Selection of Flotation Circuit Set Points as a Function of Metal Prices

"This paper examines the economic advantages of adapting the production grade and recovery targets of a flotation circuit as a function of metal prices. The study is periormed using a steady state simulator for a Cu-Zn differential flotation circuit operating under the following strategies of 1) Maintaining constant operating targets, 2) Maximizing individual circuit Net Smelter Return and 3) Maximizing the global Cu-Zn circuit efficiency. Results are compared to assess whether or not one of the strategies produces benefits significantly higher than the others. A discussion of the tools required to achieve such a kind of control completes the paper.Paper not Available at Time of Publication"