About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Characterization of Minerals, Metals and Materials 2026 - In-Situ Characterization Techniques
|
| Presentation Title |
Characterization and Flotation of Konkola Copper Ore |
| Author(s) |
Yotamu Hara, Chilombo Henry, Wilfred Mulenga Mwenya, Cornwell Tepa, Rainford Mulenga Hara, Fredrick Chileshe, Douglas Mazwi Musowoya, Golden Mazwi Kaluba |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Chilombo Henry |
| Abstract Scope |
Konkola Mine ore in Chililabombwe district of the Copperbelt province of Zambia is of a mixed type with more than 12% of the copper acid soluble. The sulphide bearing minerals are bornite (Cu5FeS4), chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), chalcocite (Cu2S) and Carrollite (CuCo2S4). On the other hand, the oxide minerals are malachite (Cu.CO3Cu(OH)2) and pseudo-malachite Cu5(PO4)2(OH)4). Flotation test works were carried out with the aim of recovering copper as a concentrate. The effects of collector (SIBX) and sulhidiser (NaSH and Na2S) dosing were studied. Results from laboratory test works showed that Konkola ore responded well to flotation with SIBX and sulphidisation, with 250 gpt SIBX + 667 gpt NaHS giving the best balance of recovery (>92%) and concentrate grade (approx 12% Cu). Over-sulphidisation, particularly with Na₂S, caused severe depression, underscoring the importance of careful reagent control in industrial practice. The samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques while AAS, gravimetric and ICP-OES techniques were used for chemical analysis. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: |
| Keywords |
Copper / Nickel / Cobalt, Sustainability, |