Experimental Study on Comprehensive Recovery and Beneficiation of a Platinum Group Polymetallic Ore in South Africa.

The main metals contents in a platinum group polymetallic ore in South Africa are Pt 1.923 g/t, Pd 0.986 g/t, Au 0.276 g/t, Rh 0.113 g/t, Ru 0.316 g/t, Ir 0.047 g/t, Cu 0.071% and Ni 0.180%. The content of Cr₂O₃ is only 0.58%, and the contents of main gangue components SiO₂, MgO, Al₂O₃ and CaO are 52.59%, 22.4%, 5.06% and 4.27% respectively. The total sulfide content in the ore is 0.94%, presenting mainly in pyrrhotite, nickelpyrite, chalcopyrite, followed by pyrite, trace chalcocite, sphalerite, and so on. The total amount of silicate minerals is 97.91% mainly bronze- pyroxene, followed by secondary diopside, a small amount of plagioclase, plagiozossite, quadrigalite, phlogopite, chlorite, and so on. Platinum group metals are mainly found in sulfide platinite, arsenic platinite, natural platinum, sulfide nickel palladium platinite, natural gold, silver gold and other minerals, while copper and nickel metals are mainly found in chalcopyrite and nickel pyrite. Under the condition of grinding tineness of -74 µm accounting for 55% the liberation degree of PPD rhodium minerals is 96.6% the proportion of exposed gold and sulfide wrapped gold are 69.21% and 20.67% respectively. In order to comprehensively recover the platinum group metal and valuable elements such as copper and nickel, beneficiation experiments were carried out. The results showed that under the process of "one roughing, two scavengings and three cleanings", with sodium carbonate, CMC and copper sulfate as regulators, amyl xanthoxanthate as collector, and terpineol oil as frother, the concentrate obtained contained Pt 57.562 g/t, Pd 34.836 g/t, Au 5. 201 g/t, Rh 3. 266 g/t, Cu 2.270% and Ni 3.830%. The metal recoveries were Pt 90.57%, Pb 93.80%, Au 51.63%, Rh 88.13%, Cu 87.03% and Ni 63.16%. The main impurities in the concentrate were SiO₂ 42.28%, MgO 19.82%, Al₂O₃ 1.68%, CaO 1.89% and Fe 18.79% respectively. This study can provide technical reference for the exploitation and utilization of similar mineral resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]