Which of the following best describes the function of a scrubber in diamond ore processing?

Which of the following best describes the function of a scrubber in diamond ore processing?

• A. To sort diamonds by size
• B. To separate diamonds from ore using density differences
• C. To wash away dirt and clay from diamond-bearing ore
• D. To measure the carat weight of diamonds

Answer: (C)

The function of a scrubber is to wash away dirt and clay from diamond-bearing ore. It uses a rotating drum with water that tumbles the ore, loosening and carrying off fine silt, clay, and other adherent material. This cleaning step helps liberate diamonds from the surrounding rock and prevents clay from clogging downstream equipment, making subsequent separation steps more efficient. Other processes handle different tasks: sorting by size is done with screens or grizzlies; separating diamonds from ore by density happens later in the circuit with heavy media or jigging; and measuring carat weight is done by weighing instruments, not by a scrubber.

The function of a scrubber is to wash away dirt and clay from diamond-bearing ore. It uses a rotating drum with water that tumbles the ore, loosening and carrying off fine silt, clay, and other adherent material. This cleaning step helps liberate diamonds from the surrounding rock and prevents clay from clogging downstream equipment, making subsequent separation steps more efficient.

Other processes handle different tasks: sorting by size is done with screens or grizzlies; separating diamonds from ore by density happens later in the circuit with heavy media or jigging; and measuring carat weight is done by weighing instruments, not by a scrubber.