Optimization of the Jameson Cell Performance through Dilution Cleaning Tests
- 1 School of Mines, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- 2 Ivanhoe, Kamoa Copper SA, Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- 3 School of Mines, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- 4 School of Mines, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- 5 School of Mines, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- 6 School of Mines, Université Officielle de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Abstract
This study investigates the optimization of Jameson Cell performance at the Kamoa-Kakula concentrator through dilution cleaning tests. The experiments aimed to evaluate the effects of frothers (Hydrofroth 5008 and Flotanol) and a collector-frother combination (Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate with Senfroth 522) on flotation efficiency. Bench-scale flotation tests were carried out on feed samples from Jameson Cells N˚1 and N˚2 under controlled laboratory conditions, with systematic dilution cleaning across three stages. Results showed that Hydrofroth 5008 moderately increased copper recovery but at the expense of concentrate grade due to enhanced gangue entrainment. Conversely, Flotanol significantly improved both grade and recovery at optimized dosages, although excessive addition decreased selectivity. The combined use of Sodium Isobutyl Xanthate and Senfroth 522 yielded the most notable improvements, achieving copper recoveries above 95% with concentrate grades up to 65% Cu, while reducing copper losses in tailings. These findings highlight the importance of reagent selection and dosage control in balancing recovery and concentrate quality, ultimately providing insights for optimizing Jameson Cell operations in large-scale copper concentrators.
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