The Influence of Textural Variation and Gangue Mineralogy on Recovery of Copper by Flotation from Porphyry Ore - A Review AF Cropp', W R Goodall? and D J Bradshaw? ABSTRACT Mineralogy and critically the texture of both the ore and gangue phases are of paramount Importance inthe flotation recovery of copper from porphyry ores. Mineralogy and texture will fine the theoretical grade recovery carve fora feed ore. Atul grade-recovery falling below this ‘may be due to texture and gangue influences, while desired grade recovery above this line will ‘ot be possible unless the characteristics ofthe feed are altered. ‘This review diseusses examples of porphyry copper deposits where process mineralogy has been ised to characterise these textural and gangue influences on recovery by fctation: More pesitically, the influence exerted by grain size, liberation, association and elemental distribution [s explored. The implications of these on overall plant philosophy and operation ave highlighted, along with the subsequent potential impact an recovery INTRODUCTION Porphyry copper deposits are of critical importance to the global supply of capper (and other motals), andi isestimated that up to 40 por cent of the world’s copper comes from those deposits (Sinclair, 2007). Deposits are typically very lange (Keeney, Walters anu Kojovic, 2017) and can have over a billion tonnes of ore (MeMillan and Panteleyey, 1980), with copper grades running typically sound 0.2 to two per ‘ont, illite 2010) provides an excellent global overview of porphyry depesits (Figure. Porphyry copper oves can be considered to have four key ‘ones: potas, sericitic(phyllig) anglican propy iti. These may or may not be overprintod by subsaquient weathering, Teaching and supergene enrichment. Ech ofthese zones and alleation envelopes display diferent mineralogy an text and therefore different processing characteristics An understanding of these can be used to prsit likely Potato response, and then to guide telovant test work to walate the thooris, fos the geomtallungial Block most wd refine the operation, Linking the macro fie ae Kilomttzes oreboudy ana block model seale) knowledge of cology and featutes with those ofthe mcr (le micrometre ther influences om flotation ill help + understand and prdict copper flotation concen + understand and predict causes of dilution to concentrate Co losses to tailings + inform identiation of test work This popor gives a bref overview ofthe general structure and geometry of porphyry copper deposits te provide context to more focused discussion on the control exerted by ore and {gangue texture and mineralogy. Seven mineralogical factors excing copper recovery 19 the flotation concentrate are discussed, namely: fine-grained copper minerals; locked copper minerals in composite particles; surface contings or vvakiable minerals; gangue recovered in composite particles gangue recovered entrainment; floating gangue minerals with activated surfaces; and deleterious elements disteibate in copper minerals Other aspects of processing porphyry ores are covered more specifically clawhere for other processes such as comainution (Viklrim ef a, in press} oF hytrometallurgy angler, 1694; Bau, 1865 Baa, 19% Aller tal, 2007), an ate therefore not considered in the scope ofthis reviews, The lestural and gangue anluences prosentod here are de within the contest ofan kale porphyry copper model reality, hovsever, aiferent formation and alteration histories amen porphyry tes arounal the workd will vary from this sue They will each have their own unique combination allenges however, there are many’ common threads, skAFCROPRWRGCODALANDD RADS = No porphyry koown Principal metals Deposit ype 5 Gee © Porphyry © CaMoas Porphyry + maior skary rey + Carlota placement ‘Ag Pb-zr-Cu High-sutigatin fhaemal = Bory F161 tal apt latin age, eps ype an np metals of maj erp oper epost (ioe, 2010, STRUCTURE AND