Microstructure and liberation characteristics of chalcopyrite concentrate from Indian Copper Complex, Ghatsila

Abstract

The chalcopyrite concentrates from the Indian Copper Complex, Ghatsila consisting mainly of free chalcopyrite along with free pyrite, pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite and magnetite. The locking between chalcopyrite and other sulfide minerals, silicates and magnetite are of considerable proportion. The sulphide phases are mostly subangular to subrounded in nature with the average size of chalcopyrite grains is of 0.32 mm. Majority of the sulphide grains are of discrete in nature though replacement and intergrowth textures are also revealed.