Greater understanding, improved performance

Orica’s flotation reagents increase copper recovery rates, resulting in a $2M increase in gross revenue

WHO WAS THE CLIENT? combined with sodium isobutyl Xstrata Mount Isa Mines form one xanthate (SIBX). As a result, DSP 330 “The best flotation of the largest underground mining was chosen for plant trial. operations in the world. The plant trial supported the initial performance was The mines, based in North laboratory results, with copper achieved with the Queensland, produce both copper recovery improving by 3%. 50:50 addition ratio and zinc-lead-silver. Established Further laboratory testing and plant in 1924, 5,700 employees and trials conducted by Mount Isa Mines of DSP 330 and contractors today work across found an improvement in overall SIBX, with a copper Xstrata Mount Isa’s twin mining recovery of 3.5%. As a result, and processing streams. DSP 330 was adopted as specialty recovery of 92.4% for collector of choice when treating a head grade of 5.4% WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES? slow cooled copper slag. Xstrata needed to improve copper and a cut-off copper recovery and called on Orica to WHAT WERE THE KEY grade of 24-25%.” identify and test collectors. OUTCOMES? Orica formulated a collector that would enhance milling and Pengfu Tan, Alberto Galvez, Lucya Yunus– Mount Isa Mines flotation of slow cooled copper slag. Identification of Ultimately, the process needed to achieve superior recovery of copper superior collector at a natural pH over a specific grind fineness. Xstrata’s key requirements were to: Optimised flotation • Identify superior collectors performance • Reduce reagent costs • Optimise flotation performance • Integrate improvements into 3.5% improvement existing operations in copper recovery HOW DID ORICA HELP? Orica developed a laboratory test work program using Xstrata’s current Reduction in performance as a benchmark. reagent costs Our expert technical team supported Xstrata throughout the project-analysis of laboratory test results, execution of plant trials $2M increase in and statistical analysis of plant data annual gross revenue in order to quantify the benefits. due to higher mineral The program confirmed improved recovery rates when DSP 330 was recovery rates

Flotation cell where copper concentrate is produced. For further information please visit www.orica.com/flotation or contact the National Customer Service Centre Australia 1300 550 063 New Zealand 0800 734 607 All other locations +61 3 9246 4099 Greater understanding, improved performance

To achieve increased mineral Our methodical PRO Service ADVANTAGES OF USING ORICA recovery and reduce total costs for framework ensures that we TO OPTIMISE PERFORMANCE both flotation and leaching, talk to understand your site challenges Orica’s metallurgical team us about Orica’s PRO Service. and objectives, so that we can then apply our mineral processing combine and in-depth Our expert metallurgists provide expertise and experience to understanding of mineral a proactive and systematic technical support service, supporting you to deliver real process and economic processing with specialised improvements. expertise – transforming ensure that you get the most out our product and service of our products, at your site. portfolio into a range of valuable customer solutions. Understanding the challenges you’re facing Discussion between our technical experts and your team,  Services are customised to SCOPE meet specific site challenges to match your site’s priorities with Orica’s capabilities and define criteria for project success. and implemented using our systematic approach; Quantifying the specifics of your circumstance working together to enhance Orica’s Customer Solutions team visit your site to collect data, the performance of your MEASURE perform test-work and uncover the opportunities processes, optimising your for improvements. productivity and outputs, and partnering to drive the Determining the benefits achievable at your site Site data is assessed by Orica’s technical team to determine revenue of your business. MODEL expected outcomes with you, and develop a business case and implementation plan for your site. • Bespoke Solutions Embedding value in your operation • Enhanced Performance IMPROVE The recommendations are implemented, with regular reviews of progress against the agreed schedule and expected outcomes. • Optimised Productivity Understanding the outcomes, to plan for continued success REVIEW Measurement of project outcomes, and assessment of the • Reduced Costs economic benefits to your site from undertaking work.

Flotation cell where copper concentrate is produced.

References These results were published by P. Tan et al at the 2012 TMS Symposium – T.T. Chen Honorary Symposium on Hydrometallurgy, Electrochemistry and Minerals Characterization Tan P., Galves A., Yunus L. “Laboratory test work and plant trials for milling and flotation of slow cooled copper slag.” Proceedings of a Symposium held during the TMS Annual Meeting and Exhibition, Orlando, Fl, United States, Mar. 11-15, (2012), 471-478.

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