Another reason these engineering marvels are installed is due to their impressiveness. The humming, turning, grinding, and screeching of equipment and the smoke and odors of a mine plant are exciting to the potential investor. Unfortunately, however, he is commonly one of a multitude who has emptied his pockets for a pipe dream. Recovery Even when good ore exists, the treatment facility is often poorly designed. Frequently its component parts are improperly matched or not sized adequately.
Materials handling procedures are commonly cumbersome and energy intensive.
An adequate supply of water may be lacking. Hazardous operating conditions may be present. These circumstances are a few costly examples that can shut a plant down abruptly. The recovery process is in many cases a mystery to the investor. Technological methods vary according to the metal or mineral recovered.