The characterization of textural properties of minerals is closely related to the process of their respective liberation. Measurements ofmineral liberation, related to grinded ore, can be performed using optical ore microscope, by conventional, classical methods – pointcounting, linear intercepts method or planimetric measurements method (2D). Modern automatic devices and sophisticated measurement techniques (QEMSCAN/MLA) imply recording free surfaces area of mineral grains on polished sections samples in orderto determine mineral degree of liberation. Value of mineral liberation obtained over free surfaces area can be of interest to flotationconcentration, although not for gravity separation or, for example, magnetic separation. The prediction accuracy for behavior of onefeed ore during the concentration process depends on the method of measuring/recording mineral liberation. Considering raw materials with complex textural characteristics it is crucial which method will be applied for determination of mineral liberation respectingwhether for concentration process is crucial physical or chemical method.
A unique technology of direct selective flotation is in use in flotation plant of the "Rudnik" mine in order to obtain selective lead, copper and zinc concentrates. Technological process is very sensitive to so-called "selectivity" because loss of individual metals through selective concentrates is present. Copper minerals flotation cycle is especially sensitive to selectivity and sometimes there is a higher content of lead and zinc minerals present in copper concentrate which is penalized. In this paper laboratory research results of lowering galena and zinc content in copper concentrate possibility due to extended time of cleaning are shown. All experiments were carried out on copper concentrate samples taken from the "Rudnik" flotation plant. Copper concentrate mineralogical analysis were carried out before flotation experiments.
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