Hyperspectral Imaging of Iron Ores

Abstract

Kennecott Utah Copper Concentrator processes ore from the Bingham Canyon porphyry copper deposit to produce copper and molybdenum concentrates in two circuits (bulk and molybdenum circuits). This deposit contains a number of ore types that are classified based on lithology and processing characteristics. The concentrator processes blends up to five ore types at any one time. During the period May 2005–October 2006, periods of low copper and molybdenum recoveries were noted and attributed to higher proportions of limestone skarn ore (LSN) in the blend. After a full technical and economic analysis it was recommended that the LSN ore be stockpiled and processed separately. This was adapted as standard procedure in 2007. For successful processing, operating conditions required modification. This paper discusses a multifaceted investigation in both laboratory and of the five plant campaigns to ascertain the causes of the reduced copper recoveries observed while processing LSN ore.