Masters Theses

Abstract

"A two-phase research project was conducted on chalcopyrite concentrates from the New Lead Belt of Missouri. Phase one includes an ore microscopy study of the Magmont and Viburnum chalcopyrite concentrates in respect to mineralogy, particle size and interlocking characteristics of ore minerals and their possible relationships to poor chalcopyrite-galena separation in the copper flotation circuits.

Results of the ore microscopy study of the Magmont and Viburnum mines chalcopyrite concentrates suggest that interlocking of chalcopyrite and galena are not the cause of poor chalcopyrite-galena separation in the copper flotation circuits.

The most common sulfides found in the Magmont and Viburnum chalcopyrite concentrates are chalcopyrite, galena, sphalerite, marcasite and siegenite.

The second phase related to the conversion of the chalcopyrite concentrates, from the Magmont and Viburnum mines, to chalcocite by a conversion reaction process.

CuFeS2 + Cuo + 2H+ [arrows] Cu2S + Fe++ + H2S

Microscope study of the converted chalcopyrite was completed to determine the characteristics and efficiency of the conversion process. Additional experimentation related to the leaching of the original chalcopyrite, some natural chalcocite and the conversion chalcocite to determine effectiveness and economic feasibility of a controlled autoclave leaching process. At a pulp density of 15% solids, 90°C, with an addition of 26.2 grams powdered copper, after 30 minutes retention time 89% of the chalcopyrite had been converted to chalcocite.

Results of the research suggest that copper recovery for the conversion reaction chalcocite is substantially higher than for natural chalcocite"--Abstract, page ii.

Advisor(s)

Proctor, Paul Dean, 1918-1999

Committee Member(s)

Clifford, Roger K.
Hagni, Richard D.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology

Sponsor(s)

V. H. McNutt Memorial Foundation

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

1973

Pagination

ix, 62 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 60-61).

Geographic Coverage

Reynolds County (Mo.)
Iron County (Mo.)

Rights

© 1973 Larry Steven Livingston, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Chalcopyrite -- MissouriChalcopyrite -- MetallurgyHydrometallurgy

Thesis Number

T 2931

Print OCLC #

6020326

Electronic OCLC #

912949315

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