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What happens to copper tailings after a first flotation stage?

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mineral processing Schematic diagram of a flotation separation cell.

After the first stage of flotation, the tailings—which consist of gangue minerals—are often subjected to further processing to maximize efficiency. To increase the total recovery of copper and minimize losses, these tailings are frequently reground and passed through a second flotation stage. The resulting concentrate from this secondary process is then combined with the initial production to be sent for further refining.1