Predictive Geometallurgical Modeling for Flotation Performance in Mixed Copper Ores Using Discriminatory Methods

Faouzi, Rachid; Oumesaoud, Hassan; Naji, Khalid; Benzakour, Intissar; Aboulhassan, Moulay Abdelazize; Faqir, Hakim; Tahari, Hind

doi:10.1007/s13369-023-08691-y

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“…Challenges are presented for the froth flotation process by the presence of these clays and iron oxides, as they can potentially hinder flotation efficiency, complicating the extraction of valuable copper minerals. Despite these deposits’ recognized economic and industrial significance, a comprehensive analysis of their mineralogical characteristics and interactions remains essential. ,, This characterization is vital to developing and refining strategies to process these complex ores effectively . However, a need for more existing literature is identified.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…24 , 27 , 28 This characterization is vital to developing and refining strategies to process these complex ores effectively. 29 However, a need for more existing literature is identified. Although the importance of iron oxide-copper-bearing minerals is recognized, limited in-depth studies focus on their beneficiation, mainly through flotation and sulfidization techniques.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Iron Oxide–Copper Mineral Associations in Supergene Zones: Insights into Flotation Challenges and Optimization Using Response Surface Methodology

Oumesaoud,

Faouzi,

Aboulhassan

et al. 2024

ACS Omega

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In this study, batch flotation tests were conducted to investigate the flotation of oxidized copper ore from the supergene zone of the Bounhas deposit. Utilizing the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) anchored on the Box-Behnken Design (BBD), the effects of parameters such as collector dosage, sulfidizing agent, copper oxide and iron oxide grades, and particle size on copper recovery were explored. ANOVA and response surface plots elucidated the complex behavior of copper flotation. Mineralogical analyses of the initial feed and postflotation tails were performed on an industrial scale using advanced Zeiss microscopy. The quadratic model with an R 2 of 94.49% accurately captured the impact of the process parameters on copper recovery. Among the key findings, the sulfidizing agent exhibited the most substantial quadratic effect, while the copper oxide grade had the most substantial linear impact on recovery. A pivotal observation was the link between copper losses in tailings and specific iron oxide-copper associations. Optimization identified conditions leading to a maximum copper recovery rate of 71.49%. When validated industrially, the model demonstrated robust applicability for analogous mineral processing contexts. The study’s mineralogical insights enhance our understanding of the supergene zone mineralization and offer a solid foundation for subsequent in-depth mineral processing studies.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%