Selection of rock depressants based on laboratory kinetic studies
CIM Bulletin, Vol. 80, No. 907, 1987
GORDON E. AGAR, Section Head, Mineral Processing, J. Roy Gordon Research Laboratory,Inco Limited Mississagua, Ontario, GREGORY H. STYLES Project Leader, Frood-Stobie Mill,Inco Limited Sudbury, Ontario, BRIAN LYONS Mill Foreman, Copper Cliff Mill, Inco Limited Copper Cliff, Ontario, and WILLIAM B. KIPKIE Superintendent, Mill Process Technology, Inco Limited Copper Cliff, Ontario
Rock rejection during the flotation of a copper-nickel ore was improved by adding carboxymethyl cellulose to both a rougher and cleaner flotation stage. The selection of the rock depressant was based on laboratory rates studies. Plant operating results are presented which confirm the laboratory selection of two particular brands of carboxymethyl cellulose. The rock assay of the concentrate was reduced from more than 40% to less than 15%.
Keywords:
Mineral processing, Flotation, Kinetics, Sulphide mineral flotation.
