- Chemical composition: Copper ore typically contains minerals such as chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄), malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), and azurite (Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂).
- Copper content: The copper content in ore usually ranges from 0.5% to 2%, depending on the type of ore and its source.
- Physical properties: Copper ore varies in color from green to blue or copper-yellow, with a medium hardness on the Mohs scale.
Processing methods: Copper ore is commonly processed using flotation or metallurgical methods to extract pure copper.
- Copper sulfide ore is a type of ore that contains copper sulfide compounds, playing a crucial role in metal mining and processing. The primary minerals in this ore include chalcopyrite (CuFeS₂), bornite (Cu₅FeS₄), covellite (CuS), and chalcocite (Cu₂S).
Copper sulfide ore is typically extracted from open-pit or underground mines and then undergoes processes such as crushing, flotation, smelting, and electrolysis to separate pure copper. The copper obtained from sulfide ore is widely used in electronics, construction, transportation, and household manufacturing.
- Copper oxide ore is a type of ore that contains copper oxide compounds, usually formed through the weathering of copper sulfide ores. Its primary mineral components include cuprite (Cu₂O), tenorite (CuO), malachite (Cu₂CO₃(OH)₂), and azurite (Cu₃(CO₃)₂(OH)₂).
Copper oxide ore is typically mined from open-pit mines and can be processed using methods such as acid leaching or flotation to recover copper. The copper extracted from oxide ores is widely used in electric power production, construction, machinery manufacturing, and the chemical industry.
The Nui Phao Mine in Dai Tu, Thai Nguyen is primarily known for its polymetallic tungsten reserves, which also include copper. This is a skarn-type deposit, where mineralization is closely associated with metasomatic exchange processes and magmatic activity.
Copper ore at Nui Phao is typically found alongside minerals such as tungsten, bismuth, and gold, along with other elements. Mining operations here focus not only on copper but also on extracting valuable metals, optimizing the economic potential of the site.
specification:
| Details | Approximate Content |
|---|---|
| Copper (Cu) | 10 – 26% |
| Moisture | 10 – 20% |
| Sulfur (S) | 30 – 35% |
| Bismuth (Bi) | 0.3 – 1.5% |
| Gold (Au) | 1 – 5 ppm |
| Iron (Fe) | 29 – 35% |
| Silver (Ag) | 500 – 800 g/t |