Study of gold-bearing ore bonification ability

Abstract

The paper presents the study results on the gold benification and increase of gold extraction in the flotation cycle of ore from the Vasilkovsky deposit. The composition of the initial ores was studied. Based on mineralogical, XRF, chemical assay, atomic absorption, X-ray phase and rational analyses the following types of gold were identified: fine gold; gold associated with sulfides in chalcopyrite, pyrite and arsenopyrite; and fine-disseminated gold in silicates. It was established that the ore belongs to the gold-quartz and gold-sulfide types with free and cyanided gold. Our results allow us to optimize the ore flotation reagent mode and the crushing size class. Butyl xanthate was used as a collector; C7, aeroflot, was used as a foaming agent; sodium sulfide (Na2S) was used as a sulfidizer; dispersion mode was additionally applied. It was established that an increased pH value of the initial pulp up to 9,0 is required to boost the efficiency of flotation beneficiation. The gold extraction in the concentrate is 82,49 %. This experiment and mineralogical analysis of flotation tailings has established the optimal fineness of the fractions for flotation (0,1 +- 0,071 mm) as well as the inexpediency of additional milling, due to the fine free and quartz-embedded gold that does not pass into the concentrate during the subsequent flotation. The mineral analysis of the flotation products showed that the main sulfide mineral of the concentrates is arsenopyrite; pyrite and chalcopyrite. Flotation tailings contain host vein rock. Gold found in flotation tailings samples has round and oval shape, which is inefficient for flotation.