Chemical zoning of "Zapolarnoe" deposit sulfide-copper-nickel ores of different types

Studies of chemical zoning of ore bodies for all ore types of "Zapolyarnoe" sulfide copper-nickel deposit were carried out. Sorting of samples by ore type was performed. The results allowed developing regression mathematical models for all the ore types, which determine the dependences of the ore copper and cobalt grades on nickel grade. It was revealed that the overall copper/nickel ratio in the ore body is predominantly governed by that in finely-disseminated ores, while the overall cobalt/nickel ratio is mainly determined by that in densely-impregnated and breccia ores. The relationships between nickel, copper, and cobalt in ores change with changing the ore nickel grade. The study findings will facilitate correct estimating balance reserves of extraction blocks and planning monthly, quarterly, and annual targets for the metal production.

Zapolyarnoe deposit, ore body, nickel, cobalt, copper, liquation (segregation), ore types, regression lines, chemical zoning

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