Effect of the hypergenesis oxidation on the processing behavior and preparation characteristics of copper-zinc pyritic ore

The paper presents the modeling and analysis of oxidation of copper-zinc pyritic ore sampled from the Valentorsky orebody. It is found that the oxidized samples contain copper and zinc sulfates that are leached under the sample and water contact. It is shown that sulfide floatability is decreased by the longer-term oxidation. The authors advise to improve nonferrous metals extraction by the joint leaching and ultrasonic treatment of oxidized compounds.