Copper Ore Research Articles

Chemistry of tin bronzes and possible sources of tin in the Urals and Kazakhstan in the Late Bronze Age

The article discusses geochemical groups identified according to the results of the LA-ISP-MS analysis of tin bronzes of the Ural-Kazakhstan region of the Late Bronze Age. Based on the statistical analysis of 13 impurity ele-ments of 74 bronze and tin-containing copper products from the sites of the 2nd — early 1st mil BC in the Southern Trans-Urals and Northern Kazakhstan, seven chemically contrasting groups have been identified, which mark vari-ous types of tin sources. A significant part of the metal reflects the polymetallic nature of tin deposits, which are probably associated with the structures of Northern and Central Kazakhstan, where tin was mined together with cop-per ores. The second part of the sample — without a clear correlation of tin with other metals — reflects the cassiter-ite type of ores. It clearly shows the correlation As-Co-Ni±(Sb, Fe, Au), which is characteristic of the copper deposits of the Urals, indicating the alloying of the Ural copper ores with cassiterite master alloys. Data on tin metallogeny, ore chemistry, types of deposits, and known ancient mines of Northern, Central and Eastern Kazakhstan, which could have been sources of raw materials in the metallurgy of the Late Bronze Age, are presented. The main tin-bearing structures of Kazakhstan are the Kokshetau block in the north, the Kalba-Narym zone in the east, and the Ulytau, Bulattau, Atasu, and Sarysu-Teniz structures in Central Kazakhstan. Greisen, quartz-vein and pegmatite types of primary tin deposits, accompanied by placers, are known here. The ores at the deposits are represented both by pure cassiterite (in association with quartz, wolframite, tourmaline, etc.) and by association with sulphides (chalcopy-rite, pyrite, arsenopyrite, galena, bismuthine, etc.) and copper oxide-carbonate ores.

Metallurgical technology and resources mobility in the El Argar culture: An archaeometallurgical study at Laderas del Castillo (Callosa de Segura, Alicante)

Metallurgy has been defined as a pivotal activity in understanding of the development of El Argar society. Nonetheless, comprehensive studies of extractive metallurgical processes based on archaeometallurgical analyses remain lacking. This article examines the production remains found at the El Argar site of Laderas del Castillo, documented from 2150 to 1950 cal BC, including samples of slag, crucibles, copper prills and artefacts. Laderas del Castillo emerges as a key site for understanding the technology and organization of metallurgical production in the El Argar world. There are few sites with archaeometric analysis of metallurgical remains, and the present case allows for an almost complete view of the entire metallurgical chaîne opératoire in this period. Microstructural analyses of smelting remains by SEM-EDS reveal a technological tradition that mirrors the previous Copper Age one and the direct exploitation of complex arsenical copper ores with occasional copper sulphides. Despite the existence of closer mineralizations, lead isotope analyses show the exploitation of various copper resources and sources far from the settlement (Linares, the Interior of the Baetic Cordilleras and Almagrera, about 300, 200 and 140 km respectively). These active exchange networks in Laderas del Castillo reflect the same pattern found in the rest of the El Argar territory, which is based on the intensive exploitation of mineralizations in the interior of the Baetics and the Southeast of the peninsula. Some of these sources have also been observed in Copper Age metallurgy, suggesting that the mobility and exchange networks operating in the southeast during the El Argar period were rooted in earlier archaeological phases, indicating a wide and complex exchange network in the region.

