Recovery of strategically important critical minerals using novel co-collectors: Insights from a Central African copper ore using integration of particle-based separation modelling and flotation chemistry

Abstract

Copper has been highlighted as a critical mineral to mitigate climate change and provide clean-energy economy; however, major deficits are forecasted and therefore copper demand is expected to rise. This situation will become more severe if copper’s production continues at its current rate. Given the declining copper head grades as well as the long-time span needed for exploration of new sites, it has become necessary to improve the efficiency of existing beneficiation processes.

This paper focuses on copper’s flotation performance using novel co-collectors developed for improved extraction of various copper-bearing minerals and thus creating added value for concentrators treating base metal sulphide ores. The case study was conducted on a Central African ore, where batch flotation tests were performed and the concentrates were characterised with automated mineralogy, which data was used to train particle-based separation models. Results show a strong correlation between the recovery of the different copper minerals and AECI Mining Chemicals novel co-collector type thereby improving copper recovery even at a lower overall reagent consumption.