11TH MILL OPERATORS’ CONFERENCE 2012 / HOBART, TAS, 29 - 31 OCTOBER 2012

Vale operates in Sudbury, Ontario, in a historic mining basin that features a complex geology primarily determined by its meteoric impact origin. This study focuses on the matte separation process used at Vale's Clarabelle Mill, where copper and nickel concentrates are produced. The objective was to analyze the operational efficiencies and mineralogical outcomes of the matte separation plant. A comprehensive methodology was adopted, including the assessment of feed composition, grinding, and magnetic separation techniques. This was achieved by examining operational data, along with conducting evaluation experiments on chalcocite, heazlewoodite, and the recovered phases of the Bessemer matte. Results indicate that during a recent operational period, the makeup of the feed was notably high in nickel content, with corresponding recoveries effectively captured through the optimized separation techniques. Specifically, the analysis highlighted that the process yielded significant recoveries of nickel and copper while maintaining the integrity of the metallic constituents through controlled phase segregation. This study contributes to an understanding of efficiency improvements within the nickel and copper processing industry, showcasing techniques that can enhance the extraction outcomes in metallurgical operations.