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Application of Biohydrometallurgy to Copper Mining in Zambia: Prospects and Opportunities
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, September 2016
Pages:
19-25
Received:
13 July 2016
Accepted:
10 August 2016
Published:
5 September 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmpem.20160104.11
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Abstract: The consumption of copper worldwide has grown fast since 2000; the mining industry is increasingly faced with the necessity to process low grade ores and waste tailings, from current mining operations. The economic extraction of copper from low-grade ores requires low-cost processing methods such as biohydrometallurgy. This study looks at a general panorama of copper mining in Zambia and discusses biohydrometallurgy as a novel and economically viable process for copper extraction. It also presents future prospects of this technology in Zambia. Since early 1930s, the copper mining industry has been the economic and social pillar of Zambia with about 80% contribution to the total export earnings and about 13% Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Mineralisation in the Zambian Copperbelt is dominantly sulphide, comprising of chalcopyrite, bornite and chalcocite among others with grades of the ore deposits generally in the range of 3 - 4% copper and 0.1 - 0.2% cobalt. Huge low grade copper deposits (~0.67% Cu) which are dominantly sulphides (chalcopyrite) were recently discovered in Lumwana area in the North-western Zambia and are currently being exploited. Reports show that more than one billion tons of ore (c.2.7% Cu) has so far been mined from the mines on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia and conservative estimates suggest that a further two billion tons await exploitation. This provides considerable opportunities for further exploration and mining in Zambia. However, there is currently no commercial copper processing plants in operation on a large-scale in Zambia via biohydrometallurgical process. In order for Zambian mining industry to considerably improve recoveries at inherently lower capital cost, there is need to focus effort on research in this innovative technology and its application.
Abstract: The consumption of copper worldwide has grown fast since 2000; the mining industry is increasingly faced with the necessity to process low grade ores and waste tailings, from current mining operations. The economic extraction of copper from low-grade ores requires low-cost processing methods such as biohydrometallurgy. This study looks at a general...
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The Management of Zinc Concentrate Acquisition in “Trepca”
Ahmet Haxhiaj,
Mehmet Deniz Turan,
Bersant Beka
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, September 2016
Pages:
26-32
Received:
24 August 2016
Accepted:
29 August 2016
Published:
26 September 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmpem.20160104.12
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Abstract: Based on the placement of zinc and its consumption in branches of industry we treat zinc composition of Kopaonik massif. Avulsion, and melting sphaleritetenuity. The paper in particular makes delivery of the flotation process. Treats bases reagents physic-chemical process. Also treated decanting, drying, filtering and storage of concentrates., Verification of the chemical composition of Zn concentrates with Zn, Pb, Bi, As, Sb, In, Au, Ag, etc. The special is that we massif Kopaonik composition ratio of Pb, Zn is 1.4: 1.0 and zinc flotation is over I opted to go with the Pb concentrate more than is allowed. We are strongly concentrated in the maximum amount of Zn that goes with the Pb concentrates and tailings. As such work has given first effects of these parameters in optimizing the positive effects of the flotation process in “Trepca”.
Abstract: Based on the placement of zinc and its consumption in branches of industry we treat zinc composition of Kopaonik massif. Avulsion, and melting sphaleritetenuity. The paper in particular makes delivery of the flotation process. Treats bases reagents physic-chemical process. Also treated decanting, drying, filtering and storage of concentrates., Veri...
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Enhancing the Technical Qualifications of Egyptian White Sand Using Acid Leaching; Response Surface Analysis and Optimization
Mohamed Shaban,
Mostafa Ragab AbuKhadra
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, September 2016
Pages:
33-40
Received:
24 August 2016
Accepted:
29 August 2016
Published:
26 September 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmpem.20160104.13
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Abstract: White silica sand samples were collected from Zafarana area along the Red sea coast, Egypt. The samples were mixed and quartered to obtain representative sample for characterization. The silica content in the sample is 99.441% and the iron content is 0.112%. Such geochemical qualifications don't match the technical specification of ceramic, optics, silicon metals and solar cells. RSM in conjunction with CCRD was used to study the removal of iron from silica sand using oxalic acid in terms of three operating parameters (Contact time, Acid concentration, Temperature). The model F values indicated the high significance of the design, also the good agreement between the Actual and the predicted results (R2 > 0.9) indicated suitability of second order quadratic polynomial model to represent the removal process. The best removal process (82%) was achieved at 8gm per ton oxalic acid concentration, 95°C temperature and 120 min leaching time. The final product exhibit high silica content (99.683% SiO2) and lower iron content of (0.017%) which match the requirements of ceramic, silicon carbide, silicon metal and the production of silicon for solar cells.
Abstract: White silica sand samples were collected from Zafarana area along the Red sea coast, Egypt. The samples were mixed and quartered to obtain representative sample for characterization. The silica content in the sample is 99.441% and the iron content is 0.112%. Such geochemical qualifications don't match the technical specification of ceramic, optics,...
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Some Improvements’s Impact in the Enhancement of Ferrochrome Smelting Parameters in Elbasan, Albania
Dr. Agron Dhima,
Msc. Ruzhdi Domi
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 4, September 2016
Pages:
41-45
Received:
6 September 2016
Accepted:
10 September 2016
Published:
30 September 2016
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmpem.20160104.14
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Abstract: Ferrochrome Smelting Plant in Elbasan, Albania produces High Carbon Ferrochrome since the late 80’s. During the last 2 years it is managed by "AlbCHROME", subsidiary of "BALFIN" Group, which conducted a good amount of reconstructions and technological changes in the plant. This paper presents a general assessment on the impact of the improvements carried out to enhance the technical and economic parameters, through the analysis of the applied technology, the effectiveness of the processing of raw materials, product quality available and possible ways to reduce the cost of production. The assessment is based on the monitoring of industrial production during the first Quarter of 2016, on relevant data, confronted to the literature data and on the experience of the authors.
Abstract: Ferrochrome Smelting Plant in Elbasan, Albania produces High Carbon Ferrochrome since the late 80’s. During the last 2 years it is managed by "AlbCHROME", subsidiary of "BALFIN" Group, which conducted a good amount of reconstructions and technological changes in the plant. This paper presents a general assessment on the impact of the improvements c...
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