This flowchart made of machinery icons explains or expresses in simple but clear terms the step of the Copper Mining and Copper Extraction Process. Starting from either open-pit or underground mining and using a different relevant treatment method for oxide or sulphide copper mineral (ore).
The stages in the life cycle of a mine are: Prospecting and Exploration. Development. Extraction. Closure/Reclamation. Each of the stages may overlap with the next and is very lengthy and expensive. 1. Prospecting and Exploration ("Finding and Defining it") Prospecting and exploration are precursors to mining and often occur simultaneously ...
This process uses a series of physical steps and high temperatures to extract and purify copper from copper sulfide ores, in four basic steps: 1) froth flotation, 2) thickening, 3) smelting, and 4) electrolysis.
The copper ore positive flotation process is: crushing and screening, grinding and grading, roughing, selection, sweeping, concentration and dehydration.
There are different methods of processing copper mines, such as preferential flotation, bulk-separating flotation, etc. for copper sulfides, and sulphidizing flotation, fatty acid flotation, etc. for copper oxides.
Copper is usually mined in two ways: open-pit mining and underground mining. Open-pit mining is used for copper deposits closer to the surface. Enormous machines dig up the ground in stair-stepped layers (called "benches") until the copper is extracted using drilling equipment and explosives.
Grinding: The ore is crushed into smaller pieces to increase its surface area, allowing for better mineral separation. Concentrating: Through a process called flotation, the crushed ore is mixed with water and chemicals to separate copper minerals from the surrounding rock, creating a concentrated form of copper ore.
Processing of Copper Ore. Top: Sulfide ore processing. Bottom: Oxide ore processing. The process varies slightly depending on the type of ore that is being mined. Sulfide ores are first put through a jaw or gyratory crusher to reduce the rocks to about 7 - 8 inches.
The four major steps in the production of marketable copper are mining, concentrating, smelting, and refining. In a few instances, however, leaching takes the place of concentrating, smelting, and refining.
The first two ores are hoisted to the primary crushing and washing plants via the main shafts, while the third is delivered to a separate circuit. The Chingola open pit mining operation showing the bucket wheel excavator operating at night.
