Flotation Separation Processing Flow-sheet

Step 1: Comminution:
Ore is reduced to fine particles through crushing and grinding. This increases the surface area, facilitating mineral liberation and subsequent flotation.
Step 2: Pulp Preparation:
The finely ground ore is mixed with water, forming a pulp. Chemical reagents, including collectors, modifiers, and activators, are added to enhance the selectivity of copper mineral attachment to air bubbles.
Step 3: Flotation:
Air is introduced into the flotation cell, creating a foam layer. Hydrophobic copper minerals adhere to the air bubbles, rising to the surface as froth. Hydrophilic gangue minerals remain in the slurry.
Step 4: Concentrate Collection:
The froth containing copper minerals is collected as a concentrate. Concentrates typically have a higher copper grade and are further processed for smelting or refining.
Step 5: Tailings Disposal:
The remaining slurry, known as tailings, containing gangue minerals, is discharged from the flotation cell. Proper tailings management is essential to minimize environmental impact.