A comparison of the flotation behaviour and the effect of copper activation on three reef types from the Merensky reef at Northam

摘要: At Northam Platinum Mine in South Africa intense potholing of the Merensky Reef has led to development several mineralogically different reef types proximity one other, which results differing processing performance. In particular, nature and texture valuable sulfide minerals, as well gangue minerals degree alteration various affects both milling throughput flotation recovery. The three major ore being processed thus selected for this study are Normal reef, NP2 P2 reef. focus was investigate relationship between changes mineralogy effect copper sulfate addition at two grind sizes on laboratory batch performance obtained with types. best were terms expected industrial throughput, recovery grade all base-metal sulfides despite type having lowest feed minerals. biggest difference pyrrhotite. better relative reefs been attributed equigranular together its feldspathic mineralogy. contrast, orthopyroxene rich associated more contained greatest amount correlated poorest conditions tested. Whereas did not affect ore, it significantly improved overall reefs, especially