Episode #8 – Real-world impact: How mineralogical data transforms a modern Copper concentrator
Example: The Value of Mineralogical Data
In the eighth episode of the Mineralogy Matters series, Dr. Chris Greet, Global Minerals Processing Expert, illustrates the practical value of mineralogical data through the example of a modern concentrator treating a porphyry copper ore.
The flowsheet of such a plant typically includes:
Primary grinding – ore is crushed and processed in a SAG mill followed by a ball mill in closed circuit with cyclones. The cyclone overflow feeds the rougher–scavenger flotation circuit.
Rougher–scavenger flotation – designed to maximize recovery of valuable minerals. Tails are sent to storage while concentrates undergo further classification.
Regrinding – cyclone underflow is reground to liberate sulfide minerals (such as chalcopyrite or pyrite) from associated gangue.
Cleaning circuit – the regrind product and cyclone overflow are combined and treated to upgrade concentrate quality to a saleable grade.
Two key principles are emphasized in this example:
Liberation stages – primary grinding focuses on liberating quartz gangue, while regrinding targets sulfide liberation.
Flotation stages – rougher–scavenger flotation maximizes recovery, whereas cleaning focuses on concentrate quality while minimizing recovery losses.
This example demonstrates how mineralogical data underpins circuit design, guiding decisions that balance recovery, product quality, and economic return.
