Studies on the beneficiation of copper oxide minerals

Abstract

Bench scale experiments on the beneficiation of copper oxides were conducted using different chelating agents, viz. Cupferron, 8-Hydroxyquinoline, a-Benzoin oxime and sodiumdiethyldithiocarbamate. Among the four collectors tried, diethyldithiocarbamate was found to be effective in achieving good recovery and grade. Also the consumption of the reagent was less compared to other collectors. All the collectors have exhibited excellent selectivity towards copper and fairly good concentrate was obtained. Adsorption studies revealed that the adsorption of the collector on the mineral surface follows a true chemical reaction. Investigation on the nature of complexation with diethyldithiocarbamate has indicated that each copper atom on the surface will be complexed with two diethyldithiocarbamate molecules. Variables like reagent concentration, pH of the pulp, impeller speed, etc. were studied.