Mineralogy and geochemical characteristics of the Ibaga copper ore deposit in Singida-Tanzania: Implication for source of copper mineralization and ore quality

The Ibaga copper deposit in the Nzega-Sekenke terrane is hosted in meta-sedimentary rocks and it has been rudimentarily mined by small scale miners for more than a decade. To study mineralogy and geochemical characteristics of the deposit, samples from outcrops and mining pit were collected for XRD, XRF and ICP-MS analysis. Results show that the ore is composed of chalcopyrite, covellite, cuprite, malachite and azurite as ore minerals; whereas augite, chlorite, actinolite, greenalite, birnessite, quartz, magnetite, berlinite, cristobalite, hematite, calcite and parisite are gangue minerals. The deposit is characterized by Cu (3.2–31.3 wt %), Fe (2.1–25.1 wt %), Ag (0.6–16.6 wt %) and lower concentration of penalized impurities Sb, Bi, As, Cd and (Al2O3 + MgO) than threshold limit set by copper smelters and refineries. The ore shows significant variation of Y/Ho = 21.75–40.00, Zr/Hf = 23.33–58.61 and Nb/Ta = 4.20–27.17. Presence of higher REE values of up to 2000 ppm in sample BG04 due to REE minerals known as parisite indicates that the deposit is potential prospect for REE. Consistent with the granites, the ore has Sm/Nd < 0.24 and enriched in LREE relative to HREE where ∑LREE/∑HREE = 4.7–9.0 and La/Lu = 32–769.3. The scatter plot of δCe versus δEu for ore and rock samples suggests closer genetic relationship between the ore, granite and quartz-sericite-schist. These results imply that the granitic intrusion triggered mineralization by skarnification into meta-sedimentary rocks and subsequently the ore underwent supergene enrichment.

The effect of the geotectonic settings of volcano-plutonic belts on the metallogeny of the porphyry copper ore regions and clusters

The effect has been appreciated of the geotectonic settings of formation of volcano-plutonic belts on the ore-formation zonality of their related complex porphyry copper ore-magmatic systems (equivalent to ore regions and clusters). It is shown that combinations of different types of ore deposits, spatially and genetically associated with porphyry copper deposits within the volume of the unified systems, depend on the earth’s crust structure, on the position and nature of the ore-bearing magmatic chambers, as well as on the metallogeny of the belt basements. The identified specific characteristics of the complex multiformational metallogeny of the ore-magmatic systems should be taken into account in the forecast and prospecting for both porphyry copper deposits and their associated ore deposits of other ore-formation types.

Comprehensive performance investigation of inexpensive oxygen carrier in chemical looping gasification of coal

Coal chemical looping gasification (CLG) using inexpensive oxygen carrier (OC) is a promising technology to obtain H2-rich syngas, and the OCs of copper/iron ore composite with an autothermal capability and red mud have been screened as the potential candidates in our previous investigation. However, the detailed synergetic effect between copper ore and iron ore, and the effect of reaction conditions on syngas production at different reactor scales are still unclear. In this work, the synergetic effect between copper ore and iron ore in composite OCs with different mixing ratios are detailedly investigated through H2 temperature-programmed reduction (TPR) tests. The results indicate that the copper ore addition can contribute the reduction of iron ore and form a new phase of CuFe2O4 between CuO in the copper ore and Fe2O3 in the iron ore, meanwhile observing the composite OC of Cu20Fe80@C generating a stronger synergetic effect in comparison to adjencent OCs. Moreover, the optimization of reaction conditions are conducted in a batch fluidized bed reactor (BFBR) by regulating the temperature, oxygen to fuel (O/F) ratio, and steam concentration for the Cu20Fe80@C and red mud OCs. It is found that a higher temperature is conducive to improving the coal conversion and syngas yield on the whole, but not the H2-rich syngas production. While a lower O/F ratio favors the preparation of H2-rich syngas, and the optimal steam concentration is determined as 50 vol% for both OCs under comprehensive consideration of gasification time, syngas yield and heating cost. Additionally, the copper/iron ore composite OC with excellent CLG performance and bed stability is further confirmed in a semi-continuous fluidized bed reactor (SFBR), which shows the effects of temperature and O/F ratio on syngas production similar to those in BFBR. In summary, the promising copper/iron ore composite OC exhibits good adjustability and adaptability for CLG process in terms of reaction conditions and reactor scales, respectively.

A key feedback loop: building electricity infrastructure and electrifying metals production.

