Leaching Characteristics of Upgraded Copper Flotation Tailings
The copper flotation tailings from Konkola Copper
mine in Nchanga, Zambia were used in the study. The purpose of this
study was to determine the leaching characteristics of the tailings
material prior and after the physical beneficiation process is
employed. The Knelson gravity concentrator (KC-MD3) was used for
the beneficiation process. The copper leaching efficiencies and
impurity co-extraction percentages in both the upgraded and the raw
feed material were determined at different pH levels and temperature.
It was observed that the copper extraction increased with an increase
in temperature and a decrease in pH levels. In comparison to the raw
feed sample, the upgraded sample reported a maximum copper
extraction of 69% which was 9%, higher than raw feed % extractions.
The impurity carry over was reduced from 18% to 4 % on the
upgraded sample. The reduction in impurity co-extraction was as a
result of the removal of the reactive gangue elements during the
upgrading process, this minimized the number of side reaction
occurring during leaching.
[1] M.M Antonijevi'c, M.D Dimitrijevi'c, Z.O. Stevanovi'c, S.M.
Serbula, & G. Bogdanovic, "Investigation of the possibility of
copper recovery from the flotation tailings by acid leaching"
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2008, 158 pp 23-34.
[2] A.K. Biswas & W.G. Davenport, "Extractive Metallurgy of
Copper". 2nd edition, Pergamon Press,1980.pp 438
[3] M. Jansen and A. Taylor, "Overview of Gangue Mineralogy issues
in Oxide Copper Heap Leaching", International Project
Development Services Pty Limited, Alta Copper,2003
[4] L. Huang & N. Mejiab "Characterizing gravity recoverable pgms
and gold in grinding circuit". Iranian journal of science &
technology, 2005,29(B6).
[5] J.A. Meech & J.G. Paterson, "Beneficiating Copper oxide ores
prior to leach", Queen's University, Department of Mining
Engineering, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, 1980.
[6] S. Koppalkar "Effect of operating variables in knelson
concentrators: a pilot-scale study".McGill University. 2009.
[7] B. Knelson & R. Jones. "A new generation of Knelson
concentrators a totally secure system goes on line". Minerals
Engineering, 1994. 2/3(7)pp 201-207.
[8] J. Sikamo, B. Kalamba, S. Mulenga. & J. Mwale, "Recovery
improvement strategies of Konkola Copper Mine PLC",
Hydometallurgy conference,Society for mining ,metallurgy and
exploration.Inc. 2008.
[9] M. Sweeney, P. Binda, & D.Vaughan, "Genesis of the ores of the
Zambian Copperbelt". Department of Geology, University of
Manchester. rev.1990.
[10] R. Van der merwe, "Leaching characteristics of copper refractory
ore: the effect of pre-oxidation" .Tshwane University of
technology. 2010.
[11] R.M.Whyte., N.Schoeman & K.G. Bowes, "Processing of Konkola
copper concentrates and Chingola refractory ore in a fully
integrated hydrometallurgical pilot plant circuit". The Journal of
The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.2001 pp
427-436.
[12] B.Wills, R. Barley & M. Nijhoff (Eds.). Mineral Processing at a
Crossroads- Problems and Prospects. Dordrecht.1986
[1] M.M Antonijevi'c, M.D Dimitrijevi'c, Z.O. Stevanovi'c, S.M.
Serbula, & G. Bogdanovic, "Investigation of the possibility of
copper recovery from the flotation tailings by acid leaching"
Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2008, 158 pp 23-34.
[2] A.K. Biswas & W.G. Davenport, "Extractive Metallurgy of
Copper". 2nd edition, Pergamon Press,1980.pp 438
[3] M. Jansen and A. Taylor, "Overview of Gangue Mineralogy issues
in Oxide Copper Heap Leaching", International Project
Development Services Pty Limited, Alta Copper,2003
[4] L. Huang & N. Mejiab "Characterizing gravity recoverable pgms
and gold in grinding circuit". Iranian journal of science &
technology, 2005,29(B6).
[5] J.A. Meech & J.G. Paterson, "Beneficiating Copper oxide ores
prior to leach", Queen's University, Department of Mining
Engineering, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, 1980.
[6] S. Koppalkar "Effect of operating variables in knelson
concentrators: a pilot-scale study".McGill University. 2009.
[7] B. Knelson & R. Jones. "A new generation of Knelson
concentrators a totally secure system goes on line". Minerals
Engineering, 1994. 2/3(7)pp 201-207.
[8] J. Sikamo, B. Kalamba, S. Mulenga. & J. Mwale, "Recovery
improvement strategies of Konkola Copper Mine PLC",
Hydometallurgy conference,Society for mining ,metallurgy and
exploration.Inc. 2008.
[9] M. Sweeney, P. Binda, & D.Vaughan, "Genesis of the ores of the
Zambian Copperbelt". Department of Geology, University of
Manchester. rev.1990.
[10] R. Van der merwe, "Leaching characteristics of copper refractory
ore: the effect of pre-oxidation" .Tshwane University of
technology. 2010.
[11] R.M.Whyte., N.Schoeman & K.G. Bowes, "Processing of Konkola
copper concentrates and Chingola refractory ore in a fully
integrated hydrometallurgical pilot plant circuit". The Journal of
The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.2001 pp
427-436.
[12] B.Wills, R. Barley & M. Nijhoff (Eds.). Mineral Processing at a
Crossroads- Problems and Prospects. Dordrecht.1986
@article{"International Journal of Chemical, Materials and Biomolecular Sciences:61274", author = "Mercy M. Ramakokovhu and Henry Kasaini and Richard K.K. Mbaya", title = "Leaching Characteristics of Upgraded Copper Flotation Tailings", abstract = "The copper flotation tailings from Konkola Copper
mine in Nchanga, Zambia were used in the study. The purpose of this
study was to determine the leaching characteristics of the tailings
material prior and after the physical beneficiation process is
employed. The Knelson gravity concentrator (KC-MD3) was used for
the beneficiation process. The copper leaching efficiencies and
impurity co-extraction percentages in both the upgraded and the raw
feed material were determined at different pH levels and temperature.
It was observed that the copper extraction increased with an increase
in temperature and a decrease in pH levels. In comparison to the raw
feed sample, the upgraded sample reported a maximum copper
extraction of 69% which was 9%, higher than raw feed % extractions.
The impurity carry over was reduced from 18% to 4 % on the
upgraded sample. The reduction in impurity co-extraction was as a
result of the removal of the reactive gangue elements during the
upgrading process, this minimized the number of side reaction
occurring during leaching.", keywords = "Atmospheric leaching, Copper, Iron, Knelson
concentrator", volume = "6", number = "8", pages = "812-5", }