INVESTIGATION OF FLOTATION BENEFICIATION PARAMETERS FOR KALMAKYR COPPER-MOLYBDENUM ORES

This study investigates the beneficiation characteristics of copper-molybdenum ores from the Kalmakyr deposit and evaluates the influence of grinding and flotation parameters on beneficiation efficiency. Laboratory experiments were carried out using a combined SAG mill, ball mill and hydrocyclone classification circuit followed by flotation processing. Mineralogical investigations showed that chalcopyrite and molybdenite are finely disseminated within silicate and sulfide mineral phases, which significantly affects mineral liberation and flotation selectivity. The results demonstrated that grinding fineness and pulp classification strongly influence flotation performance and concentrate quality. The optimal grinding size was determined to be approximately 74 µm, providing improved liberation of sulfide minerals and enhanced recovery of valuable components. Flotation experiments confirmed that the application of rougher, scavenger and cleaner stages under controlled pH conditions increases metal recovery and reduces technological losses in tailings. The developed beneficiation scheme demonstrated stable technological performance and improved concentrate quality for Kalmakyr copper-molybdenum ores.