GEOMETRY Porphyry orebodies are dominantly structurally controlled, with condensation of supereriical Maids derived from 2 exystallsing magma reservoir resulting. in. porphyritic intrusions Berger ofl, 208) These are typically imtermetote to acidic intrusive rocks, often granitic or diortc, and the sccompanying fluids result in a stexkwork of fi anal veins (Titey, 1995). Minealisstion commonly centres round this quset2 and monazite rich stelsworky and around intrusive dykes and breceia zane (Petru, 20005 McMillan, fractures 1991), Successive concentric zones of hylrthermal alteration, ach with distinct mineralogy, typify Ul sk structure of @ porphyry deposit These zones havea central potassic cone that rayrbe associates with the bulk ofthe primary’ or, surrouniest progressively by serictc (philic), argiic and propylitc zones (Lowell and Colbert, 1988), Otten ovenprintng this later supergeneenrichment resulting fom sweathering andl oxidation (@ulatowic, Wyslouzil and Kant, 1998; Petrak, 20). Figure 2 sims to summarise these nan idalised model, although depth ‘of emplacement, composition of intrusions) anu ost rocks, 162 eased stactue ofa porphyry cooper Goon Overpintng the bask natens ation tere weathein Peer! sipergene Bank Action of ypc depths le povided moi om Get nd owl, 97 20 THE SECOND AU INTERNATIONAL GEOMETALLURGY CONFERENCE / BHSBANE QLD. 30 SEP Be 2013ore F1G3- bangle erhsouth esto afanti,miaatn an Fuids, peessure, tine, water table, weathering and enoske give bach deposit a unique st of charactors, Figure 3 prsents anexample of a cross-section of the La Escondia deposit fom (Robb, 2005, highlighting the structure, zonation, alteration nd mineral, Skarm-type deposits canals often be found associated with porphyry deposits, and whilst these can be large (they em exceed 1 Bi) they are typically smaller in volume than the porphyzy ore. Butte Montana, Bingham Canyon Utah and Ok Teal Papua New Guinea (PNG) ate all examples of porphyry deposits with elesely associated sharms, whieh in some eases are minal and processed together (British Geological Survey, 2007 subsequent supergene arto ata icon Rtb, 205) Zonation The four zones common to most porphyry copper deposits are those of the potassi, seriitie (philic), argillic and propyl, although they may’ not always be present and/ or there may be other zones (Loder ¢t «2010; Jorge, 1988; Joha, 1978; Cooke ef al, 2006), These distinct zones with their characteristic mineralogy have different processing, requirements, and (Yidirin eta, n press) provide a table ising the principal alteretion-mineealisaion types ‘and some of their processing, implications (with specific rferonce to grinding and flotation), reproduced here ia (able bs raster Prat pest al nea. pn 2g et eta fred ease pe ne ae [teatontpe | Pstionneystin | yrnivers | Pindpasomas | —tanonie | pected] Epes | Grephotegonts “Gaitermative (abundance) assemblages | petential__|effectonmilleffecten unl he Thoeshat_fetaten Tare) | ovmencloiy | Mar | Rae dalepre[Napeecowac | Wh | Uw ‘Gayo Se geen | | ‘ole Gisizsciar | Wwapetel | Glam sian | Pe date | Gomnroe | Wane | ae Gerster | pln | eee ‘ove ee age eee ‘Seve phic) Upper parts of | ‘Quartz sercte Pyrite, chakeopyie, | Weak iomoderare | Maderate Moderate | ont lee Taig | Torey | ez tevennas | ee] octet mo theo | tae Mane fae 1 COND PUSH NTERIATONAL GEOSETALLRGYCOMTEENCE SHANE D0 SEPENDER-2CTOAEROT an[AT CROPR.wW R.GOODALL AND DJ GRADSHAN + Potssie 2ne ~ this central potassium silicate cone typified by an assemblage of secondary biotite muscovite sericitecrthoclase feldsparmagnetite, found associated ‘with most of the ore inthe stockavork, ancl along veins ‘nd fractures. The biotite soften accompanied by chlorite, ‘with the chlorite diminishing and the biotite. getting coarser closer to the core. Chlorite, quartz, phlogopite, nyrte an pyrite may also he found. Chakopyrte and ‘homite are the primary copper minerals, and pyrite may Ihepresent Beingclose to theeore and typically ecper,this ane isolten subjected to less weathering ard supergene Alteration than shallower zones (depending on depth of {erosion} so much ofthe primary ore mineralogy ancl rock Structure of the host and porphry i often retained. 