Chemical, Mineralogical, and Grindability Studies of Anka-Brabra Copper Ore

Abstract

This study examined the chemical characteristics, mineralogy, and grindability of copper ore from Anka-Brabra, Zamfara State, Nigeria. The ore was crushed, ground, and mixed to achieve a uniform sample. The ore sample was characterised using EDX-XRF, XRD, SEM, and petrological microscope. Grindability and fractional sieve analysis techniques were used to ascertain optimal grinding size through particle size distribution and the liberation size of the mineral. Results showed the main copper mineral was malachite (Cu2(CO3)(OH)2) with traces of other minerals. Analysis indicated a copper content of up to 20.2%. The ideal grinding size for liberation was determined to be 160 microns, with 53% of the ore particles reaching an acceptable size of 250 microns. The ore sample was characterised using EDX-XRF, XRD, SEM, and petrological microscope. Grindability and fractional sieve analysis techniques were used to ascertain optimal grinding size through particle size distribution and the liberation size of the mineral.