An Analysis of Copper Concentrate from a Kupferschiefer-type Ore from Legnica-Glogow Copper Basin (SW Poland)

ABSTRACT

This study involved the chemical and detailed mineralogical analysis of the final copper concentrate produced at the Lubin Concentrator, one of the concentrating plants of the Mining–Smelting Complex KGHM Polska Miedz SA. The KGHM Complex mines and processes are one of the world’s biggest stratiform-type copper deposits. The ore processed in the Lubin Concentrator is the poorest in metals from the ores mined in the KGHM mines and is difficult for upgrading. The copper flotation concentrates produced at the Lubin Concentrator are characterized by polymetallic (Cu-Ag-Pb), polymineral and fine-grained composition, with the lowest content of copper (below 14%) among three concentrator plants of the KGHM. The total content of sulfide minerals is about 33%. The main sulfides are chalcopyrite, bornite, galena, and pyrite with marcasite. The aim of this study is an attempt to explain the causes of the low quality of concentrates produced in the Lubin Concentrator. For this purpose, a detailed quantitative mineral analysis of a commercial concentrate sample was performed. There were also performed operations consisting in non-oxidative acid leaching of gangue minerals followed by flotation of the concentrate with the use of a depressant. The obtained results are important and promising for the smelting use of these concentrates.

KEYWORDS:

• The Kupferschiefer-type ore
• copper concentrate
• flotation
• mineralogy
• low quality of concentrate
• non-oxidative acid leaching

Acknowledgments

I would like to express my appreciation to Professor Andrzej Luszczkiewicz for discussion, patient guidance and useful comments of this research work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The research presented in the paper is partially financially supported by the project entitled “Development of highly effective technology of Polish copper ore beneficiation,” which is carried out by the consortium with the Wroclaw University of Science and Technology as the leader [Agreements No. NCBR: CuBR/I/7/NCBR/2015 and KGHM Polska Miedz SA: KGHM-BZ-U-1023-2015]. Financial support by Statutory Research grant [No. 8211104160] is also greatly acknowledged.