Evaluation, modelling and simulation of the MIM flotation circuit to increase revenue

The recovery and concentrate grade, used simultaneously, are the most widely accepted measures of assessing metallurgical performance. Meanwhile, new challenges are being found with more complex ores around the world, a new methodology to evaluate flotation circuits more accurately is used to keep the Mineral Industry afloat in a changing world by increasing revenues. The flotation process is described by means of approaches of floatability components. The rate constant, k, is determined as a function of the dynamics of flotation cells as well as the properties of minerals. The new methodology is used for evaluation of a copper flotation circuit. The circuit evaluation shows that the particles being recovered in the scavenger bank are increased by 1.7% due to an increase in the collector. Meanwhile, the collectorless flotation of an initially hydrophilic chalcopyrite sample, cyclone underflow (80% recovery at pH 7.7), was decreased to 40% after regrinding at the same range of pH. Simulation of the copper circuit shows that an additional chalcopyrite recovery of 1.0% in the entire circuit is achieved by increasing the scavenger capacity. However, the concentrate grade decreases 2.7%, due to an increase of the recycle stream in cleaners. The medium and slow floating fractions are the main components in this recycle, which are normally associated with composite particles.