CASE STUDY

Precious and Base Metals

Mine increases copper recovery while cutting lime

usage 30% and tailings thickening 35%
Challenge
One of the worlds largest copper mines, located in the southwestern U.S., wanted to increase recovery of slower-floating
minerals. The main ore was a blend of chalcocite and chalcopyrite.
Solution
Cytec took a broad view of the problem. While addressing the issue of recovery, Cytec also considered the alkalinity profile in the
flotation circuit and rheology of tailings as a means to generate further improvements in efficiency and productivity.
In the first stage of a Joint Technical Development program, Cytec used a collector from the series of AERO XD5000 promoters to
increase recovery of the slower-floating copper. As this collector is effective at lower pH levels, the mine was able to reduce its
consumption of lime. In order to accommodate performance at the lower pH levels, Cytec adjusted the combination of flocculants
at the tailings thickeners stage.
Additional test work indicated that a custom blend of AERO XD promoters would produce optimum results over a wider variation
in operating conditions. This custom blend was successfully implemented by the mine, which led to substantial improvements.
Results
Several benefits resulted from Cytecs solution:
Copper recovery improved by 1 to 1.5 percent.
Lime costs declined by 30 to 40 percent.
Lower lime usage led to a more pumpable slurry, which in turn increased kinetics.
Tailings thickening costs dropped by 35 percent.
Cytec continues to bring the mine additional improvements in productivity, safety and asset utilization, in support of the
operations key performance indicators.
Your Cytec representative will be glad to evaluate your processing operation and suggest reagent formulations that will
help you solve production problems, increase yields, cut costs, and increase overall efficiency.
MCT-1033

Updated 7/27/05
What can Cytec do for you?
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