| Description |
A crushed, secondary sulfide copper ore was provided by a large mining company. The agglomeration of the ore was studied in three phases. In phase one, a series of scoping experiments were conducted to characterize agglomerates produced in terms of agglomerate size distribution, electrical conductivity, hydraulic conductivity, and a test of binding strength. Using these tools and visual appearance, optimum agglomeration conditions were determined to be 13.0% moisture determined on a wet basis, 60 g/L H2SO4, 30% critical speed, and 3 minute agglomeration time. Upon determination of agglomeration conditions, the study entered a second phase where agglomerates were subjected to leaching in order to determine the relation of leaching behavior to agglomeration conditions. Acid concentration was found to be important for the initial week of leaching. None of the agglomeration conditions affected copper recovery at 90 days of leaching. Following leaching, acid-resistant agglomeration aids were evaluated to identify those with a potential to improve agglomerate stability and potentially, leaching behavior. Two cationic polymers were selected from an assortment of potential binders. Both polymers greatly improved agglomerate strength and hydraulic conductivity when used during agglomeration at a dosage of 0.5 kg polymer per tonne of ore. |
