Current status in the copper ore processing (review)

The article provides the analysis of process flows used for sulfide and oxidized copper ore treatment, reagent schemes, process equipment, indicators of flotation concentration at a number of domestic and foreign concentrating mills and plants. Autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding mills are widely used at the ore preparatory processing at the first stage of grinding to eliminate medium and fine crushing stages. An alternative is the use of high pressure grinding rolls that can reduce electricity consumption as compared to autogenous and semi-autogenous grinding. There is an increase in the use of large-volume and high-performance ore-preparation and flotation equipment for maintaining the quality and quantity of the product. In addition to ball mills, fine and ultrafine regrinding mills of various configurations are widely used at the stage of rougher flotation concentrate regrinding. The analysis of flotation reagents used to improve separation process efficiency was conducted with domestic and foreign approaches to flotation reagent selection shown. It is noted that foreign concentrating mills often use a combination of main and additional collectors. The paper provides the data on flotation reagents used in the copper sulfide and oxidized ore concentration, and their consumption. A combined diagram of flotation-hydrometallurgical processing of mixed copper ore from the Udokan deposit is considered. Conclusions are drawn about current trends in the processing of copper ores including the choice of equipment.

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