4+ Sectc (pie sare = the typical assemblage i this zone is quartesorictepyritechlorite. Seriitisation is often associated with main orebody, and the veins ae typically filed with quartz and other silicates. Flaky sercite 5 commonly found around these veins in strong association With kaolinite and montmorillonite, and more rarely with Caleiteand epiddets- High quantities of pyrite can he found CCopperis typically found in bornite (and to alesser degree chalcopyrite), and a suite of secondary copper minerals incactng enargite and tennantie 4+ Axgilis sow = this clay-rich cone contains 9 quarte- alunite-kaoinite assemblage, with feldspors (orthoclese), biotite and hornblende (commonly altering to sect), Montmorillonite, ite, epiote and minor chlorite may also be found, The ore and mineralogy ofthe argillic zone may (or may not) hve umdergone either weathering and leaching (lowering grade) oF supergene enrichment (improving grade), depending on depth and the location ofthe water lable + Prep 2 larger range of alteration minerals are presented inthis zone due to he typically shallower depth nal resultant higher degzoe of weathering, with chlorte- epidotecalete assemblage being typical along. with feldspar altering to sercite, and other elays, Epiloe is characteristic of this zane andi often found in veins along, ‘with akite. Magnetite commonly alters to hematite, The ‘Propylitic zone is unlikely to contain copper at ore grade and is therefore not discussed in detail in his pape ‘Supergene overprinting Supegene alteration of the porphyry’ stricture tcugh scenhoring,oxilation and grouneater leaching ress Changes the mineral ssemblages at can lend to poten sopengenc enrichment Itcanalseresponsibleforanincrsse inthe amount and type of clay minerals erecuntera. The upper portions of porphyry copper deposits have commonly intensely exiisd (Hartly and Rie, 208) and feted ath theta being dissolved int ston and carrie deep nto the deposit where they may be preciated in concentration racked exp! Primary tea is typically referred to 98 the mineral replacement fs common, cay minerals ate abundant sn the rock structure an strength may be depletest aking Illi aior hut potentially incressing, ines amd tli the rate of eation. Below this, an envelope of supergene enrichment. may form when metals tram the upper usidisat cap h slissolves. trinsported slown sind. precipitated below the water table, this occurs, this supergene “blanket” an comprise a major portion of the ores for example, at La condita (Chik) this represents around 6 per cent of the copper with grades op bo 35 per cont (Aupestithis, 1944 ae THE SECOND st INTERNATIONAL GEOMETALLURGY CONFEFENC Berger o a, 2008) It should, however, be noted that net all instances of oxidation will result in the formation of a supergene cap, such as at Afton (Canada), where oxidation ‘did not improve Cu grade (Kwong, 1987). Figure? is used to indicate how the oxidised and supergene zones can overprint the original porphyry structure, influencing mineralogy and. precessing characteristic. ‘The depth of the zones, vel ofthe water table, extent of weathering and leaching, and any subsequent alteration will, fnflacnce sehich zones ate actally overprinted and to what degre so this isan iealised model, The zones and alteration, fn the overall grade distribution, leads commonly to an {Inability to selectively mine zones (Butler, 2009), 50 different ‘ores may be processed together ‘Skarn Broadly there are two categories of sar: endoskarns, which Aleveloped sethin an ignedsinteusion, al excskams, whieh formed within sadinentary racks Skame ate