Molybdenum ore beneficiation solutions: high efficiency process and core equipment full analysis

Abstract

As an important strategic metal, molybdenum (MoS₂) often coexists with pyrite, chalcopyrite and other sulfide minerals, and is characterized by fine embedded particle size and complex selectivity. This molybdenum ore beneficiation solution is based on the high-efficiency flotation process with "stage milling - stage separation" as the core, and analyzes how to achieve molybdenum concentrate grade ≥45%, recovery rate of more than 90%, and at the same time, significantly reduces the energy consumption and improves the comprehensive benefits.

I. Challenges of molybdenum ore dressing and solution ideas

Molybdenum ore is usually embedded in fine particle size, complex symbiotic minerals and lead to sorting difficulties, the traditional single flotation process exists in low recovery, high energy consumption, unstable concentrate grade and other issues.
The key to molybdenum ore dressing solution lies in:

1. Adopt multi-stage crushing and stage grinding to realize efficient dissociation of minerals;

2. Application of enhanced flotation technology and refined pharmaceutical system to improve sorting precision;

3. Combining high-efficiency equipment and intelligent control to realize energy saving and comprehensive utilization of resources.

Second, molybdenum ore dressing process details

1. Crushing and grinding section

• Coarse crushing: Jaw crusher crushes the raw ore to 100-150mm;

• Fine crushing: multi-cylinder hydraulic cone crusher further crushing to -10mm, to create favorable conditions for grinding;

• Stage grinding:
  ✅ Coarse grinding: ball mill and spiral classifier closed-circuit grinding, the output of suitable roughing particle size;
  ✅ Coarse concentrate regrinding: tower mill or vertical mill is used for fine grinding of coarse concentrate, which greatly reduces over-crushing and improves the degree of monomer dissociation.

2. Flotation separation section (core technology link)

(1) Mixed roughing

• Pharmacy system: non-polar hydrocarbon capture agent + foam stability foaming agent + sulfide ore inhibitor (such as cyanide or environmental protection alternative inhibitor);

• Process characteristics: rapid tail throwing, coarse concentrate into regrinding, tailings sweeping as appropriate to reduce resource waste.

(2) Multi-segment selection (3-5 times)

• Add trace trapping agent in each section, combined with foam flushing technology to reduce impurity entrainment;

• Adopt flotation column instead of mechanical flotation machine to improve sorting efficiency and concentrate grade (can be increased by 5-10%).

(3) Molybdenum-sulfur/copper separation (optional)

• If the ore contains pyrite, chalcopyrite, etc., use selective inhibitors to realize effective separation of molybdenum from sulfur and copper.

3. Tailings and water management

• Tailings dewatering: High-efficiency thickener + plate and frame filter press to realize dry discharge of tailings, water reuse rate ≥85%;

• Wastewater treatment: neutralization and precipitation method to deal with cyanide-containing wastewater, to ensure that the discharge meets the standards, in line with environmental requirements.

Third, the molybdenum ore dressing production line core equipment configuration

Technical advantages of molybdenum ore beneficiation solution

1. Stage grinding - stage separation: the coarse concentrate regrinding process reduces energy consumption by 30%, and the molybdenum recovery rate is increased by more than 10%;

2. Enhanced flotation process: flotation column + froth flushing technology, guaranteeing stable concentrate grade ≥45%;

3. Refined pharmaceutical system: combined inhibitors to achieve efficient separation of molybdenum-sulfur-copper;

4. Comprehensive utilization of resources: synchronous recovery of copper, bismuth, sulfur and other valuable elements, enhancing economic benefits by more than 25%;

5. Environmental protection and water-saving design: water return rate of more than 85%, optional cyanide alternative chemicals, to realize green production.

V. Application Case: A porphyry molybdenum ore dressing project

• Ore properties: the original ore contains 0.08% molybdenum, pyrite content of 12%, embedded in fine grain size;

• Solution: Adopt the stage grinding-multistage flotation-molybdenum-sulfur separation process in this program;

• Operation effect:

  • Molybdenum concentrate grade: 47%, recovery rate 92%;

  • Comprehensive sulfur concentrate grade of 45%, overall revenue enhancement of 25%.

VI. Customized Molybdenum Ore Beneficiation Solutions

We can provide according to the specific ore characteristics (such as very fine grain embedded, high sulfur and high copper type, etc.):

• Process optimization: adjustment of grinding fineness, number of flotation sections and formulation of chemicals;

• Special equipment selection: Adaptation of ultra-fine mill and flotation column unit;

• Environmental protection program: low cyanide/cyanide-free inhibitor, wastewater recycling system design.

Molybdenum ore beneficiation is a technology-intensive systematic project, and an efficient molybdenum ore beneficiation solution must take into account the advanced process, equipment adaptability, resource efficiency and environmental protection requirements. Through stage grinding, enhanced flotation, intelligent control and other core means, the molybdenum beneficiation index and overall economic value can be significantly improved.

For customized molybdenum ore beneficiation solutions or equipment configuration quotes, please contact us, we will provide you with professional support and technical services.