A new methodology of floatability tests on Polish copper ores based on grain size-density fractions

Abstract

Ores difficult to enrich require the appropriate methodology of tests on enrichment for the preparation of ore for flotation tests and precise mineralogical analytics. A feature which should differentiate the separated ore samples for flotation tests is not only the size of grains, but also their density. These features reflect the characteristics of real industrial streams directed for flotation. The methodology for separating narrow grain classes by means of sieves applied to date did not guarantee meeting these separation conditions. The article presents a new methodology for examining the copper ore enrichment based on, instead of testing samples in grain classes, testing grain size-density fractions. To conduct these tests, the hydraulic classification in the field of centrifugal force which ensures the separation of grain size-density fractions varied in terms of granulation and density was used. Samples prepared in this way were subjected to flotation tests.