An integrated mineral processing pilot plant was installed in 1962 to study the feasibility of commercial exploitation of the techniques, process flow-sheets and products developed in the laboratory. Studies have been undertaken on pilot scale research on beneficiation and agglomeration of ferrous, non-ferrous metallic and non metallic ores and coal samples from various sources.

Pilot scale studies executed (selected few)

Washing and beneficiation of low grade iron ores

Flotation based process for beneficiation of low grade copper ores

Separation of lead and zinc bearing minerals by differential flotation

Concentration of graphite by froth flotation

Column flotation for separation of sillimanite from beach sand

Column flotation of limestone and iron ores

Concentration of low grade fluorspar by froth flotation

Processing of  waste dump for recovery of barite

Separation of copper, lead and zinc from complex sulphide ore

Briquetting, Sintering and Pelletization of iron ores

De-ashing of coals by froth flotation

Pilot scale beneficiation of kynite and tungsten ore

Beneficiation and pelletization of limestone

The activities are backed up by strong characterization and laboratory studies. The major pilot scale studies at NML are supported by both private & public sector industries.  

Major Achievements

Numerous technical know-hows have been provided for commissioning of mineral processing plants in the areas of ferrous, non-ferrous, non-metallic and coal in public and private sectors in the country as well as in other countries.  

Major Facilities  

The pilot scale beneficiation  facilities consists of  equipment with treatment capacity of 0.5 to 2 tph. The plant is divided into different sections viz., Crushing and Screening; Washing and Grinding; Gravity Separation, Magnetic separation; Electrostatic separation; Froth flotation; Dewatering and Agglomeration.