defined by their mineralogy, which include a variety of calcite and cael bearing silicate minerals, typically gomnet and. pyroxene dominated. Phylosiiiates such as tak ste commen, and ‘an present challenges to flotation tats. The pelymetac replacement found in skarns will often surround the main intrusive porphyry complexes sith radiating offshoots (Georgert 2008), ‘CHARACTERISTIC MINERALOGY “The mineralogy of porphyry copper deposits i varied and Schwartz (1966), MeMillan and Pantekeye (1880), Petruk (2000, Sinclair (2007) and Silitoe (2010) provide excollent mineralogical references, whilst Berger «tf QIK) provide mineralogical summary of apeciic deposits around the world. Tiley (1985) presents a description of the primary recktype hosts (silicate and carbonate) and the infec they hhave on resultant mineralogy. Table 2 aims to summarise the ey minerals commonly found i the three main one zones Polsssic sericiticand aril: ‘ORE TEXTURES Goole setting and eration history wil ifhuence the texture ofthe ore: Aste (161) Ince the coe of lasting oe grain textes an inking them to processing ‘haractrstcs (Table 3}, whist Butcher 2010) desrbes the Size distibtion of ore minerals as either eguigranlae oF icigramlar anu provides an example of testa change Uhrough onadation (gute) By way of slariaton, inthis paper a pin’ i chee | shit a ‘porte made up ef ene oF ‘Type Ty shows a singe pce containing ive mineral gin (lowe black grains and one white grain. These example highlight hows ore texture wil dirty inne the 4 eal partie size forthe Resation foe + degree of Liberation of the target minera(s) at that ideal particle size phase specific surlae ates of the angel minerals available for bubble interaction number an! type of composite particles Evans @010) expands on these testural variations, pointing than cme ofe mineral of inleest due to the deportinent BRISBANE, QLO.30SEPTEMBER-2 OCTOBER 2013,‘THEIRFLUENCE OF TEXTURAL VARIATION AND GANGUE KINERALOGY OK RECOVERY OF COPPER BY FLOTATION TROMFORPHYRY ORE TABLE? (Overview af sae ines commante pry copper depots, whan inten ofthe zn) which te typical occ emptor fm tpn Assemblage |p minerals Ghemicalcompostin _|_Potasic_|_Serctic | ili Tati os, vt] Pray ngris = ae pnt 5, i Enagie Gas, v Tonnes iG 3, Gateae Gs 7 cote ws ¥ Sentry eat maa — on : Nave 5 ¥ Ge a0 7 aie Gs, ac (Gain ,9(0 a) ¥ ye 5, v ness “ple 1s Ge cy tite af) (F05)0,08F, 7 fae "05, v 2 act ayasi0,)08, 7 Seite wasio,ce, z 2 hoe 5, v v 7 ‘Gite H ‘gh Asi0,JoH), eo Pe tte AIM S0 08, 2 Temi, > oa, ¥ nsFai0,00, ¥ | @80),040 7 v mi ae = ae 81900, v z | ‘eA 610,09. | 00, v | 9, z so, fe ANA, x ee asia, . ‘name (Gites) acto 0,80,08n, e =] couben no | a 450.0, ° nee on) . ote 0, ’ THE SECOND AUS NTEFRATIONAL GEO.VETALLURGY CONFERENCE SHISBANE. QLD, s0SEFTENBER-20CTORER 2013, 2TABLES ‘bampes ofvarios common ore etre that an npact processing fm ‘ans (2010) beeen he wok fst (196), aie Tye | Tplalmicostucture Description pete Sinoktergronh arcing a. retest ey cane buna os conman yma anges. Jebree eeeeeceer ee cece cee Wot ony ramneb pebaing | arierptnt Snlomnae pater many eras. | Goole mmmsicer eee. Comers eagles dulopyieani | State rand gs, ‘emibien te dope | adsorp Cenmon | | eumpeshkopitet pate | andsete etn eas oud ane eee, ro ‘ig Se oa ke Eres Clot ore andy ‘ghar @ “Op - @0 nope ‘lig fay omer ops feat isn dont [bemte Ved ge tc bch Tye | ane, yd orgs ye commen ees | reoottenenie mgr ete ete akon multiple minerals, as is demonstrated by Evans’ modiied| ketch rom Butcher (2010) (Figete3), each ef which may havo guighanelae or inequigranular dstsbution, Have aeltiple textures and/or have undergone Inver alleration; leading, further textural complexities ‘SEVEN MINERALOGICAL FACTORS INFLUENCING COPPER-RECOVERY TO THE FLOTATION CONCENTRATE grade-rocovery oe EE auiganular HRS FIG4- etext canbe equigranl igh wth ans of Sena se, negra where oe mines ave to mae sze drut efand Cee