Material composition analysis and process flow development for the porphyry copper ores of the Yoshlik-1 deposit

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to analyze the material composition of porphyry copper ores of the Yoshlik-1 deposit (Uzbekistan) and select a cost-effective processing technology for them. It has been found that the deposit has gold- and molybdenum-bearing ores, composed by 83.84–87.68 % of lithophilic components with a distinct silica prevalence (51.6 %). The mass fractions of quartz and feldspars in the sample are 17 and 40 %, respectively. The total mass fraction of alkali and alkaline earth metals is 16.03 %. The mass fraction of carbon is 0.25 %. All carbon is found in carbonates. The mass fraction of iron is 5.12 %, with oxidized iron being the predominant form. According to the sieve analysis data, the mass fraction of copper in the ore samples is 0.34 %. The grain-size analysis showed a sample gold grade of 0.38 g/t. The valuable components are copper, molybdenum, gold, and silver with the grades of 0.34 wt%, 0.0054 wt%, 0.38 g/t and 0.73 g/t, respectively. A centrifugal concentrator was used for a preliminary assessment of free gold recovery into the gravity concentrate. A series of flotation experiments were carried out to select the collector types and rates for the flotation of ore ground to the 70 % passing –0.074 mm class. Potassium butyl xanthate, 442F, and MX5125 were used as collectors at various rates. Based on the results of the studies, a combined gravity/flotation concentration process was recommended for the ore of the Yoshlik-1 deposit.