Flotation optimization and mineralogical constraints for copper recovery from low-grade mine tailings

Chemical Engineering Journal Advances 2026 Open access

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Authors: M’hamed Koucham, Manar Derhy, Yassine Ait-Khouia, Abdessamad KHALIL, Yassine Taha, Lhou Maacha, Mariam El Adnani
DOI: 10.1016/j.ceja.2026.101175
Cited by: 2
References: 56

Abstract

The efficient reprocessing of low-grade copper tailings remains a significant challenge in mineral processing due to complex mineralogical constraints and limited flotation selectivity. This study presents a novel mineralogy-informed optimization framework combining automated mineralogical analysis (SEM–TIMA) with Response Surface Methodology (RSM–CCD) an integration not previously applied to copper tailings from the Anti-Atlas metallogenic district of Morocco. SEM–TIMA revealed that copper predominantly occurs as micrometric sulfide and oxide phases (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Minerals Flotation and Separation Techniques Metal Extraction and Bioleaching Extraction and Separation Processes

Publication details

Journal / source
Chemical Engineering Journal Advances
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Volume
26
Pages
101175–101175
Publication date
6 April 2026
Language
EN