Report 027/17 - Mineral & Financial Investments Ltd. · Report 027/17 EPDM – Empresa de...
Transcript of Report 027/17 - Mineral & Financial Investments Ltd. · Report 027/17 EPDM – Empresa de...
Report 027/17
EPDM – Empresa de Perfuração e Desenvolvimento Mineiro, S.A. Página 1 de 342
Laboratório Mineralógico
EPDM – Empresa de Perfuração e Desenvolvimento Mineiro, S.A.
Algares, Apartado 25, 7600-015 Aljustrel, Portugal
Tel. +351 284 249 400 Fax +351 284 249 492 E-mail [email protected]
Customer Redcorp, Lda
Customer address: Rua José Eigenmann, Nº 90 4715-199 Braga, Portugal
Anexx to the test report nº 027/17 (Automated mineralogy by MLA).
Samples identification
Code
ST_01/200
ST_01/211
ST_02/329
ST_04/385
MS_01/159
MS_01/169
MS_01/227
MS_01/238
MS_02/171
MS_02/208
MS_02/219
MS_03/177
MS_03/179
MS_03/231
MS_03/249
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Table of contents
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................. 3
TERMINOLOGY ....................................................................................................................................................... 14
FISSURAL REMOBILIZATIONS ................................................................................................................................. 16
Sample ST_01/200 ............................................................................................................................................. 16
Sample ST_01/211 ............................................................................................................................................. 40
Sample ST_02/329 ............................................................................................................................................. 64
Sample ST_04/385 ............................................................................................................................................. 88
GOSSAN ............................................................................................................................................................... 110
Sample MS_01/159 ......................................................................................................................................... 110
MASSIVE SULFIDES .............................................................................................................................................. 126
Sample MS_01/169 ......................................................................................................................................... 126
Sample MS_01/227 ......................................................................................................................................... 149
Sample MS_01/238 ......................................................................................................................................... 171
Sample MS_02/171 ......................................................................................................................................... 193
Sample MS_02/208 ......................................................................................................................................... 215
Sample MS_02/219 ......................................................................................................................................... 237
Sample MS_03/177 ......................................................................................................................................... 259
Sample MS_03/179 ......................................................................................................................................... 281
STRINGER ............................................................................................................................................................. 303
Sample MS_03/231 ......................................................................................................................................... 303
Sample MS_03/249 ......................................................................................................................................... 323
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Modal Mineralogy
Table 1 – Modal mineralogy of all the samples.
Mineral ST_01_
200 ST_01_
211 ST_02_
329 ST_04_
385 MS_01_
159 MS_01_
169 MS_01_
227 MS_01_
238 MS_02_
171 MS_02_
208 MS_02_
219 MS_03_
177 MS_03_
179 MS_03_
231 MS_03_
249
Sphalerite 10,10 19,67 16,55 5,98 3,99 5,83 22,65 3,61 20,12 8,53 3,89 3,06 2,11 4,59
Chalcopyrite 2,20 1,27 15,33 5,35 <0,01 0,16 0,20 0,14 0,20 0,13 0,15 0,04 0,03 7,80 2,73
Galena 4,85 3,09 12,07 4,95 0,15 2,96 9,83 11,29 4,26 17,18 4,18 5,14 3,88 0,24 0,01
Pyrite 26,03 4,11 4,93 5,67 0,68 78,62 78,53 63,00 84,46 54,45 81,44 87,60 86,32 25,13 9,09
Tetrahedrite 0,08 <0,01 0,02 0,01 0,06 0,11 0,02 0,03 0,07 0,07 0,02 0,11 <0,01
Enargite 0,01 <0,01 0,01 0,08 0,06 0,08 0,01 0,03 <0,01 <0,01 0,15 1,27
Arsenopyrite 10,92 1,82 0,07 5,44 6,45 2,68 1,10 3,71 0,33 0,01
Chalcocite 1,22 0,93 0,11 <0,01 0,02 0,04 <0,01 0,01 0,50 1,22
Kesterite 0,03 0,01 0,01 0,01 0,01 <0,01 <0,01 0,02 0,02 0,01 <0,01
Clausthalite <0,01 <0,01 <0,01 0,03
Tiemannite 0,10
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam <0,01
Luanheite 0,02
Quartz 4,53 2,97 17,57 29,73 37,79 2,12 0,60 1,01 0,57 0,31 0,64 0,69 1,16 1,70 14,14
Smithsonite 23,43 3,22 3,21 2,32 5,95 0,01 0,01 0,03 0,02 0,07 0,01 <0,01 0,04 0,49 0,60
Dolomite 0,15 0,38 2,84 19,96 <0,01 0,01 0,06 0,01 0,01 0,02 0,01 0,02 0,06 0,08 0,07
Chlorites 25,47 60,95 21,75 22,73 12,82 0,21 0,22 0,37 0,40 0,44 0,71 0,22 0,40 59,79 62,74
Phyllosilicates 0,83 1,42 4,65 1,48 0,85 0,22 0,35 0,47 0,44 0,24 0,77 0,37 0,56 0,25 2,62
Other silicates 0,43 0,94 0,51 0,92 0,47 0,14 2,05 0,23 0,24 0,14 0,48 0,53 0,35 0,22 0,34
Titanite <0,01 <0,01 <0,01 0,01 0,01 0,01 0,01 <0,01 <0,01 0,01 0,01 0,01 <0,01
Rutile 0,22 0,63 0,15 0,38 0,06 0,09 0,01 <0,01 <0,01 0,93 0,31
Cassiterite 0,01 <0,01 0,03 2,25 0,31 0,14 0,25 0,13 0,27 0,22 0,14 0,16 0,04 0,05
Goethite 0,03 0,06 0,04 0,05 37,26 <0,01 0,01 0,26 0,01 0,01 0,02 <0,01 0,09 0,08 0,13
Phosphates 0,25 0,31 0,10 0,07 0,01 0,03 0,01 <0,01 <0,01 <0,01 <0,01 0,01
Vanadinite 0,06 0,26
Schultenite 0,07 1,22
Sulphur
Alunite + clay 0,03 0,03 0,05 0,07 <0,01 <0,01 <0,01 <0,01 0,01 0,01 0,01 <0,01 <0,01 0,01 0,03
Others 0,08 0,10 0,19 0,07 0,16 0,23 0,02 0,05 0,08 0,04 0,13 0,13 0,01 0,03
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
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Fissural remobilizations Stringer Gossan
Massive sulfides
Figure 1 – Modal mineralogy for the different ‘lithologies’.
