The comparison of laboratory and industrial copper ore upgrading indices during introduction of new flotation reagents

This article draws attention to the need for the introduction of a laboratory testing methodology for new flotation reagents prior to the implementation of them for industrial use which would be more effective than the one currently used. Laboratory and industrial indicators of copper ore beneficiation during the testing of new flotation reagents are compared herein. For this purpose, two-stage laboratory tests and industrial trails were carried out on three types of collector mixtures, the results of which were used to analyse the technological indicators achieved. It has been concluded that the applied laboratory testing methodology requires a new approach that allows for a more precise correlation of variables which will allow the results of industrial trial to be predicted with greater probability than at present. (paper)