Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-09-11 Origin: Site
In the world of alluvial tin processing, efficiency is defined by how well you can separate heavy minerals from waste before the expensive fine-grinding and cleaning stages. Recently, we deployed our Side-Action Diaphragm Jig Concentrator in a high-capacity alluvial tin operation.
The goal was simple: Maximize roughing capacity and discard as much waste as possible upfront. The result was a textbook example of how gravity separation should be staged.
The raw ore contained cassiterite with good liberation characteristics. However, the feed grade was relatively low (0.2% – 0.4% Sn), and the operation required a solution that could handle large tonnages without the bottleneck of fine-tuning every particle.
The client needed a pre-concentration solution. They did not need a finished product from the primary stage; they needed to bulk-reject waste rock and silica to feed a smaller, more manageable concentrate stream to the shaking tables.
We installed the 2LTC-6109/8T Side-Action Jig as the primary roughing unit. Unlike traditional bottom-suction jigs, the side-action diaphragm design creates a stable, horizontal pulsating water flow. This is critical for stratifying the heavy tin particles without turbulence that can wash fines away.
The plant operates with a feed concentration of 20-25% solids. By utilizing the multi-chamber independent adjustment, we optimized the stroke and frequency for the specific particle size distribution (0.05 – 2mm).
Key Production Metrics:
Roughing Recovery: 84% – 91% of the tin values were captured in the jig concentrate.
Tailings Discard: The jig successfully rejected 60% – 72% of the total feed mass as waste.
Enrichment Ratio: 4 to 7 times. The feed grade of 0.2-0.4% Sn was upgraded to a rougher concentrate of 1.0% – 2.2% Sn.
Why this matters: By discarding nearly 70% of the material as waste at the jig stage, the downstream 6-S Shaking Tables only had to process a fraction of the original volume. This drastically reduced water and power consumption in the cleaning circuit.
This project reinforced the industry mantra: "Jigs do the heavy lifting, Tables do the cleaning."
The Process Flow:
Washing & Screening: Raw ore is washed and screened to remove sticky clay and prepare the feed size.
Jig Roughing: The Side-Action Jig produces a high-yield rougher concentrate and throws away the bulk of the waste.
Table Cleaning: The jig concentrate is fed to shaking tables to produce the final saleable tin concentrate.
Middlings & Slimes: Table middlings return to the mill for further liberation, while the -0.04mm slimes are routed to a separate spiral chute and centrifugal concentrator circuit.
To ensure our clients achieve the best ROI, we provide a transparent analysis of the Side-Action Jig's performance in this application.
Massive Throughput: A single 2LTC-6109/8T unit handles 25–35 TPH. This is significantly higher than spiral chutes or shaking tables, making it perfect for large-scale alluvial mining.
Precise Control: The side-mounted diaphragm allows for independent adjustment of stroke and frequency in each chamber. This creates a clear stratification bed, which is highly effective for tin ore with low clay content.
Maintenance Friendly: Because the diaphragm and drive mechanisms are located on the exterior, maintenance can be performed without dismantling the jig bed. This minimizes downtime.
The Slime Problem: The jig has a hard cutoff at -0.04mm. Micro-fine cassiterite will report to the tailings. Solution: Pre-desliming is mandatory. If your ore is high in clay/slime, the jig will fail without a cyclone or spiral pre-treatment.
Locked Particles: The jig cannot separate cassiterite that is still chemically bonded to quartz (locked particles). These report to the concentrate and require regrinding.
Not a Finisher: You cannot sell jig concentrate directly. It is a rougher concentrate that must be upgraded by shaking tables.
Feed Preparation: The jig hates wide size ranges. If you feed 0.05mm and 2mm particles together without screening, the separation efficiency drops.
For engineers looking to replicate this success, here were the critical settings used in this case:
Parameter | Setting for Fine Sand Tin | Setting for Coarse Sand Tin |
|---|---|---|
Stroke | 4 – 7 mm | 8 – 12 mm |
Frequency | 280 – 320 strokes/min | 220 – 260 strokes/min |
Feed Density | 20 – 25% Solids | 20 – 25% Solids |
Screen Size | -2mm (best 0.05-2mm) | -3mm |
Note: Water supplementation under the screen is critical. Too little water, and the bed won't stratify. Too much, and you wash the heavy minerals away.
The Side-Action Jig is not a magic bullet that turns raw ore into tin bars. It is a high-capacity pre-concentration tool.
By using the Side-Action Jig for roughing and shaking tables for cleaning, this project achieved a stable, efficient, and profitable operation. It proves that in alluvial tin mining, the most cost-effective strategy is to let the jig eat the bulk tonnage and let the tables handle the precision.
Are you planning an alluvial tin project?
Before you invest in a full production line, we strongly recommend a small-scale beneficiation test. Ore characteristics—especially slime content and liberation size—will ultimately determine your recovery rate.
Contact us today to schedule a lab test for your tin ore.
