Active carbons for selective flotation of primary gold-copper-porphyry ore

Abstract

The results of a study on the flotation of gold-copper-porphyry ore are presented. The quality of the obtained concentrates is confirmed by the efficiency of using activated carbon to reduce the excess of reagents accumulating in the collective concentrates. Detailed studies of concentrates of copper selection using scanning electron microscopy revealed the presence of carbon in their composition. On the surface of gold and chalcopyrite particles, thin coal deposits and coatings were observed. Flotation of particles of gold and sulfide minerals can probably be improved by naturally hydrophobic or hydrophobized coal particles. “Carbon” coatings are selective with respect to the surface of sulfide minerals. No coal coatings were found on the surface of quartz grains and crystals.

Keywords

• gold-copper-porphyry ore
• activated carbon
• gold and chalcopyrite surfaces
• carbonaceous coatings
• hydrophobic and hydrophobized particles