Energy infrastructure requires metals, and metals production requires energy. A transparent, physical model of the metals-energy system is presented to explore under what conditions this dependence constrains or accelerates the transition to a net-zero economy. While the mineral (as high as 340 Mt yr-1 iron ore, 210 Mt yr-1 limestone, 250 Mt yr-1 bauxite and 5.5 Gt yr-1 copper ore in the 2040-2050 decade, assuming no improvements) and total energy (up to 22 EJ yr-1) requirements for building low-carbon energy infrastructure are significant, it compares favourably with the current extraction and energy use supporting the fossil fuel system (15 Gt yr-1 fossil minerals and ~38 EJ yr-1). There are levers to significantly reduce material use and associated impacts over time. The metals industry can play a key reinforcing role in the transition by adapting to the increasing supply of renewable electricity. Specifically, direct electrolysis can extract metal from ore close to the thermodynamic limit, to make efficient use of low-C electricity. The unique features of emerging technologies for iron extraction, molten oxide electrolysis and molten sulphide electrolysis are considered in this evolving system. Electrification enables elegant separations and provides a pathway to build out infrastructure while reducing environmental impacts, though material efficiency measures will still be crucial to meet 2050 carbon budgets.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'.

Exploitation of Mining Resources in El Argar Culture: Bronze Age Metallurgy in the Hinterland of the Western Betic Cordillera (Southeastern Iberian Peninsula)

ABSTRACTThis research addresses the territorial organisation of metallurgical production during the El Argar Bronze Age (2200–1550 cal bc) in the inner areas of El Argar territory through lead‐isotope and trace element analyses of geological copper ores, archaeometallurgical remains and copper‐based artefacts. Results from 31 mineral and 35 archaeological samples suggest that the exploitation of copper resources in the studied region was significant and had a similar impact than other mining districts of El Argar territory. This, therefore, leads the hierarchical and centralised production model to be questioned. It also appears that the copper ore deposits in the coastal regions that were intensively exploited during the Copper Age were used less intensively in the El Argar period. At that time, copper was mostly procured from ore deposits in the inland areas of El Argar territory: that is, ore deposits within the Alpine orogeny hinterland (inland areas of the Betic Cordillera, from Granada to Baza). Other artefacts were sourced from outside the Alpine geological domain, but still on the fringe of El Argar territory (the foothills of the Sierra Morena‐Linares mining district) or even from ore deposits definitely outside El Argar territory itself (the Los Pedroches Variscan region and elsewhere).

Predicting Particle Size of Copper Ore Grinding With Stochastic Configuration Networks

Predicting Particle Size of Copper Ore Grinding With Stochastic Configuration Networks

Discovery of live material of Marginella (Roseamarginella) namaqua

Recently (March 2024) the authors undertook another field trip to the Kalahari and northern West Coast of South Africa. In March 2021 the authors had an expedition through the Kalahari, Karoo and West Coast of South Africa that took them to a little-known fisher’s town, Hondeklip Bay. For background on the town, in 1846, Thomas Grace (a ship’s captain) discovered a small natural harbor and he established a trading station, naming the town after a gneiss rock which vaguely resembles a dog. The name of the town is “Hondeklipbaai”, an Afrikaans name that translates as “dog stone bay” in English. It became the preferred harbor of export for copper ore, until the harbor in Port Nolloth was developed in the 1850s. Alluvial diamond-mining operations started in the area in 1970 and constitutes the main business of mines in that area of the Northern Cape (Mohomed 2006). Just north of the Hondeklip Bay lighthouse a lesser-known bay is found, “Moordenaarsbaai”, where the study material that were used for describing the species was collected. Unfortunately, at that stage the authors could only spend one and a half day in the area, and no live material could be collected due to the neat tide and stormy seas. The recent trip to Hondeklip Bay by the authors did not disappoint, the tide timing was perfect with springtide and good weather. A bit of scratching between the rocks and sea grass in rough black-muddy sand revealed three live specimens. What makes this special is that this species so far only been found in this area and this is the first livematerial.

Trace and Minor Element Analysis of Azurite Blues in Fine Arts: Possibilities and Limitations in Provenance Studies.

