Effects of Pyrite Texture on Flotation Performance of Copper Sulfide Ores
Pyrite particles, having framboidal/altered texture, are known to significantly affect pulp chemistry and adversely affect flotation performance. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to demonstrate influence of pyrite mineralogy on the flotation of copper (sulphidic) ores and develop al...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2021-11-01
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| Series: | Minerals |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/11/11/1218 |
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| author | İlkay B. Can Seda Özçelik Zafir Ekmekçi |
| author_facet | İlkay B. Can Seda Özçelik Zafir Ekmekçi |
| author_sort | İlkay B. Can |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Pyrite particles, having framboidal/altered texture, are known to significantly affect pulp chemistry and adversely affect flotation performance. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to demonstrate influence of pyrite mineralogy on the flotation of copper (sulphidic) ores and develop alternative conditions to improve the performance. Two copper ore samples (Ore A and Ore B) having different textural/modal mineralogy and flotation characteristics were taken from different zones of the same ore deposit. Ore B contained framboidal pyrite and altered pyrite/marcasite, which is considered the main reason for the low flotation performance in both copper and pyrite flotation sections of the process plant. Flotation tests were conducted under different conditions using the two ore samples and a 50:50 blend. The results showed that Ore A could be concentrated under the base conditions, as applied in the existing flotation plant. On the other hand, Ore B did not respond to the base conditions and a copper recovery of only 5% could be obtained. Besides, blending Ore B with Ore A negatively affected the flotation behavior of Ore A. An alternative flotation chemistry was applied on Ore B using Na<sub>2</sub>S for surface cleaning and Na-Metabisulfite (MBS) for pyrite depression in the copper flotation stage. The surface cleaning reduced the rate of oxidation of the framboidal pyrite in Ore B. As a result, the copper recovery could be increased to 52% Cu for Ore B, and 65% for the mixed ore sample. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T05:15:13Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-de4dc2ffbf4f444898eeaec57af402fc |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-163X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T05:15:13Z |
| publishDate | 2021-11-01 |
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| series | Minerals |
| spelling | doaj.art-de4dc2ffbf4f444898eeaec57af402fc2023-11-23T00:32:03ZengMDPI AGMinerals2075-163X2021-11-011111121810.3390/min11111218Effects of Pyrite Texture on Flotation Performance of Copper Sulfide Oresİlkay B. Can0Seda Özçelik1Zafir Ekmekçi2Department of Mining Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara 06800, TurkeyDepartment of Mining Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara 06800, TurkeyDepartment of Mining Engineering, Hacettepe University, Beytepe, Ankara 06800, TurkeyPyrite particles, having framboidal/altered texture, are known to significantly affect pulp chemistry and adversely affect flotation performance. Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to demonstrate influence of pyrite mineralogy on the flotation of copper (sulphidic) ores and develop alternative conditions to improve the performance. Two copper ore samples (Ore A and Ore B) having different textural/modal mineralogy and flotation characteristics were taken from different zones of the same ore deposit. Ore B contained framboidal pyrite and altered pyrite/marcasite, which is considered the main reason for the low flotation performance in both copper and pyrite flotation sections of the process plant. Flotation tests were conducted under different conditions using the two ore samples and a 50:50 blend. The results showed that Ore A could be concentrated under the base conditions, as applied in the existing flotation plant. On the other hand, Ore B did not respond to the base conditions and a copper recovery of only 5% could be obtained. Besides, blending Ore B with Ore A negatively affected the flotation behavior of Ore A. An alternative flotation chemistry was applied on Ore B using Na<sub>2</sub>S for surface cleaning and Na-Metabisulfite (MBS) for pyrite depression in the copper flotation stage. The surface cleaning reduced the rate of oxidation of the framboidal pyrite in Ore B. As a result, the copper recovery could be increased to 52% Cu for Ore B, and 65% for the mixed ore sample.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/11/11/1218framboidal pyritesulfide mineralsflotationprocess mineralogy |
| spellingShingle | İlkay B. Can Seda Özçelik Zafir Ekmekçi Effects of Pyrite Texture on Flotation Performance of Copper Sulfide Ores Minerals framboidal pyrite sulfide minerals flotation process mineralogy |
| title | Effects of Pyrite Texture on Flotation Performance of Copper Sulfide Ores |
| title_full | Effects of Pyrite Texture on Flotation Performance of Copper Sulfide Ores |
| title_fullStr | Effects of Pyrite Texture on Flotation Performance of Copper Sulfide Ores |
| title_full_unstemmed | Effects of Pyrite Texture on Flotation Performance of Copper Sulfide Ores |
| title_short | Effects of Pyrite Texture on Flotation Performance of Copper Sulfide Ores |
| title_sort | effects of pyrite texture on flotation performance of copper sulfide ores |
| topic | framboidal pyrite sulfide minerals flotation process mineralogy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-163X/11/11/1218 |
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