Thebttom ow fexamalessaw ofan sie erm) tes raybe ated by goundwater ard ation Butt 2010, xeon toate Sine sore se Shrove 1G -Exarpeot ow ope deprtest acess mules tts valley lee net de niet potertal Cans 20% ‘ofthe foe ore (a in particular liberation, surlace area and, deportment). Ta improve the grade or covery beyond this theoretical curve, changes need ta be made tthe fed; for example to increase liberation, The opersting conditions of the Dotaion circuit ate not considered in thie diecussion, bt the typical inflaencet af mineralogy and lestare have becn summarised iy Table | seach of which detail n fllossing + Coun prices cn be conpsts contin mull rains) of eopper-beoring rl gangue minerals Recovering these will incase recovery bat lower the gre, as the locked gangue will, by necessity, albo be comprise ut the target gains wil be lest to tains, thereby reducing overall rover + Fine pavtisles largely comprise berated tains Fin fore particles can have a lower chance of particl-bubb ‘eabeain anal (refore Maya a reiced chante of + Miding. particles are typi: consider to be fully partially borates, and therefore be amon ration in a thiation einai, with the ore mineral Tring recovered without significant elegrodation howover, ths snot alvays the case, Snface coatings he ausepti in face fISEANE QLD 3 SEPTEMBER-2 OCTOBER 201‘THeinrLUENCe oF Tex JRRLVARIATION AD GANGUE Qeransiot FIG6. lec ore defies the theta gad rere ane Patidelmages at wed INERALOGY OH RECOVERY OF COPPER TATION FROM PORPHYRY ORE ao Recouery stom howhigh get incre wl typi mes recvery cf gang minerals reducing the ge Fight factual guderecovey es than he thee then oe atenal conditions may be ange te ngreve ths. gad ezveryabovethe theoretical care required thenthe eur cf thee wile chance Tastes Samat se ommon cases fot er ha atic pated Cu gfe ot covey inthe tao coment, The gaphisue a highgh ech ofthese and how pares ees oe organgue rater. [esses totaings ‘Fee Comins Dlowed mines 3) Sree atgsen vale ines | Dilation inconcenrate ong onpates Syinwared are| Stewed op Dyan deen rin 1. Fine copper minerals ‘MacDonaldto! Q011) describe how common coppermine than 50 yim are lane grains of chakpyrie and bornite can be as ing as mm i Sonte disseminated porphyry ores: however, most are smaller (anderson, Scholz and Stell, 1855) Indeed a considerable Percentage (ap to 70 percent) of chalcopyrite and bornite can {cr in gain of <10 jm (Pincha ct, 1858), When these report tote fines and are irate the presence ofthese very fine grained Cu grains wall mest lser prsability of thoi at Kenpecell, Primary copper sulfide achwving a partile-bubble interaction, making them slower to float and therofone reducing shanwe of racowery te Uh 2. Locked copper minerals Coppenbearing, minerals may romain keked i compost patch cause they an fino peained © have a bind grain size sistribution (resulting either from ewsuigranlar grains in one ore, oF oan blended Te SECOND Usa FTEFHATIONAL GEOMETALLURGY CONFERENCE Recovery ie: loseslation te ere the target grind size is optiised for the largest of the slistibution siees + are from a re /diferent one type with o hover Py than the curator’ target grind size Those muy note recoveret in the Mh cist because cither they are too heavy to float oF Lack the free surface area to be collected. Bradshaw, Trfftt and Kashuba (2011) Compare the recovery’ from two ore types from Kennecet 4 monzonite oe representing ene of the ws with a typical Cu and Mo rovovery? and a limestone sham ore with poor Ca {and Mo) recovery. With similar amounts of tla coppr bat wery differnt racewery rts, dhe zion porphyry ‘were examined, inclusting the particle sie distribution after torso shan {LSN) asa less ven particle size distribution, with or repertin tobetntheceam ant fine factions, possibly det the ws tig of both hater (uch as ardeaite anu solertinera than thal found inthe menzonite oe, The copper minerals