Azurite, a historical blue mineral pigment, has previously been described to contain certain elemental impurities. These may originate from host rocks, vein fillings, or the primary copper ore mineralization. In this study, azurites (and also green malachites) from three important Central European deposits with a potential of being exploited for pigment usage already in the Middle Ages have been studied, together with azurite from Chessy, France, with a different geological setting. Using electron probe microanalysis and, more importantly, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy for trace elemental analysis, several indicators were pinpointed as important for provenance: characteristic elemental fingerprint of the deposit, e.g., elevated lead (Pb) in combination with rare earth elements, may be combined with zinc (Zn)/arsenic (As) ratio (indicating sources of excess Zn in the primary deposit) and the overall amount of metal impurities (suggesting the source mineral of copper for azurite formation). In addition, malachites from the same deposits were found to preferentially incorporate primary ore metal elements as well as Cd, Mg, Mn, or U. Therefore, if azurite pigment contains an elevated amount of malachite as an impurity, it may significantly influence the overall elemental composition. The results obtained on geological samples were applied to two micro-samples of works of art containing azurite-rich layers originating from the 13th-14th and 16th centuries. It was shown that it is highly beneficial to focus on the overall trace elemental composition of the paint layer and not on the admixed mineral grains, as their presence, especially in minute micro-samples, is largely accidental and thus not representative. Although a higher number of samples need to be studied in the future, the newly described criteria made it possible to exclude some of the localities of the employed azurite pigment. This confirmed the key importance of trace elements analysis of mineral pigments for the provenance studies of fine arts.

Separation of iron and copper in skarn deposits from the Yueshan ore field, eastern China: The control of magma physicochemical conditions

Iron and copper mineralization in the Yueshan ore field is intricately linked to the Cretaceous Yueshan diorite intrusions, yet they frequently materialize as distinct deposits. Despite this, the key factors dictating the segregation of these metals remain poorly understood. To gain insights into the role of magma physicochemical conditions in this segregation, we conduct a comparative analysis of the U-Pb dating, whole-rock geochemistry, and mineral chemistry of the newly uncovered Zhuchong skarn iron deposit (Fe:Cu ratio = 197) and the Anqing skarn copper deposit (Fe:Cu ratio = 35), both situated within the Yueshan ore field of the Middle Lower Yangtze River Valley Metallogenic Belt (MLYB) in eastern China. The garnet U-Pb dating of the Zhuchong and Anqing deposits are 138.3 Ma and 137.2 Ma, respectively, which are consistent with the zircon U-Pb dating (138.3 Ma) of diorites from the Zhuchong and Anqing deposit. The emplacement of diorite intrusions and Fe-Cu mineralization occurred at 137 – 139 Ma, consistent with the Cu-polymetallic mineralization epoch (145 – 137 Ma) in the MLYB. The diorite samples from the Yueshan intrusion and the Zhuchong and the Anqing deposits exhibit typical characteristics of adakites, such as high Sr/Y (28 – 174) and (La/Yb)N (26 – 40), along with similar and enriched Sr-Nd (εNd(t) = − 7.95 ∼ − 7.33) and zircon Hf isotope (−14.9 ∼ − 6.4) compositions. This suggests that the magma source regions for the diorites from the three locations were all likely derived from the melting of sediment-rich subducted oceanic crust with the potential of copper mineralization. However, chemical compositions of zircon, apatite, and amphibole from diorites reveal that diorites in the Zhuchong and Anqing deposits were emplaced at different depth levels and physicochemical conditions. Specially, the diorite in the Zhuchong Fe deposit was emplaced at shallower levels (1.9 km), with higher oxygen fugacity (mean = ΔNNO + 1.9) and fluorine concentration (2096 ppm), water deficiency (3.3 ± 0.4 wt%), sulfur-poor conditions (avg = 494 ppm), lower pressure (49.2 MPa), temperature (746 ℃), and chlorine (945 ppm) concentration relative to the Anqing Cu deposit (Emplacement depth: 2.53 km; oxygen fugacity: ΔNNO + 1.5; F: 1720 ppm; H2Omelt: 3.9 ± 0.4 wt%; S: 816 ppm; P: 66.9 MPa; T: 778 ℃; Cl: 945 ppm).It is proposed that a shallower emplacement depth may have promoted extensive exsolution of magmatic fluids, leading to the outward migration of water, S, Cl, and Cu elements, which resulted in the high iron-copper ratio observed at the Zhuchong Fe deposit. This process could have led to the relative Cl-poor nature and smaller Cu size at the Zhuchong Fe deposit, as well as the widespread development of vein-type copper ore bodies in the region.

