RIVS Science and Production Association:

Nazarov Yu. P., Director of Board, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, e-mail: rivs@rivs.ru

Processing plant (PP) of Erdenet Mining Corporation treates complex copper–molybdenum ore from the Erdenetiin-Ovoo deposit and produces copper concentrate (copper content of 23.5 %) and molybdenum concentrate. In view of the change of the copper market trends and the higher cost of shipment, it is of current concern to have a high quality copper concentrate production technology with placement of scavenger circuit within a confined space of the operating PP given the currently used reagent regime is essentially preserved. The laboratory research has shown two feasible approaches to this problem solving: separation of copper “head” and individual flotation of sand and slime fractions. Based on the research findings, a copper concentrate perfection chart has been recommended and is currently used by PP. The offered approach can be extended for similar mineral processing plants. In dressing of copper–molybdenum ore where copper is represented by primary minerals, the copper content of the concentrate is as rule not higher than 25 %. Given the high shipment cost and the changed trends on the copper market, it is advisable to be able to improve quality of the marketable concentrate. The authors offer the developed technology for high quality copper concentrate production and the related flow chart enabling placement of the required equipment in the territory of the operating plant. The approach is implemented by Erdenet Mining Corporation. The developed technology enables production of copper concentrate with the copper content not lower than 27 %. The approach is applicable at similar processing plants. Erdenet Mining Corporation preparation plant processes Erdenetiin Ovoo complex copper–molybdenum ore and produces copper (copper content of 23.5 %) and molybdenum concentrates. At the present time, in view of the change in the copper market trends and the increased concentrate haulage rate, it is expedient to develop a process for production of high quality copper concentrates. The difficulty of the task is conditioned by the requirement to accommodate the aftertreatment cycle inside of the limited area of the operating plant with the adherence to the actual chemical reagent conditions of the given plant. The laboratory tests showed produceabilty of the copper concentrate (copper content not less than 27 % and copper loss per cycle not higher than 3 %) using two circuits: withdrawal of the first concentrate portion with the highest content of copper (termed “head as against “tailings”) from the flotation circuit; separate flotation of sand and slime fractions. From the research evidence, the flotation circuit with the “head” withdrawal and the rest copper concentrate aftertreatment has been recommended and implemented. The project is adaptable at the similar processing plants.