Characterising chalcopyrite liberation and flotation potential: examples from an IOCG deposit

A critical aspect of geometallurgy is quantifying mineralogical and textural relationships that affect mineral processing (e.g., liberation and recovery) and it is vital that this information is included in the planning process for both mining and mineral processing. However, to date, this has been an expensive and time consuming venture and only minimal amounts of this type of data are available to be included in the planning process. Our research is focused on developing new methods that will produce the required mineralogical and textural data rapidly and inexpensively. These include obtaining quantified textural data, such as the size and distribution of the valuable phase and its association with other minerals, by extracting it directly from mineral maps. In addition, simulated breakage of drill core samples was used as a rapid way of looking at various particle sizes to determine potential liberation behaviour. The predicted liberation parameter compares favourably with results obtained from typical MLA recovery analysis, is spatially coherent and can be used to recognise domains of high and low liberation potential that are expected to affect the grade recovery curve. The flotation response was evaluated and the technique validated using a small scale test being developed at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre, i.e. the JKMSI (mineral separability indicator).