Novel Chemistry for Precious and Base Metals Flotation

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Introduction
Cytec has developed a novel family of collectors designed for the flotation recovery of precious and base metals from primary and secondary ores. This family of collectors is based on the novel chemistry, MAXGOLDTM, which is a functionalized dithiocarbamate. This new chemistry is offered under the name AERO MAXGOLDTM 900 promoter and mineral-specific formulations, the AERO MX-900 promoter series, developed using the FLOTATION MATRIX 100TM approach for flotation recovery of: Gold values from primary gold ores (free gold, auriferous pyrite, auriferous arsenopyrite and other gold-bearing sulfides) Gold and copper values from copper/gold ores. Nickel values from massive sulfides and ultramific ores PGM values from a variety of ores MAXGOLD chemistry is a sustainable alternative to the traditionally used sulfide collectors such as xanthates. Some benefits of the MAXGOLD product line are: They are liquids, which afford greater flexibility in dosing. They can be dosed directly into the mill, conditioners or stage-added to the flotation bank. They do not require reagent dosing systems traditionally required for xanthates. Improved reagent handling also provides significantly less chemical exposure to product. They provide equivalent or superior metallurgical performance at lower dosages than the traditional collectors. Their reduced dosage also translates directly to reduced residual reagent concentrations in the concentrate and tailings. This, in turn, provides significantly better environmental profile over traditional collectors. In addition to the above listed benefits, MAXGOLD chemistry has been shown to offer the following improved performance characteristics in the flotation plants: Demonstrated robustness in plant operation - reduced variability in plant recoveries, and improved overall gold recovery of 2-4% or greater. A greener profile than standard products, especially xanthates. Very effective in the flotation of pyrite and arsenopyrite in mildly acidic and neutral circuits. Can operate in a broad pH range, thus it can be used for copper/gold ores with selectivity against pyrite in mildly alkaline and alkaline pulps. Provides greater flexibility in terms of addition point (mill, sumps, conditioners, regrind, etc). Can also be also used as a secondary collector at low dosages (5g/t-15g/t), in conjunction with other collectors in the rougher or cleaner circuits. Faster kinetics in the flotation of sulfides and precious metals than traditional collectors; this is an important advantage in circuits with shorter residence time. Improved recovery of middlings or composite particles. Effectiveness at significantly lower dose rates as compared to traditionally used collectors such as xanthates. Greater flexibility in use as a partial replacement for xanthates. Excellent collector for bulk sulfide flotation and precious metal values including free gold, electrum, and tellurides. Excellent collector for Cu, Au and Mo values from Cu-Mo-Au ores requiring no secondary collectors . Can be used at low dosages (5g/t-10g/t) in flash float cells improving recovery of precious metals and gold-bearing iron sulfides.

Case Study
Overview
A plant trial was conducted in a large epithermal gold operation located in North America that was facing significant losses of gold in fine particles. Based on the FLOTATION MATRIX 100 approach for reagent selection and optimization and using AERO MAXGOLD 900 (AERO MX-900) promoter as part of the chemical system, improvements to the performance and significant benefits to the process were obtained when compared to the standard reagent Potassium Amyl Xanthate (PAX).

Process Parameters and Flowsheet

The circuit was composed of SAG and ball mill in closed circuit with a p80 set point of 150 m. The ore passed through a gravity concentration circuit which the tails fed the flotation. The collector was added to a conditioning sump prior to the flotation circuit and the flotation was performed at natural pH (7.5 8.5) using 125m3 tank cells. The flotation concentrate reported to a cyanide leach. The trial was conducted using a combination of 40g/t of AERO MX6205 and 10g/t of AERO MX-900 promoters, as a full replacement for 50g/t of PAX in the flotation circuit for five weeks.

