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Characterising chalcopyrite liberation and flotation potential: examples from an IOCG deposit

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 09:37 authored by Julie HuntJulie Hunt, Ronald BerryRonald Berry, Bradshaw, D
A critical aspect of geometallurgy is quantifying mineralogical and textural relationships that affect mineral processing (e.g., liberation and recovery) and it is vital that this information is included in the planning process for both mining and mineral processing. However, to date, this has been an expensive and time consuming venture and only minimal amounts of this type of data are available to be included in the planning process. Our research is focused on developing new methods that will produce the required mineralogical and textural data rapidly and inexpensively. These include obtaining quantified textural data, such as the size and distribution of the valuable phase and its association with other minerals, by extracting it directly from mineral maps. In addition, simulated breakage of drill core samples was used as a rapid way of looking at various particle sizes to determine potential liberation behaviour. The predicted liberation parameter compares favourably with results obtained from typical MLA recovery analysis, is spatially coherent and can be used to recognise domains of high and low liberation potential that are expected to affect the grade recovery curve. The flotation response was evaluated and the technique validated using a small scale test being developed at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, i.e. the JKMSI (mineral separability indicator).

History

Publication title

Minerals Engineering: An International Journal Devoted to Innovation and Developments in Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy

Volume

24

Issue

12

Pagination

1271-1276

ISSN

0892-6875

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd

Place of publication

The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England, Ox5 1Gb

Rights statement

The definitive version is available at http://www.sciencedirect.com

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Copper ore exploration

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