Developing the technology of associated gold recovery when concentrating copper-pyrite ore

Abstract

Research objective is to address an up to date task of developing the technology of associated gold recovery from complex ore. Object of research is the gold-bearing copper-pyrite ore. Gold was recovered in laboratory conditions with the use of gravity methods of mineral separation. Research tools. Rational modes of machinery operation have been determined through mathematical planning of experiments including the obtained results processing by mathematical and statistical methods. Methods of research. Gold was recovered in the grinding-classification circuit based on a seriesinstalled short-cone hydrocyclone, a jigging machine and a shaking table. Research results. The developed jig mode differs from the existing ones by the closed-circuit of jig machine chambers: from the feed of the second (in the direction of the light fraction travel) jig chamber, the light fraction (tailings) and undersize product – fraction with the increased content of accessory minerals (rough concentrate) are separated. The rough concentrate in the second chamber is directed to the first chamber of the machine, where the finished jig concentrate is obtained in the form of an undersize product. The light fraction moves from the first chamber to the second and is removed from the machine through the tail board. When fine-tuning the heavy fraction of jigging on a shaking table, it is recommended to mix 1/2 part of the initial feed of the tables with the rough concentrate isolated from the other 1/2 of the original feed. The new jigging mode and the scheme of concentration on the tables provide an increase in the gold content in the initial feed of the apparatus, which is the reason for a decrease in gold losses with the tails of the gravity circuit. Research relevance. Gold recovery increment by 4.77% was obtained due to the use of all three recommended scientific and technical measures, namely sands concentration in a short head cone crusher on a jig, switching the jig chambers to a closed circuit, and jet motion of concentrates on shaking tables. Scope of the results. The results should be applied when concentrating ore containing free (amalgamable) gold, as well as gold-bearing pyrite.