1462 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
atomic weight ratios. For simplicity as 3-part sub-composi-
tion including Cu, S and Fe was used to develop a discrimi-
nant function biplot (Figure 6). Statistical data indicate
that the first discriminant functions account for nearly all
the variability of the dataset (DF1 98%). The suggested
discrimination biplot classifies correctly about 85% of the
samples, and thus it is considered of good quality to predict
the dominant sulfide/oxide mineralogy at copper world. To
further investigate the sulphides speciation, a second DFA
biplot was constructed using an 8-part sub-composition
(n=265) combining the major elements comprising sul-
phides/oxide mineralogy as well as those incorporated in
the main skarn lithologies (S, Fe, Cu, Al, Ca, K, Mg, Na),
and using the same a-priori groups define above. The lat-
ter DFA biplot yielded similar results (Figure 7). Statistical
data indicate that the first two discriminant functions
account for about 97% of the total variability of the data
(DF1=93% and DF2=4%), correctly classifying about 86%
of the samples. Both biplots designed for sulphides/oxide
speciation can be used with confidence, the first one for its
simplicity and the second one because it also accounts for
the alteration mineralogy.
Comminution
A summary of the comminution data is presented in
Table 6. The ore demonstrates a high degree of variability
across all hardness parameters. The 75th percentile parame-
ters were chosen as the basis for design of the comminution
circuit. Work to develop geochemical and mineralogical
correlations to hardness is ongoing.
Flotation
A significant amount of flotation test work has been car-
ried out on Copper World Complex ore. Initial test work
was focused on sulfide Cu recovery and suggested a simple
reagent scheme employing sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX)
as collector was effective. However, elevated collector dos-
ages (40 g/t) and a relatively fine grind (104 mm) were
required to maximize recovery. The data indicated a strong
relationship between copper recovery and the content of
oxide copper (as determined by acid soluble copper assay)
in the feed. Oxide copper species were poorly recovered but
did not interfere with the flotation of sulfides (Figure 8).
Additional work aimed at improving the recovery of
copper oxide species studied the impact of Controlled
Figure 6. Discrimination function biplot for the copper world sulfide associations based the sub-
composition Cu, S and Fe (n=271)
atomic weight ratios. For simplicity as 3-part sub-composi-
tion including Cu, S and Fe was used to develop a discrimi-
nant function biplot (Figure 6). Statistical data indicate
that the first discriminant functions account for nearly all
the variability of the dataset (DF1 98%). The suggested
discrimination biplot classifies correctly about 85% of the
samples, and thus it is considered of good quality to predict
the dominant sulfide/oxide mineralogy at copper world. To
further investigate the sulphides speciation, a second DFA
biplot was constructed using an 8-part sub-composition
(n=265) combining the major elements comprising sul-
phides/oxide mineralogy as well as those incorporated in
the main skarn lithologies (S, Fe, Cu, Al, Ca, K, Mg, Na),
and using the same a-priori groups define above. The lat-
ter DFA biplot yielded similar results (Figure 7). Statistical
data indicate that the first two discriminant functions
account for about 97% of the total variability of the data
(DF1=93% and DF2=4%), correctly classifying about 86%
of the samples. Both biplots designed for sulphides/oxide
speciation can be used with confidence, the first one for its
simplicity and the second one because it also accounts for
the alteration mineralogy.
Comminution
A summary of the comminution data is presented in
Table 6. The ore demonstrates a high degree of variability
across all hardness parameters. The 75th percentile parame-
ters were chosen as the basis for design of the comminution
circuit. Work to develop geochemical and mineralogical
correlations to hardness is ongoing.
Flotation
A significant amount of flotation test work has been car-
ried out on Copper World Complex ore. Initial test work
was focused on sulfide Cu recovery and suggested a simple
reagent scheme employing sodium isobutyl xanthate (SIBX)
as collector was effective. However, elevated collector dos-
ages (40 g/t) and a relatively fine grind (104 mm) were
required to maximize recovery. The data indicated a strong
relationship between copper recovery and the content of
oxide copper (as determined by acid soluble copper assay)
in the feed. Oxide copper species were poorly recovered but
did not interfere with the flotation of sulfides (Figure 8).
Additional work aimed at improving the recovery of
copper oxide species studied the impact of Controlled
Figure 6. Discrimination function biplot for the copper world sulfide associations based the sub-
composition Cu, S and Fe (n=271)