2247
Effect of Temperature Variation on the Copper Slag Flotation at
Aurubis-Bulgaria
C. Poulopoulos
SNF S.A., France
V. Stoilov, M. Kadiyski, E. Visariev, P. Harbaliev
Aurubis Bulgaria AD, Bulgaria
S. Gaydardzhiev
GeMMe-Mineral Processing and Recycling, University of Liège, Belgium
ABSTRACT: A laboratory-scale study investigating the effect of pulp temperature on copper recovery during
slag reprocessing by flotation operated at the Aurubis-Pirdop copper smelter in Bulgaria was conducted.
Temperature variations in the range of 15 to 35 °C have been investigated to follow up grade and recovery of
copper and iron during rougher and scavenger stages without modifying the reagent suite as used at the plant. In
parallel to the laboratory tests, plant survey has been realized to trace pulp physicochemical parameters (DOD,
Eh, pH, conductivity). The data collected during the plant survey have been compared to the one registered
during the laboratory tests.
Kinetics and grade-recovery curves for the Cu-bearing phases (metallic and sulphide Cu) and iron have been
drawn as function of the various temperatures. Automated mineralogy analysis has been realized on copper,
iron, and gangue minerals (fayalite, quartz) to find out the liberation degree of the copper bearing phases, their
morphology and composition.
Ultimately, it has been established that elevated temperatures (35 °C) favor both higher grade and recovery of
Cu-phases when compared to the rest temperature conditions being tested (15, 20, 25 °C). The reasons for
occasional copper losses in the tailings during the winter periods are discussed on that basis.
Keywords: copper slag, flotation, quantitative mineralogy, grade-recovery, temperature variation
INTRODUCTION
While copper production relies in majority on flotation of
sulfide-bearing polymetallic ores, slags from the subsequent
pyrometallurgical process could serve as additional source
for copper recovery (Sibanda et al., 2020). During the
pyrometallurgical processing of valuable metals like copper,
byproduct notably known as slag is generated. Sustainable
metallurgy focuses on recovering, reusing, and recycling
valuable materials from waste residues, including slags.
Research findings indicate various valorization optionss
Effect of Temperature Variation on the Copper Slag Flotation at
Aurubis-Bulgaria
C. Poulopoulos
SNF S.A., France
V. Stoilov, M. Kadiyski, E. Visariev, P. Harbaliev
Aurubis Bulgaria AD, Bulgaria
S. Gaydardzhiev
GeMMe-Mineral Processing and Recycling, University of Liège, Belgium
ABSTRACT: A laboratory-scale study investigating the effect of pulp temperature on copper recovery during
slag reprocessing by flotation operated at the Aurubis-Pirdop copper smelter in Bulgaria was conducted.
Temperature variations in the range of 15 to 35 °C have been investigated to follow up grade and recovery of
copper and iron during rougher and scavenger stages without modifying the reagent suite as used at the plant. In
parallel to the laboratory tests, plant survey has been realized to trace pulp physicochemical parameters (DOD,
Eh, pH, conductivity). The data collected during the plant survey have been compared to the one registered
during the laboratory tests.
Kinetics and grade-recovery curves for the Cu-bearing phases (metallic and sulphide Cu) and iron have been
drawn as function of the various temperatures. Automated mineralogy analysis has been realized on copper,
iron, and gangue minerals (fayalite, quartz) to find out the liberation degree of the copper bearing phases, their
morphology and composition.
Ultimately, it has been established that elevated temperatures (35 °C) favor both higher grade and recovery of
Cu-phases when compared to the rest temperature conditions being tested (15, 20, 25 °C). The reasons for
occasional copper losses in the tailings during the winter periods are discussed on that basis.
Keywords: copper slag, flotation, quantitative mineralogy, grade-recovery, temperature variation
INTRODUCTION
While copper production relies in majority on flotation of
sulfide-bearing polymetallic ores, slags from the subsequent
pyrometallurgical process could serve as additional source
for copper recovery (Sibanda et al., 2020). During the
pyrometallurgical processing of valuable metals like copper,
byproduct notably known as slag is generated. Sustainable
metallurgy focuses on recovering, reusing, and recycling
valuable materials from waste residues, including slags.
Research findings indicate various valorization optionss