Mineral Processing & Metallurgical Testing
SLR provides mineral processing and metallurgical testing services through a connected network of international laboratories, supporting mining projects across commodities, geographies, and stages of development.
From early‑stage metallurgical characterisation through feasibility, pilot‑scale testing, and operational optimisation, we deliver tailored solutions that reflect each project’s unique requirements.
Overview
Our teams design fit‑for‑purpose testwork programmes informed by ore characteristics and project objectives, helping clients establish a strong technical basis for confident processing decisions. As projects progress, our testing evolves with them, providing continuous laboratory support as technical understanding deepens and project needs change.
Sustainability underpins our approach to mineral processing. We are committed to developing processing solutions that minimise environmental impact while supporting resource efficiency and long‑term performance, ensuring our clients receive outcomes that align with both project goals and responsible mine development.
Mineral Processing & Metallurgical Testing Services
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Ore characterisation and metallurgical amenability
- Head assay and metallurgical characterisation
- Mineralogical and analytical support
- Diagnostic leaching and amenability testing
- Cyanide amenability and preg-robbing assessment
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Comminution and grindability testing
- Bond Work Index testing (crushing, rod, and ball mill)
- Abrasion and grindability testing
- SAG and autogenous grinding assessments
- Comminution characterisation to support circuit design
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Gravity and physical separation
- Gravity separation testing
- Centrifugal, tabling, and spiral concentration
- Magnetic separation testing (low, medium, and high intensity)
- Heavy liquid and physical separation methods
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Flotation testing and process optimization
- Flotation amenability and optimisation testing
- Batch and locked‑cycle flotation programmes
- Kinetic and variability testing
- Continuous and pilot‑scale flotation testing
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Hydrometallurgical and leach testing
- Bottle roll and agitated leach testing
- Column leach testing
- Carbon and resin adsorption testing
- Solvent extraction, precipitation, and electrowinning support
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Process development and flowsheet design support
- Process flowsheet development and evaluation
- Testwork to support scoping and feasibility studies
- Confirmatory testing programmes
- Process selection and optimisation support
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Pilot-scale testing and scale-up
- Pilot‑scale testwork programmes
- Continuous testing to support scale‑up
- Variability and bulk sample testing
- Design confidence and risk reduction support
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Backfill and tailings engineering
- Backfill characterization and materials testing (paste, slurry, high-density systems)
- Rheological testing to assess flow behaviour and transport performance
- Dewatering testwork including thickening and filtration
- Strength and performance testing for mix design, binder optimisation, and long-term stability
Our Global Laboratory Network
SLR’s Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing services are delivered through a network of specialised laboratories operating as part of a connected global service. Each laboratory brings distinct technical strengths and regional experience while working within shared methodologies and quality standards. This integrated approach allows us to support clients consistently while tailoring testing and process development to specific project needs.
Cornwall, UK
Mineral Processing and Pilot-Scale Testing
The Cornwall laboratory is a cornerstone of SLR’s mineral processing capability, providing comprehensive metallurgical testing and pilot‑scale support for complex ores and processing challenges.
- Bench‑scale through pilot‑scale metallurgical testing
- Flowsheet development and optimisation for complex mineralogy
- Integrated mineralogical and metallurgical analysis
- Support for scoping, feasibility, and design‑level studies
Fort Collins, USA
Metallurgical Testing and Process Development
SLR’s Fort Collins laboratory provides metallurgical testing and process development support for mining projects, with a focus on practical decision‑making and recovery optimization.
- Metallurgical amenability and characterization testing
- Cyanide and gold recovery test work
- Process evaluation and optimisation support
- Study‑level and confirmatory testing programs
Sudbury, CAN
Integrated Backfill Testing and Materials Performance
SLR’s Sudbury laboratory is equipped for characterization, particle segregation, dewatering (flocculation/thickening and filtration), rheological, geo-chemical and paste backfill test work.
- Backfill characterisation and materials testing for tailings, binders, and blended systems
- Rheological assessment to support transport, placement, and flow behaviour
- Dewatering test work, including thickening and filtration for process efficiency
- Strength testing and pilot-scale programmes to validate mix design and long-term performance
Mineral Processing & Metallurgical Testing Projects
Mineral Processing & Metallurgical Testing Team
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Ben Simpson
Technical Discipline Manager - Mineral Processing
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Dominic Conybeare
Principal Metallurgist
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Garfield Stuart
Principal Mineral Processing Engineer
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Simon Edwards
Principal Chemist
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Aidan Tappin
Senior Metallurgist
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Ryan Job
Senior Engineer
Get in Touch
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