JSC Polymetal Engineering (Russia):

Chistyakov А. А., Ph. D. in Engineering Sciences, Leading Engineer, chistyakov@polymetal.ru

Kovalev V. N., Ph. D. in Engineering Sciences, Leading Engineer, kovalevVN@polymetal.ru

Galyutin А. Yu., Head of Laboratory, Galutin@polymetal.ru

Golikov V. V., Ph. D. in Engineering Sciences, Head of Department of Mineral Processing, GolikVV@polymetal.ru

Aksyenov B. V., Process Technology Expert, Aksenov@polymetal.ru

Xstrata Technology (Russia and CIS):

Rahbani R., Mineral Processing Manager, Europe/CIS, Rakan.Rahbani@xt-t.com

The authors are deeply indebted to N. A. Galimov, Head of Plant, O. A. Starenkiy, Chief Metallurgist, as well as to the staff of the Albazinskaya gold recovery plant Research Laboratory of OAO «Albazino Resources», under the direction of N. S. Guseva, for assistance in preparation and performance of pilot-scale testing.

One of the promising trends in flotation processes and technology development consists in design and engineering of new methods and devices for slurry aeration, particularly, in pneumatic flotation machines of column type. A flotation machine Jameson Cell (JC) combines a new method of air-slurry interaction, by which a falling stream naturally entrains air, providing for its high concentration with respect to slurry volume, small size of air bubbles and close contact between bubbles and material particles. One of the main advantages of this flotation cell, if compared with similar equipment, consists in non-application of scaling factors in JC cells design, since stream velocity, air entrainment and hydrodynamic conditions of mixing are the same for the cells of all sizes. The article presents pilot-scale testing results of flotation machine Jameson Cell of column type in cleaning flotation cycle at an operation of OAO «Polymetall». The testings were conducted in continuous mode on a pilot-scale installation Jameson Cell L500/1 with two products: second rougher flotation concentrate and second cleaner operation cell product. Possible production of a high-grade concentrate through one cleaning stage by means of froth washing is demonstrated. Comparison of flotation results is performed with respect to two- and three-stage ore grinding flow sheets. It was established, that three-stage ore grinding flow sheet is more advantageous in comparison with two-stage one, as it provides for higher flotation efficiency in JC through better liberation of minerals and permits to achieve concentrate gold grade over 40 g/t (higher by 25–35 % rel.). Prospects of application of this type of flotation machines in cleaning operations are justified.

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