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| PAPERS – COPPER COBALT AFRICA CONFERENCE Copper mining in Zambia - history and future by J. Sikamo, A. Mwanza, and C. Mweemba This paper discusses the impact of the mining industry on Zambia's economy in terms of employment, support to other industries, direct contribution to the national gross domestic product, foreign exchange earnings and social amenities. The challenges the industry is facing are reviewed, and suggestions proposed as to how the industry can be nurtured to continue being a major driver for the Zambian economy and a major player in the international copper mining business. Improvements in copper electrowinning at Tenke Fungurume Mining Company by S. Sandoval, N. Goel, A. Luzanga, and O. Tshifungat The operations at Tenke Fungurume Mining Company since the first production in 2009 are reviewed. Recent expansions and detailed test work have led to a substantial increase in capacity, as well as a significant improvement in current efficiencies. Xanthate chemisorption at copper and chalcopyrite surfaces by J.L. Bowden ad C.A. Young Cyclic voltammetry experiments were conducted on copper and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) in the absence and presence of ethyl xanthate. The results indicate that xanthate will be chemisorbed in regions where Cu2S has formed upon oxidation of the chalcopyrite surface. An EH–pH diagram for chalcopyrite with xanthate is presented to illustrate the conditions under which chalcopyrite would be hydrophobic. Study of the dissolution of chalcopyrite in solutions of different ammonium salts by T. Moyo and J. Petersen The oxidative leaching of chalcopyrite in ammoniacal solutions is evaluated using electro-analytical techniques and controlled bulk leaching studies. The choice of ammonium salt and the hydrodynamic environment of leaching are shown to influence the presence or absence of a passivating surface product, as well as its nature. Optimization of circuits for prssure leaching of sulphide ores and concentrates by F. Saloojee and F.K. Crundwell This work shows how the performance of pressure leaching circuits may be improved by optimizing the configuration of autoclaves and the heat removal method. An autoclave model that combines mass, energy, and population balances is used to compare circuit and heat removal options. Understanding aqueous-in-organic entrainment in copper solvent extraction by P. Cole, T. Bednarski, L. Thomas, D. Muteba, G. Banza and M. Soderstrom This paper presents coalescing devices that are designed to provide more exact measurements of aqueous-in-organic entrainment in copper solvent extraction. These measurements can be used to complete mass balances on the circuit and help identify operational changes that can be implemented to reduce entrainment. Corrosion of lead anodes in base metals electrowinning by A. Mirza, M. Burr, T. Ellis, D. Evans, D. Kakengala, L. Webb, J. Gagnon, F. Leclercq, and A. Johnston Despite developments in lead anode technology, the base metals electrowinning industry still has unresolved corrosion issues that limit anode life and may lead to higher contaminant levels in the product metal. This paper focuses on the operational aspects of maximizing the utilization of lead electrowinning anodes. Development of a geometallurgical model for a copper concentrator by M. Valenta and B. Mulcahy A geometallurgical model was developed for the prediction of concentrate tonnage, grade, and recovery for the life of the mine from the mining plan. The metallurgical findings and the outcome of the various project stages are summarized and the development of the model is discussed, together with the challenges faced in the development of a suitable metallurgical process route. Ivanhoe Mines' giant Kamoa copper discovery in the DRC - a metallurgical perspective by V.L. Nkuna, T. Naidoo, and S.R. Amos A detailed test work roadmap developed from first principles led to an optimum flow sheet for treating composite samples representing different project phases and different categories of mineralization. Copper solvent extraction: status, operating practices, and challenges in the African Copperbelt by K.C. Sole and O.S. Tinkler Typical solvent extraction operating practices in the African Copperbelt are described, and compared with practices in other parts of the world. Some of the challenges and opportunities presented by the approaches taken to adapt the technology for successful implementation in this region are presented. Review, evolution, and optimization of the treatment of Kansanshi mixed copper ore by C. Ngulube, C. Chongo, and F.X. Paquot The Kansanshi copper-gold mine processes significant quantities of complex transitional mixed ores. The effect of the complex mineralogy on the flotation performance and the circuit modifications made are discussed, together with the development of a recovery model, based on the correlation between the total copper and acid-soluble copper ratio, as a tool for monitoring plant performance. Unlocking Rustenburg Base Metals Refiners sulphur removal section by J. Hagemann and M. Pelser During the ramp-up phase after the recent expansion at the Rustenburg Base Metal Refinery, the sulphur removal section was found to be a constraint to throughput. This paper describes the approach used to design a new precipitation system, and the impact of the change on capital investment, operability, and process efficiency. PAPERS OF GENERAL INTEREST A modification of the zeta potential of copper sulphide by the application of a magnetic field in order to improve particle settlingby S. Gqebe, M. Rodriguez-Pascual, and A. Lewis Gravitational sedimentation in precipitation processes is hindered by the high surface charge of the suspension, which results in strong attraction between the ions on particle surfaces and counter-ions in solution. This study shows that the ions close to the particle surfaces can be redistributed by applying a magnetic field, resulting in a significant increase in the zeta potential of the suspension and an improvement in particle settling without addition of a chemical flocculant. Experimental study on phosphorus distribution ratio and capacity of environment-friendly dephosphorization slag for high-phosphorus hot metal pretreatment by F. Yang, X.G. Bi, and J.D. Zhou The results from this test work show that the phosphorus capacity of a B2O3 slag system is much larger than a CaF2 slag system. It is demonstrated that B2O3 can completely replace CaF2 as the fluxing agent for high-phosphorus hot metal pretreatment. Tiger's eye in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa - grading, distribution, small-scale mining, and beneficiation potential by S. Rasmeni, D. Chetty, P. Sebola, and K. Seripe As part of a study aimed at job creation and social upliftment, tiger's eye deposits in the Prieska area were assessed to assist small-scale miners in understanding tiger's eye grading and distribution. This paper describes the challenges to be overcome in order to create and sustain employment for the local community. Selenium minerals and the recovery of selenium from copper refinery anode slimes by C. Wang, S. Li, H. Wang, and J. Fu This paper presents a comprehensive review of the discovery and occurrence of selenium minerals, and the distribution of selenium resources, as well as the treatment of copper refinery anode slimes for the recovery of selenium. Regards KELLY MATTHEE JOURNAL & SUBSCRIPTIONS CO-ORDINATOR Telephone: +27 11 834 1273 Facsimile: 086 585 2901 E-mail kelly@saimm.co.za | |
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