Utilization of Flotation in Copper Extraction From Polymetallic Ore

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine flotation of utility metals from poor polymetallic ores and verify the potential for profitable yields in connection with potentially economic deposits of non-ferrous metals. The paper describes results in flotation concentrate research to recover copper from polymetallic ore. The polymetallic ore from Zlate Hory deposit (Czech Republic) was subjected to crushing, grinding, and screening to prepare feed for separation with mesh size under 200 microns. The heavy medium separation was performed in tetrabromethane with a density of 2.967 g.cm -3 . The float and sink products were obtained and tested for chemical composition. Next, the treated polymetallic ore sample was subjected to flotation. In flotation, various dosages of collector (PAX) and various pH were tested, at which pyrite was depressed. The recovery of metallic copper in the concentrate increased with the collector dose. As the pH of the medium increased, the pyrite content in the concentrate dropped. The lowest content of pyrite, i.e. 4.01 %, was obtained at pH 10. In the original polymetallic ore, the Cu content was 0.41 % after subsequent treatment and flotation tests, the Cu content increased to 1.38 % with Cu recovery 86.18 %. Figure 4. Results of pyrite depression CONCLUSIONA sample of polymetallic ores from the Zlate Hory-East deposit was subjected to flotation. The sample was adjusted to a suitable grain size and subjected to X-ray and XRF analysis. On the basis of the obtained results, the separation of quartz in heavy medium separation and subsequent flotation was performed. First, the effect various dosages of collector on the flotation efficiency was observed. The second series of flotation was used to determine pH at which to achieve maximum depressing of pyrite. With increasing the dose of PAX collector, Cu recovery in individual concentrates increased. As a result, it turned out that the dose of 84 g/t PAX was the best dose for next flotation. As the pH of the medium increased, the pyrite content of the concentrate was reduced. The content pyrite in concentrate was 4.01 % for pH 10. Concurrently with increased pH, flotation efficiency increased. In the original polymetallic ore, the Cu content was 0.41 % after subsequent treatment and flotation tests, the Cu content was increased to 1.38 % with Cu recovery 86.18 %.