Aripuanã Zinc Project — 2020 Technical Report

Executive Summary

This technical report outlines the recovery methods for the Aripuanã Zinc Project, operated by Nexa Resources S.A. The processing plant is designed to handle 2.26 million tonnes per annum of run-of-mine ore sourced from the Arex, Link, and Ambrex underground mines. The flowsheet utilizes conventional technologies to treat two main ore types, stratabound and stringer, which differ in hardness and mineralization characteristics. The primary objective is the recovery of copper, lead, and zinc as separate concentrates through a sequential flotation process.

The comminution circuit employs a SABC configuration consisting of a primary jaw crusher, a SAG mill, a ball mill, and a pebble crusher. Following grinding, the ore undergoes talc pre-flotation to remove light minerals, followed by sequential flotation circuits for copper, lead, and zinc. Copper flotation utilizes column cells for cleaning, while lead and zinc circuits use tank cells and columns. The process includes regrinding stages to optimize liberation for each metal.

Tailings management involves dry stacking of sulphide flotation tailings combined with filtered talc concentrate. Additionally, a paste backfill system is designed to serve the underground mines, utilizing tailings and cement. Water recovery systems are integrated to maximize recirculation, with excess water treated in engineered wetlands before discharge.

Website: https://www.nexaresources.com/en/about-us/

Report Date: 2020-11-17

Region: Aripuanã, Brazil

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Commodity: Copper, Lead, Zinc

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