Gipronickel Institute Ltd

S. M. Kozyrev, Head of Research and Development Department
M. Z. Komarova, Senior Researcher
V. I. Maksimov, Head of Laboratory of Raw Material Geological and Technological Studies, e-mail: MZKom@nikel.spb.su

MMC Norilsk Nickel

O. N. Simonov, Head of Exploration Department

«Norilskgeologiya» Company

S. G. Snisar, Chief Geologist

Chernogorsk Deposit’ disseminated platinum-copper-nickel ore have been studied within the area planned for the ore reserves’ open-cut mining. The work objective was to develop data on material composition and treatability of disseminated ore stripped in the course of the exploration drilling (34 drill holes). The main targets were to define petrologicalmineralogical characteristic of the said mineralisation, to perform specialised study of the noble metals mineralization, and to test the process flow-sheets currently operating at the MMC Norilsk Nickel’ Concentration Plants. Based on the results of 300 polished sections study, as well as on the 1,300 series of X-ray spectral microanalysis of the ore-forming minerals and chemical assay data for 22 ore samples, integrated characteristic of the unmodified (dominating) and oxidised types of ore has been defined. Laboratory-scale tests in beneficiation have been performed using the existing gravity separation/flotation process flow-sheet to produce gravity and collective concentrates and tails. For the unmodified ore types, satisfactory test results have been achieved meeting characteristics of the Norilsk Concentrator’ disseminated ore feed considering the produced products’ quality and rate of non-ferrous and noble metals recovery. As for testing the oxidised ore types, nickel recovery rates obtained have not exceed 50%, which was caused by the intense secondary modifications of sulphide minerals. Unmodified ore types have been found suitable for processing at the existing MMC Norilsk Nickel’ operations, the oxidised ore reserves zone being separately accounted and subject to studies in developing the optimum process for their treatment.

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4. Komarova M. Z., Kozyrev S. M., Simonov O. N., Lulko V. A. The PGE Mineralization of Disseminated Sulphide Ores of the Norilsk — Taimyr Region. The Geology, Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Beneficiation of Platinum Group Elements. Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum. Canada, 2002. pp. 547–567.