Mekhanobr Engineering JSC (St. Petersburg, Russia):

Asonchik K. M., Leading Researcher, Candidate of Engineering Sciences
Aksenova G. Ya., Leading Resercher, Candidate of Geological and Mineralogical Sciences
Maksimov I. I., Director for Research, Doctor of Engineering Sciences, Professor
Tasina T. I., Senior Researcher

E-mail (common): science@mekhanobr.spb.ru

The flotation tests results of the two samples taken from different areas of one of Russia’s porphyry copper ore deposits are presented with a view to define more exactly metallurgical results. The samples main components’ mass fractions were as follows, %: copper — 0.39, sulfur — 1–1.3. The samples copper content is 90 % as primary sulfides. The ore minerals are represented by chalcopyrite and pyrite, nonmetallic minerals — by quartz, feldspars, mica, carbonates, clay. The flotation tests were carried out according to the flow sheet that included: ore grinding to 70 % of –0.071 mm size fraction, rougher and scavenger flotation, rougher concentrate regrinding to 92 % of –0.071 mm size fraction, two-three cleanings of reground concentrate, cleaner-scavenger flotation of first cleaning tailings. Scavenger and cleaner-scavenger flotation tailings were dumped. Reagent Aerophine 3418А and butyl xanthate were used as collectors, and liquid glass — as gangue minerals depressor. Flotation operations and cleanings were conducted in strongly alkaline medium, conditioned by lime to рН > 10. Most effective collector of copper minerals for Sample 1 ore proved to be reagent Aerophine 3418А and butyl xanthate — for Sample 2. From Sample 1 a concentrate was produced with copper mass fraction of 21.1 %, recovery being 87 %, from Sample 2 with application of butyl xanthate — concentrate with copper mass fraction of 21.5 %, recovery being 84.9 %. From mix of the Samples with a mass ratio of 1 : 1 with application of reagent 3418А, a copper concentrate was produced with copper grade of 20.6 %, recovery being 85.9 %.

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