from the apron feeder;

a stacker conveyor configured to receive material from

the grizzly feeder, said stacker conveyor feeding a radial

stacker for stacking at least one ore stockpile with

material;

for each ore stockpile, a stockpile reclaim conveyor

arranged within a reclaim tunnel below said stockpile and

configured to selectively convey material from such

stockpile; and

a crusher feed conveyor operatively fed with material

from at least one stockpile reclaim conveyor, said crusher

feed conveyor for supplying Run of Mine (ROM) to a primary

crusher.

2. The arrangement of claim 1, wherein the feed bin is

sized and dimensioned to receive mined material from a

plurality of haul trucks simultaneously.

3. The arrangement of claim 2, wherein the feed bin is

sized and dimensioned to accommodate five haul trucks

simultaneously dumping mined material therein.

4. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the

feed bin defines a funnel-like structure for guiding received

material towards the apron feeder under the influence of

gravity.

5. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 5, which comprises

a rockbreaker proximate the grizzly for reducing the filtered

larger material below the predetermined size.

6. The arrangement of claim 5, wherein the rockbreaker

comprises a mobile and/or stationary rockbreaker.

7. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the

grizzly is configured such that the predetermined size of

material is selectable according to mining process

requirements.

8. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the

apron feeder is configured to regulate and control a rate of

feeding of material from the feed bin to the vibrating

grizzly feeder.

9. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the

stacker conveyor stacks three to five ore stockpiles.

10. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the

stacker conveyor stacks the ore stockpiles according to a

grade of material.

11. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the

stacker conveyor includes at least one belt magnet configured

to remove unwanted magnetic material from the conveyed

material.

12. The arrangement of claim 11, wherein the at least one

belt magnet is arranged along a length of the stacker

conveyor between the grizzly feeder and the radial stacker.

13. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 12, wherein each

stockpile reclaim conveyor is selectively operable to allow

blending of material conveyed to the crusher feed conveyor.

14. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the

crusher feed conveyor includes at least one secondary belt

magnet configured to remove unwanted magnetic material from

the conveyed material.

15. The arrangement of any of claims 1 to 14, wherein the

feed bin is arranged at a higher level, the radial stacker at

an intermediate level, and the stockpiles and crusher feed

conveyor at a lower level relative to each other on the mine

site.

16. A comminution method comprising the steps of:

receiving, via a feed bin, mined material, said feed bin

comprising:

i) a grizzly at an upper portion thereof configured

to allow material below a predetermined size to

pass whilst filtering larger material;

ii) an apron feeder at a lower portion thereof for

regulating feeding of material; and

iii) a vibrating grizzly feeder operatively fed

with material from the apron feeder;

stacking, via a radial stacker fed by a stacker conveyor

which receives material from the grizzly feeder, at least one

ore stockpile with material; selectively reclaiming from a stockpile, via a stockpile reclaim conveyor arranged within a reclaim tunnel below said stockpile, material from a desired stockpile; and feeding, via a crusher feed conveyor operatively fed with material from a stockpile reclaim conveyor, Run of Mine

(ROM) material to a primary crusher.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the step of receiving

comprises receiving mined material from a plurality of haul

trucks simultaneously.

18. The method of either of claims 16 or 17, which includes

the step of reducing a size of larger material filtered by

the grizzly via a rockbreaker positioned proximate the

grizzly for reducing such filtered larger material below the

predetermined size.

19. The method of any of claims 16 to 18, wherein the step

of stacking comprises stacking three to five ore stockpiles.

20. The method of any of claims 16 to 19, wherein the step

of stacking comprises stacking the ore stockpiles according

to a grade of material.

21. The method of any of claims 16 to 20, which includes the

step of removing unwanted magnetic material, via at least one

belt magnet, from the material conveyed on the stacker

conveyor.

22. The method of any of claims 16 to 21, wherein the step

of selectively reclaiming comprises reclaiming from each

stockpile, via a stockpile reclaim conveyor, to allow

blending of material conveyed to the crusher feed conveyor.

23. A mine site having a comminution arrangement in accordance with any of claims 1 to 15.

24. A method of mining comprising a comminution method in accordance with any of claims 16 to 22.