Efficient Separation of Complex and Refractory Mineral Resources

• Our research focuses on improving the technical and economic performance of beneficiation processes for complex and refractory ores, addressing the practical needs of mining production. The study targets fine-grained disseminated gold ore, Anshan-type low-grade hematite ore, and copper-molybdenum sulfide ore, aiming for multi-objective optimization in the process chain of process mineralogy, crushing-grinding, and efficient separation. The main findings are as follows:

  1. Based on the grinding characteristics of fine-grained disseminated gold ore, a crushing energy model was established through single-particle crushing experiments, enabling the calculation of the theoretical minimum energy and crushing energy efficiency. This model was used to evaluate and optimize the energy consumption of the crushing and grinding process.

  2. A novel high-intensity slurry agitation device was designed to enhance fluid circulation and turbulence within the system. This resulted in better dispersion and interaction between the slurry and reagents under strong turbulent conditions, significantly improving the recovery of fine-grained gold.

  3. It was found that the state of iron occurrence in the tailings from the separation of Anshan-type low-grade hematite ore determines the potential for iron recovery. The traditional approach of directly mixing gravity, magnetic, and flotation tailings into composite tailings for re-separation is inefficient due to severe particle size segregation, which increases the difficulty of reprocessing.

  4. The study evaluated the effect of different oxidizing agents on removing xanthate adsorbed on chalcopyrite surfaces and their role in copper-molybdenum flotation separation. The results showed the desorption efficiency of oxidants follows the order: KMnO₄ > H₂O₂ > Ca(ClO)₂ > Na₂S. Surface analysis revealed that KMnO₄ treatment formed hydrophilic layers of FeOOH and Fe₂(SO₄)₃ on the mineral surface, significantly reducing the floatability of chalcopyrite, thereby achieving effective copper depression and molybdenum flotation.