IMPACT OF WATER QUALITY / MANAGEMENT IN COPPER FLOTATION - MORENCI AND METCALF CONCENTRATORS

摘要

Morenci mine has been mining in southeast Arizona since early 1800. Copper ore is processed via leaching and flotation. Morenci mine has two concentrators, Morenci and Metcalf; that process a combined throughput of 130,000 short tons per day. The Morenci concentrator has been producing copper concentrate since 1942 and the Metcalf concentrator since 2014. Morenci mill's ore feed lithology is a mixture of Granite, Precambrian granite and Monzonite porphyry. Copper grade averages a 0.35 percent with a final concentrate grade of 30 percent. Recovery averages 85 percent, the most significant negative factors on recovery being high sulfide oxidation and clay content, along with sericites. The water sources for the Morenci and Metcalf mill include reclaimed water from tailings, water wells across various areas within the Morenci mining district and water out of the water treatment plant from the town of Morenci. Morenci and Metcalf mills use a mixture of thionocarbamate and xanthate collectors in addition to a high molecular frother for their daily use.