Abstract:
A low-grade copper sulfide ore was taken as the research object, and systematic process mineralogical studies were carried out to clarify the ore composition, as well as the occurrence characteristics and dissemination patterns of valuable minerals. On this basis, systematic flotation tests were conducted. The results show that the grades of Cu, Au, and Ag in the ore are 0.72 %, 0.16 g/t, and 9.54 g/t, respectively; the copper minerals are dominated by chalcopyrite; the gold minerals are dominated by micro-grained gold, which is mostly disseminated as sulfide-encapsulated gold and fissure gold; the silver minerals are primarily hessite and native silver, which are mostly intergrown with secondary copper minerals. The optimal flotation parameters were determined through single-factor tests. By adopting a closed-circuit flotation flowsheet comprising one roughing, three scavenging, and three cleaning stages, a flotation concentrate with a Cu grade of 17.64 % and a Cu recovery of 86.66 %, an Au grade of 2.82 g/t and an Au recovery of 63.38 %, and an Ag grade of 172.09 g/t and an Ag recovery of 64.10 % was obtained. This process achieves the efficient recovery of copper minerals and the comprehensive utilization of associated valuable elements.