The Processing Twin

Abstract

This paper investigates whether mine-to-mill recommendations remain technically defensible when laboratory evidence, feed identity, process measurements, instrument calibration and mass-water-metal accounting refer to the same controlled operating period. The Processing Twin tests sample support and assay method, mass and moisture basis, inventory movement, recovery and loss allocation, and the domain of validity of a process or surrogate model before an optimisation result is considered. MTR-05 separates the technical balance release from commercial settlement. The Twin can evaluate an approved trial envelope or calculate a balance; it cannot modify a safety-critical operating limit, certify a commercial invoice or autonomously control the plant.