wseve Found to be finer in the LSN: (Figure 7), raving, the Pole fra grster quantity of uniberated Cu grains th EFISBANE 0.0.36 SEFTENER -20CTORER 2F1G7-Phstamcrphs two oes rm Hen that hve asin cppr grade, bu eet covey, eto he dienes ete (A) Shows tem atypical mowonteprpyty or with coarse oper mineral ys, whi (shes orm he linestnestan wth nuh regan ceppet mea Cp haope Bo = bot, Mo = mona, y= ye fom Brosh, re and Kashab 201) ‘coarse size fractions, The theoretical grade recovery curves skarn ore (Gerson ct Bradshaw, ‘Triffett a prxaced from QEMSCAN mineralogical data (Figure 8) Kashuba (2011) noted this at the Kennecott Utah Copperton highlight the ower liberation of copper minerals inthecoarse Concentrator, where the inirouction of aa LSN resulted in particles ofthe LSN compared to those of the monzonite ore. 9 higher proportion of Mg- and Ca-boaring aninerals than These results are supported by the lower actual recovery was found in the typical porphyry. monzonite feed ore Flotation concentrate i laboratory tests seen in these Whilst biotite, phlogopite and chlorite were the primaty fractions For the LSN (Figure 9 Mg-bearing minerals in the monsonite porphyry ore and Seamanét s!(20128) notea similar challenge of poor copper WER evenly sistibuted across all the fractions, amphibole {grades in the Hotation concentrate at the Telfer cencenttator land pyroxene were the primary Mg-bearing minerals in Then comparing ore fom he sevnuiary source "West Derne’ the LSN' with considerably more amphibole in the -20 jm to that of the primary source Man Dome’, Main Dome ore action. This higher amount of magnesium in the 20 ym is generally wel liberated, following, nominal target P, of action is thought to have resulted ina surface coating on 13 ym, whereas West Dome ores significantly sifferont, the copper minerals, reducing the overall copper recovery 10 Pyrite The shows an example ofa chalcopyrite be present as rimming around or veining throa a, anal a grain with resultant lower liberation of West Dome ore canbe seen in ite particulates on the surface. A higher proportion of calcite Figure 10-A regrind cincut war installed for she West Dome it the LSN may conteibute farther by aggravating the surface fore in response to this with laboratory testing indicating coating with additional Csions the P., of the egrind feed and discharge tbe substantially The discussion on phylosiicates and clay minerals is at approwimataly 40 and 20m respective limited to this section Io negate the risk on 3. Surface coatings on valuable minerals such as 3) entrained gongue. Clay minerals a y and Fe hydroxides and phosphates, and Ca and Mg smecttes stich as montinorittonite (Goroetsite21 bearing alamino-slicates, can be a prin ues 205) and tak, play a significant role darn contamination on target mineral flotation, and ate prevalent in the argilic zane and 00 Grades Recovery) Recovery) Fics : nrlogy of[URAL VARIATION AND GANGUE MVERAL ERY OF COPPER BY FLOTATION FROME F469 Actua recovery to feta ccncentate by site facton ef the mnzerit porphyry (HUMES! dhe este ten ce 1 Teeny ef eppt n The ouse partes such ner fre hn the roncaite on nein compete pricks ako corahig gang rn Badha et and Kasha, 2011, (CEES meee liberation from Main Dare (uns a cre) compare West Dose ngles) oppet ine m MainDome splay much degre of bert than toe forest Dane om Seaman a 2012 ae “eer aa won 11611 Scaming elton nieexope image o too gains a the ailing samples celled x pain AUC (A Chkopyite gam nd anima ete pep hes iowa LLURGY CONFERENCE / BRISBANE, LO, 30SEFTEND HER 2013 207areas of porphyry deposits whore supergene alteration has (ested For ep ey oa + inerease pulp viscosity ater and reagents alter pulp ioniccompesition © ierense ect stability duce selectivity of collector sdeomption of ultrafine particles. Bulatovic, Wy ual ad Kant (1988) discuss how the clay minerals in Chilean porphyry copper deposits vary from