Effect of regrinding conditions on the flotation of chalcopyrite and its separation from pyrite in the cleaner stage

Chen, X., Peng, Y. and Bradshaw, D. J. (2012). Effect of regrinding conditions on the flotation of chalcopyrite and its separation from pyrite in the cleaner stage. In: Peter Hills (Conference Chair), Proceedings: 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012. 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012, Hobart, Tasmania, (279-286). 29-31 October 2012.

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Name Description MIMEType Size Downloads
Author Chen, X.
Peng, Y.
Bradshaw, D. J.
Title of paper Effect of regrinding conditions on the flotation of chalcopyrite and its separation from pyrite in the cleaner stage
Conference Paper Type Fully Published Paper
Conference name 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012
Conference location Hobart, Tasmania
Conference dates 29-31 October 2012
Proceedings title Proceedings: 11th AusIMM Mill Operators' Conference 2012
Editor Peter Hills (Conference Chair)
Place published Carlton, Victoria
Publisher AusIMM: Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
Publication date 2012
ISBN 9781921522734
Start page 279
End page 286
Total pages 8
Collection year 2013
Language eng
Abstract/Summary At Newcrest's Telfer gold mine, a strategy of regrinding pyrite rougher flotation concentrates has been proposed to incr ease gold recovery and reduce cyanide consumption in the CIL circuit. The r egrinding will be followed by an additional copper/ gold flotation stage, where copper minerals need to be separated from pyrite. However, although the minerals are well liberated, the separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite in the cleaner stage is not always straightforward. The surfaces of the fine particles, produced during regrinding, are more easily oxidised and contaminated than coarse particles, directly influencing the particle floatability. The depression of pyrite is difficult in the cleaner stage as well due to copper activation, a process which is also highly dependent on the grinding environment. In this study, different grinding media, including mild steel and stainless steel, was used in the regrinding to prod uce different regrinding chemistry, such as, pH, Eh, and iron hydr oxide contamination. The effects of regrinding conditions on chalcopyrite flotation and its separation from pyrite were studied. It was found that the stainless steel grinding media, which produced an oxidising environment, was more beneficial for the separation of chalcopyrite from pyrite after regrinding. The mild steel grinding media had a detrimental effect on both chalcopyrite and pyrite flotation. This study addresses the importance of choosing suitable regrinding conditions in the pyrite and copper flotation circuit.
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Document type: Conference Paper
Sub-type: Fully Published Paper
Collections: Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre Publications
School of Chemical Engineering Publications
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Created: Tue, 06 Nov 2012, 08:41:57 EST by Karen Holtham on behalf of Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre