Abstract
This work describes the flotation results of sulphides gold-bearing minerals in two samples of a refractory gold ore from a deposit located at Minas Gerais State in Brazil. The flotation performance was evaluated at bench and pilot scale (mini pilot plant – Eriez). For both samples the P80 was 75 µm and the activator dosage, collector and frother type and dosage and also flotation circuit were evaluated. The feed sample for the bench studies analysed 7.8 g/t Au and 3.4% S and for the mini pilot plant scale were 5.2 g/t Au and 2.8% S and. The results obtained at bench scale shows that it is possible to obtain concentrates with grade of 23 g/t of Au and 11% of S with Au and S recovery of 90% and 94% respectively considering only the rougher stage. For the same circuit, rougher, mini pilot plant tests show results of 17 g/t of Au and 9% of S grade with Au and S recovery of 93% and when applied rougher and cleaner stages, concentrates with 27 g/t of Au and 13% of S with recoveries of Au and S of 91%. Data obtained are discussed in terms of physicochemical related to the reagents combination and hydrodynamic parameters at the mechanical cells.