Possibility of enrichment of ore processing waste from Karagaily and Zheskazgan mining plants by dry separation method

Abstract

This study aims at review of the effects of dry separation method on the ore flotation efficiency and thoroughly discusses the possibility of waste enrichment by sieving through fine-mesh sieves with sizes (d > 0.4; 0.16 < d < 0.4; 0.08 < d < 0.16; d < 0.08 mm). A granulometric analysis of four samples waste production, was carried out and the copper content in each fraction was determined. According to the results of the study, the following was established: 1) the largest proportion has a grain size fraction over the range 0.16-0.08 mm in the «current tails» of the Karagaily ore-processing plant, in this fraction turned out to be the highest copper content; 2) a larger amount of copper is contained in coarse fraction of «stored tails» and «current tails» of Zhezkazgan ore-processing plant 1-2, therefore, it is possible to sift out a finely dispersed fraction; 3) the largest fraction by grain size is over the range of 0.16-0.08 mm in «aged tails» of Zhezkazgan PP 3, but the largest weight percentage of copper is over the range 0.08 < d < 0.16. As a result of the studies, it was found that «current tails» and «stored tails» are applicable for the ore enrichment by dry separation method. The «Current tails» of the KPP are not suitable for enrichment by dry separation.