Vanning

Vanning

Diagram of a Frue Vanner, a type of vanning machine.

Vanning is a process by which ores are washed on a shovel. The method was used in the past for the concentration of ores, particularly those containing tin and copper. The process involves the use of a vanning shovel, a tool with a wide, flat blade, to separate heavier mineral particles from lighter waste material by means of a washing action.

Process

The vanning process involves placing a small amount of crushed ore on the vanning shovel. The operator then uses a series of motions to wash the ore, allowing the heavier mineral particles to settle to the bottom of the shovel while the lighter waste material is washed away. This process is repeated several times to increase the concentration of the desired mineral.

The technique requires skill and experience, as the operator must be able to judge the correct amount of water and the appropriate motion to achieve effective separation. Vanning was commonly used in the 19th century before the advent of more advanced ore dressing techniques.

Frue Vanner

A mill at the Treadwell gold mine, 1887, where vanning might have been used.

The Frue Vanner is a mechanical device that automates the vanning process. It was invented in the late 19th century and became widely used in mining operations. The Frue Vanner consists of a belt that moves over a series of rollers. The ore is fed onto the belt, and water is sprayed over it. As the belt moves, the heavier mineral particles settle on the belt, while the lighter waste material is washed away.

The Frue Vanner was particularly effective for concentrating fine particles of ore and was used extensively in the mining of gold, silver, and other precious metals.

Historical Significance

Vanning played a crucial role in the development of mining technology. It allowed for the efficient concentration of ores, which was essential for the economic viability of many mining operations. The introduction of mechanical vanners like the Frue Vanner marked a significant advancement in ore dressing technology, paving the way for more sophisticated methods of mineral processing.

Related pages

• Ore dressing
• Mineral processing
• Tin mining
• Copper extraction

References

• Rickard, T. A. (1909). "The Evolution of Ore Dressing Methods." Transactions of the American Institute of Mining Engineers.
• Taggart, A. F. (1927). "Handbook of Mineral Dressing." John Wiley & Sons.