Acid leaching of oxide-sulphide copper ore prior the flotation: A way for an increased metal recovery

• Main Authors: Sokić Miroslav D., Milošević Vladan D., Stanković Velizar D., Matković Vladislav Lj., Marković Branislav R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Association of Chemical Engineers of Serbia 2015-01-01
• Series: Hemijska Industrija
• Subjects: Oxide-sulphide copper ore; leaching; flotation; increase of copper recovery
• Online Access: http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0367-598X/2015/0367-598X1400061S.pdf

Copper mine "Cerovo"- East Serbia as well as the other ore bodies in its vicinity contain a significant amount of oxide copper minerals in their uper layers (>40%). Processing of such mixed ores by the existing concentration technologies leads to a substantial copper losses (<60%). Reduction of "oxide copper", by acid leaching prior the flotation concentration, can increase the overall copper efficiency up to more than 70% in the single-stage leaching, achieving an efficiency in the flotation concentration stage higher than 75%. Based on the performed experimental results the flow sheet for processing of the mixed oxide-sulphide copper ore is proposed.