Estudio de los parámetros óptimos de flotación para recuperar cobre de la empresa minera Numinec S.A

Abstract

Abstract: This thesis was carried out at the mining company Numinec S.A., where it focused on improving the flotation process to increase the recovery of polymetallic copper ore in the Portovelo Mining District in southern Ecuador. To this end, experiments were conducted with different reagent combinations and operating conditions, and pH variability in the system was measured. The study began with evaluation using particle size analysis, fluorescence and X-ray diffraction tests, drying, size reduction, grinding, and flotation. The most significant results in terms of recovery were obtained when using the potassium amyl xanthate collector and the AR-1404 dithiophosphate depressant, which achieved recovery values ​​of up to 93.57% at pH ranges of 9-10. It was observed that proper dosing of chemical reactants, pH control, and particle size distribution can significantly improve the efficiency of the flotation process.