Biography:
Giovanni is a Ph.D. candidate in mining engineering at the University of British Columbia. His research area is mineral processing with a particular focus on comminution. Giovanni’s current work investigates compression comminution technologies and builds off previous research that combined modelling and laboratory testing in the areas of energy consumption, renewable energy integration and ore breakage. He completed his undergraduate degree in Mining Engineering and his M.Sc. in Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy at the University of Chile.
Project: A Study on Compression Breakage: From Theory to Practice
Giovanni’s thesis research explores the intricacies of comminution in High-Pressure Grinding Rolls (HPGR), a critical technology in the mineral processing and cement production industries. His focus is on understanding the phenomena of compression breakage, primarily through the implementation of the Piston Press Test (PPT), a lab-scale test to proxy the HPGR. This research aims to tackle two critical issues. Firstly, it addresses the high cost and material requirements associated with sizing and selecting HPGRs, especially in the early stages of new projects where sample availability is limited. Secondly, it examines the influence of feed characteristics on compression breakage, aiming to enhance the prediction accuracy of HPGR throughput models. By enabling the efficient use of HPGR technology, the research contributes to reducing the mining industry’s overall energy consumption and carbon emissions. Furthermore, the methodology developed for throughput prediction facilitates better planning and design of mining projects, aligning with sustainable and responsible mining principles.
