Several Common Copper Flotation Process Solutions

01Copper flotation-hydrometallurgy

Flotation-hydrometallurgy is one of the commonly used methods for copper ore beneficiation, among which hydrometallurgy can be specifically divided into two types: ammonia method and acid method. In specific operations, it is necessary to select the beneficiation technology according to the composition of the copper ore. For example, for copper ore whose main component is silicate, acid smelting should be used, and for copper ore whose main component is carbonate, ammonia smelting can be used, among which acid smelting is more economical and cheaper. If it is a mixed ore or copper oxide ore with many components, it is necessary to sulfide sulfide such as sodium sulfide, and then use hydrometallurgy for flotation. Xanthate is needed for flotation of sulfide ore.

02Copper ammonia leaching-sulfide precipitation-flotation method

The copper dressing technology of ammonia leaching-sulfide precipitation is also mainly based on flotation, which is very suitable for processing copper ore with carbonate as the grinding stone mineral. The specific operation should be carried out according to a certain process flow. First, grind the ore, add sulfur powder to it, and then soak the ore in ammonia. After the carbon dioxide, copper oxide and ammonia are combined, the ammonia will evaporate, and the sulfur ions will condense and precipitate into copper sulfide particles. After that, the copper sulfide can be floated. During the flotation, the pH value should be kept at around 6.

03Copper ore emulsion method and separation-flotation method

The copper ore emulsion method and separation-flotation method are methods of copper ore beneficiation using the emulsion method. Initially, the copper ore is oxidized or sulfided, and then acrylic polymers are used to inhibit the ore veins, and complexing agents such as mercaptobenzoxazole and diphenylguanidine are added, so that a safer oleophilic layer can be formed on the surface of the copper ore. After that, a non-polar emulsion is selected to improve the hydrophobicity of the copper ore, making it suspended, and finally it can be selected. The ordinary separation-flotation method requires first crushing the copper oxide ore, adding sodium chloride and coal powder to it, and mixing and stirring it. Stir it evenly and put it into the furnace for roasting, maintaining a temperature of about 850 degrees. After that, the copper will volatilize into chloride. At this time, lower the temperature, and the chloride will become metallic copper adsorbed on the carbon particles. The staff only needs to use xanthate to operate according to the conventional flotation method to successfully select the copper ore.

04New copper ore dressing technology

The grinding and flotation process is a commonly used method in copper ore dressing plants, but its process is not static. It will be adjusted and optimized according to the properties of the ore and the particle size of the embedded copper sulfide ore to improve the grade and recovery rate of the copper ore. In addition, a rapid flotation process usually uses lime slurry, roughing and fine separation to treat the ore to improve the accuracy of mineral processing. For some copper mines that are difficult to develop, ordinary mineral processing processes cannot work, so there must be some changes in the selection method. It can be processed according to the process flow of stage grinding, ball milling, machine grinding, regrinding and reselection. During this period, sodium sulfide can be used as a precipitant, and sodium sulfate and sodium sulfide can be combined to inhibit arsenic, thereby successfully separating copper from arsenic.

In summary, there are many methods for copper dressing, and various flotation technologies can be flexibly selected according to the specific composition and characteristics of the ore. Whether it is hydrometallurgy, ammonia leaching-sulfidation precipitation, or emulsion method and separation-flotation method, they all play an important role in the treatment of different copper ore resources. With the continuous advancement of technology, new copper ore beneficiation processes are constantly emerging, providing more possibilities for improving the utilization and recovery rate of copper ore. In the future, copper ore dressing technology will develop in a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction to cope with the growing demand for copper and resource shortages.