Floc-Flotation of Chalcopyrite from a Low Grade Cu-Zn Ore

Abstract

A low grade Cu-Zn ore sample assaying 0.2% Cuand 3.6% Zn was sent by MECL for bench scale beneficiation studies to IBM, Ajmer with an objective to evolve a suitable process flow-sheet for the production of marketable grade concen-trates. Preliminary flotation studies with the ore sample indicated that it was possible to generate bulk Cu-Zn concentrate and individual Zn concentrate of marketable grade with reasonably good recovery. However, individual Cu concentrate of marketable grad was not obtained. Hence, floc-flotation technique was adopted on the ore sample to upgrade the Cu concentrate. Several parameters including pH, kerosene addition, choice of suitable frother, parti-cle size, stirring strength have been investigated for their effect on floc flotation. The floc-flotation process yielded a Cu concentrate assaying 26.42% Cu with 67% Cu recovery with wt % yield of 0.5 and 132.35 enrichment ratio. In this process addition of kerosene induces the hydrophobic flocculation which leads to the size enlarge-ment of desired mineral fines through selective aggregat-ion and enhance the flotation of chalcopyrite fine partic-les as flocs. This study demonstrates that flocflotation is a promising means for the recovery of Cu mineral fines from low grade ore sample.