Experimental Study Of Laos Phongsaly Province Sulfide Copper Ore

The present paper studied the copper sulphide ores from Phongsali Provence, Laos. The study of ores property was completed by spectrum analysis, chemical composition analysis, chemical phase analysis and particle size analysis etc process mineralogy. After reviewing the considerable related literatures and analysis based on these literatures, the experiment of beneficiability for this copper ores was accomplished. In addition, the floatability and the flotation characteristics of copper minerals was researched, the optimum test result was obtained through comparision with different separative methods and reagent systems. The final result provides useful technological support with the design of mineral processing plant.The analysis results of raw ore show that content of copper in this ore is1.69%, where content of copper sulphide is1.56%and accounts for92.31%of total copper. The main copper mineral is tetrahedrite (3.20%) and distribution rate of copper in which is around91.42%; the main gangue mineral is SiO2and its content is as high as73.60%. Contents of arsenic, silver and cobalt are0.48%,15g/t and210g/t respectively, these three metals mainly occurrence in the tetrahedrite and their independent minerals are not found. Thus it can be seen that this ore belongs to refractory copper sulphide ore, high content of arsenic makes its removal difficult. The main propose of this paper is to recycle Cu, besides, enrich valuable elements such as Ag, Co and Sb during benefication process so that they can be recycled and utilized comprehensively.A series of flotation experimental studies especially laboratory type were conducted, which are based on the ore properties. The laboratory experiments are: collector type and dosage, grinding fineness, grinding classification, type and dosage of the regents in the concentration flowsheet. During the experiments, a new copper sulfide independently developed collector named TX-45was used, and it is confirmed better in the flotation tests. The frother we choosed is2#oil, and depressant water glass. The final flowsheet is grinding classification-two rough two concentration-two scavenging, which gets the high-quality concentrate of24.84%with the recovery of90.67%, achieving the goal well.The closed circuit test show that the yield of the copper concentrate is6.23%, and the grade of Ag and Co of copper concentrate are211.11g/t and2100g/t, respectively. While the recovery of the Ag and Co are87.70%and62.30%, respectively. Therefore the silver, cobalt, and other valuable metals are enriched effectively, realizing the purpose of comprehensive recycling.