A Multistage sulphidisation flotation procedure for a low grade malachite copper ore

Journal article

Authors / Editors

Muzenda, Edison

Research Areas

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Frascati classification)

Publication Details

Subtitle: A Multistage sulphidisation flotation procedure for a low grade malachite copper ore

Publisher: World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET)

Publication year: 2010

Volume number: 4

Issue number: 9

Start page: 17

ISSN: 2010-376X

eISSN: 2010-3778

Languages: English-United States (EN-US)

Abstract

This study was carried out to develop a flotation procedure for an oxide copper ore from a Region in Central Africa for producing an 18% copper concentrate for downstream processing at maximum recovery from a 4% copper feed grade. The copper recoveries achieved from the test work were less than 50% despite changes in reagent conditions (multistage sulphidisation, use of RCA emulsion and mixture, use of AM 2, etc). The poor recoveries were attributed to the mineralogy of the ore from which copper silicates accounted for approximately 70% (mass) of the copper minerals in the ore. These can be complex and difficult to float using conventional flotation methods. Best results were obtained using basic sulphidisation procedures, a high flotation temperature and extended flotation residence time.

Keywords

— Froth flotation, Sulphidisation, Copper oxide ore, Mineralogy, Recove

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