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Data Analysis and Trial Results
In order to understand the variability in the flotation circuit, four months of historical data were analyzed, see Figure 1. This baseline data represents gold in the final tails when PAX was used as the collector. The average Au in the tails for this period was 0.25g/t as presented in Figure 1. This will be used as a baseline for comparison with the trial data. The Au content in the tails during the trial period is presented in Figure 2, it can be observed that the average Au in the tails during the trial period dropped to 0.19 g/t. When combining the historical data (Figure 1) with the trial period (Figure 2), the trend in the gold tails is readily evident:
Time Series Tail g/t Au 0.4 Time Series Tail g/t Au 0.35 Tail g/t Au 0.3
Tail g/t Au 0.4 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2

Significant drop in the Au values in the flotation tails: from an average of 0.25 g/t using PAX to 0.19g/t. More robust performance with the new collector system with reduced swings in tails value. This improvement is estimated to generate an additional one million dollars of revenue to this operation, representing a return on the investment (ROI) of about 480%. An additional benefit observed was that more gold reported to the gravity circuit than when PAX was used. This can be attributed to the activation of auriferous pyrite in the gravity circuit by PAX, which leads to gold reporting to flotation instead of being recovered in the gravity circuit.

FIGURE 1 - Historical Data - Au in Final Tails

0.25 0.2

0.15

0 0.15
0

50
50

100
100

150

200
150 200

250
250

300
300

Time
Time

Time Series Tails g/t

FIGURE 2 - Trial Data - Au in the Final Tails

0.5
Time Series Tails g/t

0.4 Tails, g/t

0.5 0.4 0. 0.2

0. 0.2
Tails, g/t

0.1 0

10
0.1 0 10

20
20

30 Time
30 Time

40
40

50
50

60
60

Shipping
AERO MAXGOLD 900 and the series AERO MX-900 promoters are shipped in drums, totes or bulk containers. For information on bulk delivery, contact your Cytec sales representative.

Reagent Selection and Optimization FLOTATION MATRIX 100

FLOTATION MATRIX 100 is a new holistic approach to mineral flotation optimization that combines Cytec 100 years of experience in flotation, unique chemicals, and our unmatched expertise and insights to consistently deliver measurable improvements in metallurgical, operational and financial performance. FLOTATION MATRIX 100 is designed to deliver a range of measurable results by taking into consideration the dynamic interaction of the ore body and plant characteristics with the chemicals in the flotation process. The benefits that can be experienced by following this approach are: Optimized reagent performance Enhanced recovery of all value minerals Increased yield Improved concentrate grades Accelerated implementation of recommendations following needs assessment Significant cost savings Contact your Cytec sales representative for more information on Cytec products.

Storage and Handling

AERO MAXGOLD 900 and the series AERO MX-900 promoters are combustible liquids. Provide adequate ventilation. Do not heat with an open flame or place in the presence of an ignition source or contact it with an oxidizing material with which it may react. The material should be stored in a cool, well ventilated area away from any sources of ignition. If product is spilled, remove sources of ignition, cover with an absorbent material, sweep up and place in a properly covered waste disposal container. Flush area with water and dispose of properly.

Health and Safety

Before handling these materials, read the appropriate Cytec Material Safety Data Sheet for more detailed information on physical properties, safety, health and environmental data. Causes burns of eyes and skin. May cause allergic skin reaction. Combustible liquid and vapor.

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Cytec Industries Inc. in its own name and on behalf of its affiliated companies (collectively, Cytec) decline any liability with respect to the use made by anyone of the information contained herein. The information contained herein represents Cytecs best knowledge thereon without constituting any express or implied guarantee or warranty of any kind (including, but not limited to, regarding the accuracy, the completeness or relevance of the data set out herein). Cytec is the sole owner or authorized user of the intellectual property rights relating to the information communicated. The information relating to the use of the products is given for information purposes only. No guarantee or warranty is provided that the product is adapted for any specific use. The user or purchaser should perform its own tests to determine the suitability for a particular purpose. The final choice of use of a product remains the sole responsibility of the user. TRADEMARK NOTICE The indicates a Registered Trademark in the United States and the or * indicates a Trademark in the United States. The mark may also be registered, the subject of an application for registration or a trademark in other countries.

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