f. Ore concentration is used to raise the percentage of metal in the ore to a
point where melting becomes economical (Figure 2-13).
(1) The ore is crushed to the consistency of flour and a chemical reagent is
added, which coats the metal and not the impurities.
(2) The ore and reagent mix is then taken to the concentration/flotation
building and placed in a vat containing water. Air is pumped through the mixture
for agitation.
(3) The waste material becomes saturated and sinks to the bottom of the vat
while the lighter coated metal floats to the top and is removed.
(4) The concentrated ore is then washed in
settling
tanks
to
remove
the
reagent prior to filtering and drying the shipment.
(5) The waste material is removed from the vats and sent to the
tailings/dewaterers (dorr thickeners) where excess water and reagent are removed
for reuse.
(6) The waste material is moved to the dump.
(7) Settling tanks are normally the
most
outstanding
image
components
in
identifying an ore concentration plant.
Figure 2-13. Ore Concentration (Benefication).
IT 0673
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