Choosing a concentration process for Norilsk-1 disseminated ores to be implemented at the new Concentrator Plant and substantiation

Abstract

1948 saw commissioning of the Big Concentrator Plant that processed ore from the Norilsk-1 deposit. In 1966, a separate section (Line 2) of the revamped plant started to process Talnakh ores. Due to continuous optimization of its concentration technology, Norilsk Concentrator Plant witnessed active development and expansion for many decades. In line with the Development Strategy adopted by MMC Norilsk Nickel, the development plan of Medvezhiy Ruchey foresees further expansion of the mining capacity. By 2027, after the Norilsk-1 project has been implemented, Zapolyarny pit is expected to supply up to 9 mln t/year of disseminated ore. In 2020, an important strategic decision was made to build a new concentrator plant in Norilsk. Using a composite core sample, Gipronikel Institute carried out a laboratory study and a number of processing schemes was identified that would serve the purpose in the best way. A series of pilot tests followed, and it was established that any of the processing schemes selected would deliver its benefits. As a result of joint effort taken by the process designers together with Medvezhiy Ruchey, Science and Technology Directorate of MMC Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Division, Norilsk Concentrator Revamp Project Office of NN Development and MMC Norilsk Nickel’s Production Department, the Company leadership decided that a flexible process should be introduced for the concentration of Norilsk disseminated ores. The equipment selected and the flexibility of the processing circuit will enable to use one of the three concentration schemes and to produce selective copper and nickel concentrates of varying quality or collective concentrate. Due to adoption of the flexible processing scheme, Norilsk Concentrator Plant 2 will be able to easily adapt to the changing quality of feed ore in the future, to the actual configuration and production schedule of Nornickel’s metals division, as well as to the global market demand in general. Other contributors to this research paper include L. S. Lesnikova, M. S. Datsiev (MMC Norilsk Nickel’s Polar Division).