imple kaolinite to comple chamonite/illte group mineral, whilst Cook (1988) highlights how half the copper at Lake shore mine (Arizona) is found within altered phencerysts of HHotitesind plaice lao, and subsaguently in lay. Serie Fines nd surface coatings will ave a smaller impact than those of aolinite, and in turn montmorillonite, Inversely, hac snd montmorillonite will have a larger effect om the pulp by increasing visosi The total amount of water held by fine Sized Kaolinite and stontmorillnite reaches 50 per cent and phan, 1981, 70 por cont ofthe solids weight respectively (Mi P ng, and Zhvo (2011) demonstrate that under normal grinding conditions a small addition of around five per cent (noes) of bentonite could reaull ina significant reduction in the flotation kinetics of chalcacite. Seaman etal 20120) discuss theissue ofclay minerals and surlace coatings adsorbingon to the surfaces of copper miners, reducin rery by Moation, at Telfer Min slispersant intro {tothe flotation circuit wae found to preferentially adsorb on to the surface of the clay minerals, preventing these hydrophilic gangue minerals from attaching, tograins of chalcocte snd to. lesser extent chalcopyrite 4, Gangue composites Composite particles, particularly in the middlings where the portisles contain enough of the target Cu-mineral to be locked gangue material This gangue can have a wide range snding on dhe mineralogy ofthe ort, and ‘an be ither sulfide or nom slid ite i used here as an oxnmple af gangue compes regards to environmental ramifications. Pyro recovered to the concentrate may cause high levels of SO, emissions fom thesmelter, whilst rejected potentially” diving rte will end wp inthe tailings, acid rock drainage (Parbhakar Fos, 2012}. The discussion on pyrite inthe flotation of porp hyn ‘ore ie confined to this section to provide a single discussion point; however, the subject does overlap with other sections ich os 6) Activates! ange Pyrite i typically found in the highest concentrations in sly, in composite. particls, 238 liberited grains with activated. surfaces or through entrainment. Pyrite hos. similar fltation properties chalcopyrite (Malgan, 1984), and although chalcopyrite ‘generally floats faster than pyrite in both rougher and cleaner circuits (Lynehetal 1881), itshould benoted that chacopy ton have variable rates of flotation, with some Bein aig (Evans, 2010) Aoting, slow flsting and even non sina ite supergene regions that have developed locally ‘can result in pyrite becoming included in covelltechaleocite, ‘which sill typically be recovered during Rotation, reducing, grade (McMillan, 1991), Seaman et « (20123) report this at Telfer, where West Dome one has copper side inclusions found in pyrite hosts Figure 12), and CCeehura (2007) reports that at Bute (Montana) pyrite in the Continental pt has been extensively replaced by chalecile veins, Waldner, Smith and Wil (1975), McMillan eta 1976) Barra ca! (2003) an! Leichiter eo! 2011) describe a range of deposits with strong chaleapyrit-pyrit association 5. Entrained gangue Seaman st af (2012a) discuss how the concentrator at the elfer CurAg porphyry copper deposit has struggled with, seonllie gee laable minerals (both berated fines and con and to replace the NSG boing recove tanwantod recovery of NS& Fiew. der i“THEINFLUENCE OF TEXTURALVARIATION AND GANCUE (CPR stated NSG Contant) were s we oct ote aca wea SS ‘See tacten 1613 Sze by wcoveryofnen sue gangue bef (que) and ater ‘dos instalation ofthe two Jeon cells athe lr concer Ths shows theeductoninumanted covery ofon-uiede gangue ate the Intent leer sage Notation cra from Seaman 20123). Tale, phlogopite, micas and amphiboles may’ introduce Fuorine’ to the flotation “concentrate. bacouse they are recovered thyough entrainment as liberated Fine material (or because they float se composite particles). England, Kilgour and Kanau (199) discuss the challenges of