Abstract
The present study focused on the re-processing of copper and nickel from mine tailings. In this work, recovery of copper and nickel from mine tailing by combined process of flotation and high pressure oxidative leaching were considered. In the first stage, effects of flotation parameters including collector type, collector dosage, and pH and pulp density were examined. The results showed that over 80% copper recovery was achieved under the optimized flotation conditions while nickel recovery was lower than 30% due to its co-ex-istence with gangue minerals of pyrrhotite, pyrite and other clay minerals. In the second stage, key parameters, particularly concentration of sulfuric acid, temperature, pressure and leaching time were investigated to test the leaching efficiency of copper and nickel from the flotation concentrate with high pressure oxidative leaching (HPOL). A comparison was made between the leaching efficiencies of copper and nickel from flotation concentrates and mine tailing.
Highlights
Flotation is of interesting topic in recycling ions by using surficial reactors
The results showed that over 80% copper recovery was achieved under the optimized flotation conditions while nickel recovery was lower than 30% due to its co-existence with gangue minerals of pyrrhotite, pyrite and other clay minerals
The mine tailings contained significant amount of sulphide minerals that associated with copper and nickel, PAX collector was suggested for further experiments due to its long chain and ability to promote the recoveries of copper and nickel which are associated with chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and pentlandite
Summary
Flotation is of interesting topic in recycling ions by using surficial reactors. Its efficiency is dependent on the hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties of mineral sample [1] [2] [3]. This increase in tailings presents an environmental problems in many regions [3]. Minerals in the flotation concentrates from mine tailing have to be further processed by leaching. A comprehensive reprocessing of these mine tailings to recover valuable metals by advanced mineral processing is very important to improve economic efficiency and lessen environmental destruction. The main objective of this study was to assess an efficient approach for recovery of copper and nickel from the BCL Limited mine tailings of Botswana. For this purpose, influences of parameters in flotation and high pressure oxidative leaching processes on the recovery of copper and nickel from the mine tailings were discussed. Positive results of the research would help in ascertaining their feasibility for secondary resources
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