Gipronickel Institute Ltd

M. Z. Komarova, Senior Researcher, Laboratory of Raw Material Geological and Technological Studies
S. M. Kozyrev, Head of Research and Development Department, e-mail: smk@nickel.spb.ru
A. V. Dedeev, Researcher
A. P. Vakhrusheva, Researcher
P. V. Pigareva, 3rd Category Engineer, Laboratory of Raw Material Geological and Technological Studies

To develop integrated geometallurgical assessment of disseminated and rich-disseminated ores of Maslovsky Deposit (a new promising mineral object located in Norilsk Region’ industrial area), study of noble metals’ forms occurring in the above ore types and products of the ore feeds’ concentration has been designated among the top-priority goals. The noble metals mineralogy has been studied in polished sections prepared from the core samples, as well as in artificial briquettes formed from products of hydroseparation (at LGS-1 Separation Unit) based on the initial feed and gravity and collective concentrates preliminary classified due to fraction-size. The revealed NMs have been identified by X-ray spectral microanalysis using Camscan-4 Scanning Electron Microscope fitted with Pentafel Super ATW Energy Dispersive Spectrometer and LINK ISIS-200 Data Processing System. About 30 own phases of platinum group elements (platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold and silver) have been identified within the disseminated and rich-disseminated ores’ composition. Maslovsky Deposit’ ores have been found to be similar to Norilsk-1 Deposit’ disseminated ore as to PGM content, to high concentration of own phases and to the noble metals mineral types present. Reasonability of using pre-concentration stage in the form of gravity separation at the process flow-sheet’ head has been grounded. The deposit has been considered as a promising additional source of non-ferrous and noble metals.

1. Komarova M. Z., Kozyrev S. M., Emelina L. N. and etc. The mineralogy and behaviour of PGM during processing of the Norilsk-Talnakh PGE—Cu—Ni ores. The Geology, Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Beneficiation of Platinum Group Elements. Montreal : Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, 2002. pp. 757–791.

2. 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. Montreal : Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum, 2002. pp. 547–567.