fuorine al Ok Tesh (PNG), whore several fltable minerals such as tale were Found to contain at mac a 4 por cont Hao 6. Activated gangue Thehighspecik surface area of wer fne grained chakopyrite anal borne, and any secondary copper minerals present, tnay tebe Caine ino caution daring tation, skering flotation chemise. This will ce th ctlcioncy of rcewery of primary chalcopyrite and bomite as well ss activating the surfaces of ether sulle such 09 pie, arenopy ie Spluerite ara gana, causing them to be neowered 10 the 7. Deleterious element distribution Arsenic can be associated with copper ring minerals, and seth gangue minerals, and therefore an understanding of the deportment is eritial to determine whether the arsenic-bearing minerals go to tailings or ane recovered tothe concentrate, In tailings the deportmient will Fine the potential for As rekase inte the ehwitonmnent whilst its potential association with copper and gold ean make ita target for recovery and. gokt At Cananea porplyry copper deposit (Mes), to four! in chalet, covellite, Borite ad chalcopyrite at around 290-880 ppm, although the main Ae-bearing mineral fs engite, Those combine make up 80 per cent of the sescnic in the concentrates, Arsunic acts. 3 als around the pom’ stocks as ¢ result of Iyethermal alteration, wwithan regular dtributhon beth horizontally and vertically decreasing with depth, Th The highesteprade copper ore ile found withthe highest grades of atic, up 6 TMU ppm within breccias and i the upper part of the supengene-enriched rome, cose 8 the tact with the leachest one (Peter Segura and Zernfie Mend nngntite st colalte may als contain THE SECOND AUSTIN NTEENATIONAL GEOVETALLURGY CONFERENCE Kappes ot +! 000) prosent a case study examining the Ldeportment of arsenic’ dae to its association with gol in Carlin Tren! ore, Arsenopyrite and arsenian pyrite (pvrite enriched with arsenic) are cited aS potential targets for socovery by flotaticn, Four monphellogialtypusare identified 2 rofloting tho As Aw relationship, namely: disseminated, Inkrocrystalline, fine grained and coarse each with different ation potent DISCUSSION Formation history hos rocks, intrusion composition, zonation and degree of alteration will vary and subsequently the exact ‘mineralogy and texte will vary from porphyry to porphyry around the world, That said common minerals, textures na processing implications can he found that apply to most concentrators treating porphyry copper ore. The sever key imineralogical controls on the lation recovery of copper dliscussed here provide examples of some of the challenges within floation cincuit. They highlight the link heiween mineralogy’ and textte with the anticipated performance in 4 flotation creat, and provide an early guide to potential iestes that might he encountered snd therefore potentially be catered for CONCLUSIONS “The alm of this review paper 6 to summarise the typical mineralogy and texture of copper ore found in porphyry ‘deposits rom around the world, and in particular to highlight the influences of thrae en copper recovery by flotation. The ‘aie conclasions drawn from this review aretha ‘formation ad alteration history oF ach porphyry copper sfeponit will heavily influence mineralogy and texture ‘© each zone and alteration envelope will display distinct mineralogy anal textures; however, these may be blended for processing either because of operational tssons of bbeeause oftheir close association ‘+ mineralogy, and in particular textute, sill define the theoretical grade recobury fr each flotation ford ore ‘+ seven key mineralogical factors iniluence the actual Ca sade recovery in th fotation concentrate 1. fine gained copper minerals 2. eke copper minerals fn composite particles 3. surface cootings on valuable ines 4. gangue recovered in composite particles 5, gangue recovered through entrainment 6. 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