3524 XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3
addressing concerns related to sulphide minerals. The proj-
ect aims to render sulphide tailings benign, thus contribut-
ing to environmental remediation efforts.
The study involved a thorough mineral characterization
of the Cantung tailings, revealing the presence of scheelite,
chalcopyrite, and various other minerals. This provided the
basis for the development of a reprocessing flowsheet.
Flotation experiments demonstrated promising results
in terms of copper and tungsten recoveries. However, the
obtained concentrates did not meet market specifications
for sale to smelters, prompting a shift in focus towards min-
imizing the environmental impact of sulphide minerals. A
novel aspect of the study involved exploring the mecha-
nochemical leaching of tungsten using high-energy mills.
While in its early stages, this exploration showed potential
for improving tungsten extraction levels, warranting fur-
ther investigation.
Future efforts should focus on optimizing the flotation
process to achieve concentrates that meet market specifica-
tions for sale to smelters. This involves refining the mineral
processing techniques to enhance the quality of recovered
metals. Continued research should be directed towards
further minimizing the environmental impact of sulphide
minerals in the tailings. Strategies to render sulphide con-
centrates inert, such as dry stacking with inert materials,
should be explored to mitigate acid mine drainage risks. The
study introduces mechanochemical leaching as a potential
avenue for improving tungsten extraction. Advanced explo-
ration and detailed investigation of this method are recom-
mended for a more comprehensive understanding of its
efficacy and potential applications.
The research contributes to the evolving landscape of
responsible mining practices by addressing resource recov-
ery and environmental remediation simultaneously. The
emphasis on deriving value from waste materials aligns with
national initiatives, such as the Natural Resources Canada
Integrated Business Plan, advocating for comprehensive
mine tailings inventory and efficient mineral processing
flowsheets for historical tailings.
This study renders a foundational exploration of repro-
cessing historical mine tailings, laying the groundwork for
further investigations. The comprehensive analyses, experi-
mental results, and promising outcomes underscore the
potential for sustainable and responsible mining practices,
emphasizing the need for continued research and develop-
ment in this critical area of mineral processing.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This research received support from Natural Resources
Canada under the Critical Minerals Research, Development
&Demonstration Program, as well as the Robert M.
Buchan Department of Mining at Queen’s University
through the NSERC Discovery Grant RGPIN-2020-
04290. The authors express gratitude to the Northwest
Territories Geological Survey for providing samples and to
the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory of CanmetMINING
at Natural Resources Canada for delivering accurate ana-
lytical results.
Figure 8. Cantung tailings proposed flowsheet
addressing concerns related to sulphide minerals. The proj-
ect aims to render sulphide tailings benign, thus contribut-
ing to environmental remediation efforts.
The study involved a thorough mineral characterization
of the Cantung tailings, revealing the presence of scheelite,
chalcopyrite, and various other minerals. This provided the
basis for the development of a reprocessing flowsheet.
Flotation experiments demonstrated promising results
in terms of copper and tungsten recoveries. However, the
obtained concentrates did not meet market specifications
for sale to smelters, prompting a shift in focus towards min-
imizing the environmental impact of sulphide minerals. A
novel aspect of the study involved exploring the mecha-
nochemical leaching of tungsten using high-energy mills.
While in its early stages, this exploration showed potential
for improving tungsten extraction levels, warranting fur-
ther investigation.
Future efforts should focus on optimizing the flotation
process to achieve concentrates that meet market specifica-
tions for sale to smelters. This involves refining the mineral
processing techniques to enhance the quality of recovered
metals. Continued research should be directed towards
further minimizing the environmental impact of sulphide
minerals in the tailings. Strategies to render sulphide con-
centrates inert, such as dry stacking with inert materials,
should be explored to mitigate acid mine drainage risks. The
study introduces mechanochemical leaching as a potential
avenue for improving tungsten extraction. Advanced explo-
ration and detailed investigation of this method are recom-
mended for a more comprehensive understanding of its
efficacy and potential applications.
The research contributes to the evolving landscape of
responsible mining practices by addressing resource recov-
ery and environmental remediation simultaneously. The
emphasis on deriving value from waste materials aligns with
national initiatives, such as the Natural Resources Canada
Integrated Business Plan, advocating for comprehensive
mine tailings inventory and efficient mineral processing
flowsheets for historical tailings.
This study renders a foundational exploration of repro-
cessing historical mine tailings, laying the groundwork for
further investigations. The comprehensive analyses, experi-
mental results, and promising outcomes underscore the
potential for sustainable and responsible mining practices,
emphasizing the need for continued research and develop-
ment in this critical area of mineral processing.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This research received support from Natural Resources
Canada under the Critical Minerals Research, Development
&Demonstration Program, as well as the Robert M.
Buchan Department of Mining at Queen’s University
through the NSERC Discovery Grant RGPIN-2020-
04290. The authors express gratitude to the Northwest
Territories Geological Survey for providing samples and to
the Analytical Chemistry Laboratory of CanmetMINING
at Natural Resources Canada for delivering accurate ana-
lytical results.
Figure 8. Cantung tailings proposed flowsheet