Benefits and Vulnerabilities of the Free Trade Agreement for the EAEU Countries and China

Aim. Objective is to formulate the position of the EAEU in the negotiations on the free trade area with China.Tasks. We determine the potential results of the creation of the China-EAEU free trade area for each country.Methods. The indices of complementarity and trade intensity were calculated, and the benefits to society from the abolition of customs tariffs were calculated using a partial equilibrium trade-policy simulation.Results. The study of supply and demand for excavators showed that the total benefit of consumers (the construction industry) from the abolition of customs duties only slightly exceeds the losses of producers and the government. Based on the complementarity assessment, it was found that the free trade agreement is more beneficial for China than for the EAEU countries — the structure of China’s exports better corresponds to the structure of imports of the EAEU countries. It was revealed that the exports of the EAEU countries to China are not diversified, and the main export goods face minimal tariffs — 0% for crude oil from Russia and Kazakhstan, 3% for potash fertilizers from Belarus, 0% for ores and concentrates of precious metals from Kyrgyzstan, 0% for copper ores and concentrates from Armenia. The EAEU countries may be interested in further liberalization of trade with China due to the intention to export frozen fish, corn, wheat and rice (Russia), tobacco (Kyrgyzstan and Armenia), meat and dairy products (Belarus), and cognac (Armenia).Conclusions. Reduction of duties on the specified goods may be the subject of a preliminary temporary agreement. A free trade zone may be created by finalizing the existing Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the EAEU and its Member States and the PRC. It is recommended that, in addition to including provisions on the abolition of customs duties, sections on trade in services, investments, and movement of individuals be included.

Combined electrochemical sulfidization of refractory oxidized copper ores

Combined electrochemical sulfidization of refractory oxidized copper ores

Achieving enhanced power factor using dual substitution at Cu and S sites in tetrahedrites thermoelectric materials Cu12Sb4S13

Thermoelectric (TE) materials-based devices are valuable for translating heat into electricity, but the cost is largely driven by the use of purified metals required for efficient TE performance. This study focuses on tetrahedrite materials, which are cost-effective due to their abundance in copper ore mining waste and status as one of the most widespread sulfosalts on Earth. The research investigates the effects of co-doping and iso-valent doping on the TE properties of p-type tetrahedrite samples, specifically Cu10Mn2Sb4S11Se2 (Sample A) and Cu10MnZnSb₄S11Se2 (Sample B). These samples were synthesized using hot pressing at 773 K and compared with the existing pristine compound (Cu10Mn2Sb4S13). Doping with Mn and Zn (1:1) at the Cu site was found to optimize carrier concentration and enhance phonon scattering, leading to an improved power factor. Additionally, the Se substitution at the S site also introduced band degeneracy, further increasing the power factor. Further, sample B exhibited the highest Seebeck coefficient (∼300 μV/K) at 650 K, in comparison to Sample A (∼225 μV/K) and the pristine compound (∼250 μV/K). On the other hand, Sample A demonstrated significantly higher electrical conductivity (∼0.76 × 10⁴ S/m at 650 K), ∿ three times greater than that of the other prepared samples. Notably, the power factor of Sample A (∼0.389 mW/mK2 at 650 K) was more than twice that of Sample B (∼0.141 mW/mK2) and the pristine compound (∼0.160 mW/mK2). These findings suggest that dual-site substitution at the Cu and S positions presents a promising strategy to augment the TE performance of tetrahedrite compounds.

