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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
In this study, flotation of oxidised ores rich in copper and cobalt from Mupine deposit in the Democratic Republic of Congo had been investigated. This ore contains 4.85% copper, 0.16% cobalt. The recovery of copper and cobalt was performed using flotation to increase the concentration of copper and cobalt. Flotation of the oxidized ore was performed with fatty acid type Rinkalore. Copper and cobalt present in the ore were concentrated with optimal doses of sodium silicate, Rinkalore mixture of 500 g/t, 1500 g/t respectively and optimum tall oil and pH of 23% and 9.5 respectively. The influence of Rinkalore Bioex, Rinkalore Booster Q, pH and sodium silicate on optimum operating conditions were studied. Improved performance of operating conditions was obtained with the mixture of reagents Rinkalores 10 and Booster Q. Primary feed titrating 8.70% copper and 0.31% cobalt respectively had a recovery yield of 53% and 34% respectively, and rougher concentrate titrating 8.13% copper and 0.33 % Cobalt respectively had a recovery yield of 97% and 70% respectively.