Discussion on the Innovation of Copper Ore Dressing Technology and Equipment

01Traditional copper ore dressing methods and existing problems

1. Gravity separation method

Gravity separation method mainly achieves separation through the difference in specific gravity between copper ore and waste rock. However, the gravity separation method has the problem of low processing capacity and poor recovery effect on fine-grained copper ore. Since many copper ores have fine particle sizes, it is difficult for the gravity separation method to achieve the ideal recovery effect, resulting in waste of ore resources. In addition, the application of gravity separation method in copper ore dressing is limited, and it can usually only be used as an auxiliary process, and cannot achieve efficient separation alone.

2. Flotation method

Flotation is a widely used method for copper ore beneficiation. It mainly separates ore by adding reagents to make copper ore adhere to bubbles and float up. However, flotation requires a large amount of reagents, which not only increases production costs but also causes great pollution to the environment. Traditional flotation reagents usually contain toxic components. If the tailings water discharged is not effectively treated, it will cause serious harm to the surrounding water bodies and ecosystems. At the same time, problems such as high reagent costs and low recovery rates also limit the widespread promotion of flotation.

3. Magnetic separation method

Magnetic separation method relies on the magnetic difference of copper ore and achieves mineral separation through magnetic force. Magnetic separation method has the advantage of low energy consumption, but its applicability is limited and it is only applicable to magnetic copper ore. In most copper ore resources, copper ore does not have obvious magnetism, so the application scope of magnetic separation method is greatly limited, and it can usually only be used as an auxiliary process to improve the separation effect of other methods.

02Application and practice of efficient copper ore processing technology

In order to overcome the limitations and challenges of traditional mineral processing technology, efficient mineral processing technology came into being and gradually became a research hotspot in the field of copper ore processing. The following are several innovative mineral processing technologies:

1. High-efficiency flotation technology

High-efficiency flotation technology is an improved process developed to address the problems of traditional flotation methods. By using new high-efficiency flotation agents and improved flotation equipment, the recovery rate and concentrate grade of copper ore are effectively improved. High-efficiency flotation agents are low-toxic and environmentally friendly, which not only reduces pollution to the environment, but also reduces the cost of agent consumption. At the same time, advanced flotation equipment has been optimized in terms of aeration and stirring, which increases the contact area between copper ore particles and bubbles and improves flotation efficiency. This technology performs well in the treatment of fine-grained copper ore, is suitable for the recovery of different types of copper ore, and promotes the green development of copper ore beneficiation technology.

2. Microbial leaching technology

Microbial leaching technology is a new type of mineral processing technology based on biometallurgy. Its main principle is to utilize the metabolic activities of specific microorganisms to produce organic acids and other metabolites during the leaching process to dissolve and precipitate copper in copper ore. Compared with traditional leaching methods, microbial leaching has significant advantages such as environmental protection and energy saving. It does not require high temperature or high pressure operation, which greatly reduces energy consumption and pollutant emissions. This method is suitable for the treatment of low-grade and oxidized copper ores, especially in the treatment of abandoned tailings and low-grade ores. It shows good application prospects.
3. Ultrasonic enhancement technology

Ultrasonic enhancement technology breaks the oxide film and coating layer on the surface of copper ore through the cavitation effect of ultrasonic waves, thereby improving the surface activity and flotation rate of copper minerals during flotation. The ultrasonic effect can enhance the hydrophilicity of the surface of copper ore without destroying the crystal structure of the mineral, making it easier for flotation reagents to adhere. This technology significantly improves the flotation separation effect and is particularly suitable for the treatment of highly oxidized copper ores. In addition, ultrasonic enhancement technology can also reduce the amount of flotation reagents used, reduce flotation costs and reduce environmental pollution. It is an efficient and environmentally friendly new mineral processing technology.

The continuous progress of copper ore dressing technology has provided mining companies with a practical solution to improve resource utilization, reduce costs and reduce environmental impact. By adopting innovative technologies such as high-efficiency flotation, microbial leaching, and ultrasonic enhancement, copper ore dressing has gradually achieved the goals of high efficiency and environmental protection. In the future, with the promotion and application of these technologies, the copper ore dressing industry will promote the sustainable development of mineral resources while meeting market demand, and contribute more to the coordinated development of the economy and the environment.