Selective liberation of sphalerite and Cu-(Fe) minerals from Majdanpek

摘要

Majdanpek, one of the European largest copper deposits - contains, in its Northern Field, Zn-Cu-(Pb)-Au polymineral ore which is worth particular consideration in the assessment of this raw material. The investigation methods applied to ores from the Northern Field of Majdanpek, Serbia, characterized by sphalerite mineralization of economic interest, high copper and accessory pyrite, are described in this paper. A characterization is given of the texture of mineral association in general, that of sphalerite and accessory bornite with chalcopyrite in particular, and the complexity of sphalerite and pyrite intergrowth. Relative milling properties of minerals in the given ore are determined during the comminution, and the optimum liberation degree is established for each mineral. In order to propose an efficient and economical scheme of milling and classification for a better, highly recoverable concentrate, differential (selective) milling properties of minerals and liberation of sphalerite were tested at different grind finenesses. The objective of the test was to establish behaviours of minerals varying in milling properties or their liberation, and optimum liberation of each given mineral for a planned strategy of grinding and mill product classification, or an assessment of the possible energy saving in milling, loss reduction and increased efficiency.