Copper ore mining and beneficiation process

Copper ore mining process

The development of copper mining technology plays a key role in improving the mining efficiency and reducing costs of mineral resources. Open-pit mining technology is suitable for mining shallow and thick ore bodies on the surface. Through careful mining planning and advanced mining equipment, large-scale, low-cost ore mining can be achieved. Underground mining technologies, such as backfill mining and caving mining, can effectively cope with the challenges of complex ore body shapes and unstable surrounding rocks.

Copper ore beneficiation process 

In terms of mineral processing technology, crushing and grinding technology is the foundation. High-efficiency and energy-saving equipment such as high-pressure roller mills and autogenous grinders are used to significantly reduce energy consumption and improve crushing efficiency. Optimized crushing and grinding processes, such as multi-stage crushing and stage grinding, further improve the degree of dissociation and selectivity of ore, creating favorable conditions for subsequent mineral processing operations. Flotation, magnetic separation and gravity separation are commonly used mineral processing technologies. Flotation technology is particularly suitable for fine-grained ores. By utilizing the differences in physical and chemical properties of mineral surfaces, minerals and gangue are effectively separated.

The general mineral processing process includes raw ore mining, crushing treatment, silo storage, feeding, ball milling, analysis, flotation, re-flotation and concentration sampling. For different types of ores, different mineral processing methods need to be adopted. For example, single sulfide ore can be processed by mixed flotation, preferential flotation, etc.; oxidized ore beneficiation focuses on the combination of flotation and hydrosmelting; and mixed ore beneficiation combines flotation and hydrosmelting.

The flotation processes of monometallic and polymetallic ores are also different. Single-metallic ore flotation selects a process based on the particle size characteristics of the useful minerals in the ore, while unevenly distributed ores produce concentrates through roughing, sweeping, regrinding and re-selection. The polymetallic ore flotation process may adopt processes such as preferential flotation, mixed flotation and separation flotation.

There are various flotation methods for copper oxide ores. Direct flotation uses fatty acids or amine collectors, while refractory copper oxide ores can be separated by segregation flotation, which is achieved by oxidative heating and the addition of chlorinating agents, reducing agents, etc. The selection and application of these processes reflect the diversity and adaptability of mineral processing technology, and also demonstrate the important role of mineral processing technology in improving mineral resource utilization and economic benefits.