Nanosecond-discharge-assisted selective separation of fine inclusions not involved in the impurity lattice

Subsequent to mechanical grinding and beneficiation of ore, the so called rock tailings come to the dumps, which are particles under 100 microns in size. As these particles are small lumps of metals, pyrite, silicon, etc. that have stuck together, further mechanical grinding does not permit useful substances to be separated from barren rock. It is shown that by using nanosecond high-voltage breakdowns permits selective separation of metallic and nonmetallic inclusions. Methods are also developed for concentrating useful fractions containing particles less than 10 microns in size.