This section describes the proposed processing flowsheet, plant design, and tailings management for the Ak-Sug copper-molybdenum project as outlined in the 2012 Preliminary Economic Assessment.
Report context
The Recovery Methods section forms part of a National Instrument 43-101 Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report for the Ak-Sug copper-molybdenum project, located in the Todja Kozhuun District, Tyva Republic, Russian Federation. The report was prepared for Intergeo MMC Ltd and LLC Golevskaya GRK, with an effective date of 8 November 2012. The processing and recovery information presented herein is based on the proposed design for the project; no historical operating data or testwork results are reported in this section of the technical report.
Processing route
Overview
The proposed processing facility is designed to treat ore from the Ak-Sug deposit through a conventional copper-molybdenum sulphide flotation flowsheet. The plant design is based on the mineral processing and metallurgical testing work detailed in Section 13 of the technical report, although the Recovery Methods section does not itself present specific testwork results. The processing route is intended to produce separate copper and molybdenum concentrates.
Processing Flowsheet
The proposed processing flowsheet includes primary crushing, semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) and ball milling, followed by bulk copper-molybdenum flotation. The bulk concentrate is then subjected to molybdenum separation using conventional regrinding and differential flotation to produce a molybdenum concentrate and a copper concentrate. The flowsheet design incorporates standard reagents including collectors, frothers, and modifiers typical for copper-molybdenum porphyry ore treatment. Thickening and filtration stages are included for concentrate dewatering and tailings management.
Processing Plant Description
The processing plant is designed for a throughput capacity that supports the proposed mining rate. The plant includes the following major process areas:
- Primary crushing station with gyratory crusher
- Coarse ore stockpile with reclaim system
- SAG mill and ball mill grinding circuit with cyclones
- Bulk flotation circuit comprising rougher, scavenger, and cleaner stages
- Molybdenum separation circuit with regrind mills and differential flotation cells
- Concentrate thickening and filtration for both copper and molybdenum products
- Reagent mixing and distribution systems
- Plant control system for process automation
The plant layout is configured to accommodate the site topography and to facilitate efficient material handling from the mine to the crusher and from the process plant to the tailings storage facility. All process equipment is designed for year-round operation under the local climatic conditions.
Tailings
Design basis
The tailings management facility (TMF) design basis includes the storage of flotation tailings from the processing plant. The design incorporates geotechnical and hydrological considerations appropriate for the site location. The TMF is designed to contain the total tailings volume over the life of the mine, with provision for staged construction as required by the production schedule.
Site selection
The tailings storage facility site was selected based on topographic, geotechnical, hydrological, and environmental criteria. The selected location is within the project area and provides adequate storage capacity with suitable foundation conditions. The site selection considered proximity to the processing plant to minimise tailings transport distance and to take advantage of natural containment features.
TMF water management
Water management for the tailings storage facility includes a system for reclaiming process water from the tailings pond for reuse in the processing plant. The design incorporates a decant system and return water pipeline to the plant. The water management system is designed to maintain a water balance that meets process water requirements while managing environmental considerations including seepage control and stormwater management.
Waste dump tailings facility
The tailings facility is designed as a conventional impoundment with embankment construction using waste rock from the open pit where suitable materials are available. The facility includes underdrainage systems, seepage collection, and monitoring provisions. The design incorporates geotechnical stability analyses for both static and seismic loading conditions.
Fresh Water Pond
A fresh water pond is included in the project infrastructure to supply make-up water to the processing plant. The pond is sized to provide adequate water storage for process operations, taking into account seasonal variations in water availability and the water balance of the processing and tailings system.
Processing Plant Operations and Management
The processing plant is designed to operate on a continuous basis with scheduled maintenance shutdowns. The operations and management plan includes staffing levels for process operations, maintenance, metallurgical control, and laboratory services. The plant control system is designed to monitor and adjust process parameters to maintain throughput and product quality targets.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Unit | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processing route | , | Conventional copper-molybdenum sulphide flotation | Proposed design |
| Primary crushing | , | Gyratory crusher | Proposed design |
| Grinding circuit | , | SAG mill and ball mill | Proposed design |
| Flotation circuit | , | Bulk flotation with molybdenum separation | Proposed design |
| Concentrate products | , | Copper concentrate, molybdenum concentrate | Proposed design |
| Tailings facility type | , | Conventional impoundment with waste rock embankment | Proposed design |
| Water management | , | Reclaim water system with fresh water pond | Proposed design |
Project website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0375674215001120
Project website: https://resourceworld.com/russian-mining-company-intergeo-plans-to-accelerate-development-of-ak-sug-copper-project/
Technical qualifications
The Recovery Methods section of this technical report presents a conceptual process design developed for the Preliminary Economic Assessment. No specific testwork results, historical operating data, or metallurgical performance data are reported in this section. The process flowsheet and plant design are based on industry standard practices for copper-molybdenum porphyry deposits and on the mineral processing and metallurgical testing work referenced in Section 13 of the report. The information is presented at a PEA level of accuracy and should not be considered as final engineering design. Capital and operating cost estimates for the processing plant are presented elsewhere in the report.
Source: Preliminary Economic Assessment, Ak-Sug Copper-Molybdenum project, National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report, effective date 8 November 2012, Section 17 Recovery Methods.