Selective Sorption of Noble Metals on Polymer Gel Modified with Ionic Liquid.

The solid phase extraction of Au, Ir, Pd, Pt, and Rh on a polymer gel modified with ionic liquid containing methylimidazolium groups (MIA-PG) has been investigated. The positively charged surface of the sorbent is highly suitable for the sorption of stable chlorido complexes of the studied analytes, while the retention of base metals Cu, Fe, Ni, Zn, and Mn is negligible. Optimization experiments performed showed that, at 0.05 M HCl, the degree of sorption of Au, Ir, Pd, and Pt is above 95%, and only for Rh, the maximum degree is 65%; complete elution is achieved in the mixture of thiourea in HCl. The results obtained from the equilibrium adsorption studies are fitted in various adsorption models, such as Langmuir and Freundlich, and the model parameters have been evaluated. The kinetics analysis indicated that the adsorption of Au, Ir, Pd, Pt, and Rh onto the sorbent follows the pseudo-second-order model. Intraparticle diffusion and ion exchange reactions were the rate-limiting steps. Analytical procedures were developed for Pd, Pt, and Rh determination in road dust and soil and for Au determination in copper ore and copper concentrate. The procedures are validated by the analysis of certified reference materials. Analytical figures of merit confirmed their applicability in routine laboratory practice.

Assessment of different energy-based breakage distribution functions in population balance model of an industrial scale continuously operated wet stirred media mill

This study aimed at assessing various energy-based breakage distribution functions Bij within the context of a population balance model (PBM) of copper ore milling in a wet stirred media mill (WSMM). First, drop weight impact tests were performed to determine the size distribution parameters, tn. Second, various tn models called tn-fitted and tn-regenerated approaches were used to fit experimental tn, and their goodness-of-fits were compared. They were then used to construct the matrices of the cumulative breakage distributions, Bij, of the PBM, while a power-law form of the specific breakage rate function, Si, was assumed. By fitting the PBM to the product particle size distributions (PSDs) obtained under various rotor speeds, suspension volumetric flow rate, and solids content, we estimated the Si parameters. Results suggest that except the Napier-Munn model, all tn models fitted the experimental drop weight data reasonably well, which was reflected in the PBM fitting of the product PSDs. The PBM fits with Bij constructed with the tn-regenerated approach were more accurate than those with the tn-fitted approach. The PBM was validated with additional tests that were not considered in the parameter estimation. Overall, we have established that the choice of tn function and the methodology to determine Bij can affect the PBM predictions of the WSMM process significantly.

Compositional peculiarities of the primary, mixed, and oxidized copper ores in gabbroids of the Volkovsky massif (Middle Urals, Russia)

The Ural type magmatic copper deposits in gabbro are assigned to a specific type of copper deposits which exploitation substantially depends on the oxidation degree of the ores, that is often not unambiguous. At the Volkovskoe Cu-Fe-V deposit (Middle Urals, Russia), three technological grades of the copper ores are known, the primary, oxidized, and mixed ones, that are distinguished based on the relative content of Cu2+ in the total copper balance. This paper presents petrological, petrochemical, geochemical, and mineralogical characteristics of natural varieties of the copper ores of the Northwestern zone of the Volkovskoe deposit. It is demonstrated that the criterion for distinguishing the technological grades of the copper ores by the relative Cu2+ content does not reflect the real degree of the supergene oxidation for the selected technological varieties. The results of our research suggest a necessity of studying the copper sulfides in more detail to clarify peculiarities of the redox conditions of the ore formation, to correct the indicators of the primary and supergene copper oxidation degree, which may provide new criteria to determine the boundaries between the technological grades of copper ores, using the Volkovskoe ore deposit as an example.

