Science-research and design Institute “TOMS” LLC, Irkutsk, Russia
A. E. Senchenko, General Director, e-mail: senchenko@tomsmineral.ru
Yu. V. Kulikov, Chief Technologist
E. M. Kurchevskaya, Senior Researcher

Our paper shows the results of complex mineralogical investigation of a copper ore sample from Udokan deposit for finding the copper occurrence forms, association of copper minerals and degree of their liberation. A key aspect of design of a flowsheet for ore processing is a comprehensive investigation of its material composition. Knowledge of occurrence forms of a valuable component, its interaction with ore components and gangue allows to choose the most rational flowsheet of ore processing still on the stage of the choice of the prospective investigation ways. This approach is the most important when investigating the complex Udokan deposit ores. In spite of the relatively simple chemical composition, the considerable variation of copper occurrence forms is typical of this deposit. That’s why the choice of optimal processing flowsheet is impossible without understanding of all nuances and features of mineral composition of Udokan deposit ores. Results from investigation of Udokan deposit ores using modern methods of process mineralogy allowed us to set a range of important mineralogical and process ore characteristics and copper occurrence forms. The obtained data prove the reasonability of selection of a universal combined flotation-metallurgical flowsheet of ore processing with generation of bulk concentrate, its atmospheric leaching and following recovery of copper-rich sulfide concentrate from the leaching cake. A level of irretrievable processing losses of copper due to the mineralogical peculiarities of Udokan deposit ores is acceptable for the chosen technology.

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