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.
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).