Beyond linear narratives: Complex copper ore exploitation strategies in Early Bronze Age China revealed by geochemical characterization of smelting remains

Despite decades of efforts to reconstruct the bronze production and metal distribution systems of the Shang period in Bronze Age China, there remains limited understanding of the ore choices and smelting practices of the Shang people. This study addresses this research gap by conducting a detailed investigation of Shang period copper ores and smelting remains uncovered at the Tongling site in the Middle Yangtze River valley. The results of lead isotope, copper isotope, trace element, and rare earth element (REE) pattern help to classify the slags from this site into two groups, associated with smelting sulphidic (Group A) and oxidic (Group B) copper ores, respectively. This finding not only serves as the first physical evidence of the use of sulphidic copper ores in Early Bronze Age China but also provides pivotal details of the copper resource exploitation strategies of the Shang people. It challenges the traditional narrative that the Shang people moved to this area solely for the high-grade supergene deposits. The parallel use of both supergene and hypogene ores at the same site complicates the notion of a linear, technological evolution from simpler to more advanced copper sources. Despite the presence of hypogene ores, the study reveals that the Shang people maintained labour-intensive smelting practices, including crushing slag to recover trapped metallic prills, to meet the demands of large-scale bronze casting. This nuanced approach to copper resource exploitation reflects a complex, context-dependent strategy rather than a technological revolution. By highlighting these intricate metallurgical choices, this research contributes to a broader rethinking of early technological development, underscoring the diversity and adaptability of ancient craft industries and their role in shaping Shang society.

Statistical Evaluation of Flotation Behavior of Chalcopyrite in the Presence of SIPX and Acetoacetic Acid n-Octyl Ester as a Novel Collector Blend: A Sustainable Approach

The chalcopyrite deposit in Malanjkhand, India, is the largest copper ore producer in the country. However, its flotation performance has room for improvement. This study used standard flotation experiments using a mechanical flotation cell using a conventional collecting reagent and a collector blend consisting of xanthate and ester. A three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design was used to statistically evaluate the experimental design. The obtained data were analyzed using an ANOVA, cubic plots, and response surface methods. The goal was to evaluate the effects and interactions of three key process parameters in chalcopyrite flotation: the dosages of sodium silicate (depressant), sodium isopropyl xanthate (collector), and acetoacetic acid n-Octyl ester (co-collector/modifier). The results implied that introducing acetoacetic acid n-Octyl ester along with minor tweaks in the dosages of sodium isopropyl xanthate helped increase copper grades by at least 15%, with good recovery percentiles. Among the three parameters tested, the copper’s grade and recovery were considerably positively influenced by the AoE dosage in the collector blend. Employing 0.006 kg/t sodium silicate and 0.0065 kg/t sodium isopropyl xanthate with 0.005 kg/t of acetoacetic acid n-Octyl ester, an optimum copper recovery of 88.87% could be achieved. However, with a sodium silicate dosage of 0.0048 kg/t, a SIPX dosage of 0.008 kg/t, and an AoE dosage of 0.005 kg/t, optimized copper grade (1.55%) could be achieved, which is a 78.1% increase from the feed sample grade. To validate the expected results, verification experiments were carried out, and the experimental findings were found to be on at par with the statistical model predictions. Furthermore, the calculated SPI value of 0.0000147cap Kg−1 for a global index per resident lies between 0 and 1.

INNOVATIVE METHODS FOR PROCESSING COPPER ORES IN KAZAKHSTAN: A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO ENHANCING THE EFFICIENCY OF VALUABLE COMPONENT EXTRACTION

This article presents an innovative approach to processing copper ore from one of the deposits in Kazakhstan, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of copper extraction from materials with a complex mineral composition. The described methodology includes several key stages: comprehensive analysis of the ore's material composition, gravity and flotation beneficiation, as well as hydrometallurgical processes. During the study, the ores underwent preliminary preparation, including crushing and grinding to the required fineness. Experiments on gravity and flotation beneficiation demonstrated that optimizing the parameters of these processes significantly increases the yield of copper concentrate. Additionally, sulfuric acid leaching conducted showed high efficiency in extracting copper from the ground ore. The research results confirm that a comprehensive approach to copper ore processing ensures high efficiency in extracting valuable components and opens up prospects for the sustainable and economically viable utilization of complex copper ores