Mechanism of Thermochemical Interaction between Old Copper Ore Flotation Tailings and Chlorammonium Reagents

The article addresses processability of old copper–zinc ore flotation tailings. Potential reserves and processability of mining waste are considered in terms of Uchaly Mining and Processing Plant. The mineral composition and chemistry of old tailings are determined. The analysis of modes of interaction between gold and tailings minerals reveals inefficiency of conventional technologies in extraction of valuable components. The authors validate thermochemical processing technology for old tailings with gold and silver recovery using chlorammonium reagents. The thermal study determines the mode of thermochemical interaction of old flotation tailings with NH 4 Cl and NH 4 Cl–NH 4 NO 3 mixture, efficient sequence of tailings processing with chlorammonium reagents and the optimum temperature ranges.