Mechanism of tuff slime on flotation process to copper oxide ore

One of the major technological challenges to float tuff type copper oxide ore is the presence of slime.Slime has various effects on flotation processing.The structure and mineral composition of tuff slime,concentrate and tailings were discussed by means of SEM and EDS.The results of specific surface area and collector adsorption of tuff slim show that tuff slime exhibit rough surface and that extensive fissures are formed in a relatively open structure.It was found that tuff slime had a strong adsorption activity,which was attributed to its large surface area.Improving the slurry temperature and canceling the frother were found to have a beneficial effect on copper oxide ore flotation.The copper recovery and grade were 86.25% and 21.40% through one rougher-two cleanings-three scavenges closed-circuit flow sheet on optimum reagent condition.