As we can see in the figure 1, the different lithologies present contrasting mineralogical associations.
The pyrite is the more abundant mineral in the Massive sulfides; in the Fissural remobilizations and
Stringer the chlorites (phyllosilicates) and quartz are the main minerals in the samples; in the Gossan,
goethite is the most abundant mineral, together with quartz.
The Fissural remobilizations and the Stringer show some similarities, with the difference that in the
first case the sphalerite is far more abundant and that is also true for zinc bearing carbonates
(smithsonite).
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Elemental distribution
Figure 2 – As distribution in the different samples.
Figure 3 – Cu distribution in the different samples.
Figure 4 – Pb distribution in the different samples.
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Figure 5 – Sb distribution in the different samples.
Figure 6 – Zn distribution in the different samples.
Some elements show a distribution more or less similar regardless the type of lithology. Lead, for
example, is present in practically one mineral, galena. Only the sample from the Gossan has a different
distribution of the Lead, near 90% in secondary minerals.
The zinc has a similar behavior; in this case the exception is represented by the samples from the
Fissural remobilizations, where the carbonates (smithsonite) can represent up to 50% of the zinc in
the samples.
The antimony and the arsenic follow the same path, in the sense that arsenopyrite is the main bearer
of these two elements in the Massive sulphides. In the Fissural remobilization samples, the
tetrahedrite (other sulfides) is the main bearer of these two elements.
Copper has a more random distribution, which cannot be directly related to the ore typology
(lithologies).
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Sphalerite and galena size distribution
Figure 7 – Size distribution of the sphalerite in the different ‘lithologies’.
Table 2 – Size distribution of the sphalerite in the different ‘lithologies’ (D values in m).
D value Fissural remobilizations Gossan Massive sulfides Stringer
10 4,9 5,8 5,6 5,6 - 3,8 3,9 4,3 3,4 4,4 3,3 3,8 3,4 5,7 6,9
20 7,2 8,5 7,9 8,2 - 5,2 5,0 5,6 5,1 6,1 5,1 5,1 4,3 8,3 10,0
50 18,5 19,7 18,4 20,2 - 7,8 7,5 9,2 9,0 10,2 9,3 7,9 6,9 18,3 26,2
80 40,7 46,2 45,4 36,6 - 12,1 13,4 21,5 14,9 19,0 14,5 14,5 12,1 34,8 44,3
90 59,3 60,8 60,4 64,9 - 19,8 19,8 37,2 20,5 32,6 18,2 29,1 18,5 64,9 90,3
As we can see in the Figure 7 the sphalerite shows a coarser size distribution in the samples with more
phyllosilicates (Fissural remobilization and Stringer), a fact that favors the liberation of the sphalerite.
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Figure 8 – Size distribution of the galena in the different ‘lithologies’.
Table 3 – Size distribution of the galena in the different ‘lithologies’ (D values in m).
D value Fissural remobilizations Gossan Massive sulfides Stringer
10 2,6 3,2 3,6 3,2 2,8 1,7 2,2 2,5 1,3 2,3 1,4 1,4 1,4 1,8 1,8
20 3,5 4,6 5,0 4,5 3,8 3,1 3,4 4,0 2,2 4,3 2,4 2,6 2,1 2,8 2,0
50 7,0 8,8 10,1 8,7 7,8 6,0 5,8 6,7 6,1 8,1 7,6 5,6 4,5 5,7 3,3
80 18,7 20,6 24,2 16,9 19,8 9,4 9,4 11,2 10,9 14,2 12,4 8,8 7,8 11,8 4,9
90 31,1 47,4 53,9 22,7 20,9 13,4 13,5 17,7 18,3 21,5 16,5 11,0 10,4 14,5 5,3
As we can see in the Figure 8 the galena shows a coarser size distribution in the samples from the
Fissural remobilization. However the galena is finer than the sphalerite, regrinding the samples may
imply losses due to ultrafine particles. In other hand, most of the galena is already liberated, therefor it
will rarely be necessary to regrind.
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Sphalerite grade recovery (Theoretical grade-recovery curve)
Teoretical grade-recovery curve of the sphalerite in the Fissural remobilization samples
Teoretical grade-recovery curve of the sphalerite in the Massive sulfides samples
Teoretical grade-recovery curve of the sphalerite in the Stringer samples
Figure 9 – Theoretical grade-recovery curves of the sphalerite in the different lithologies.
As we can see in the Figure 9 the samples from the Fissural remobilization present the best results
(the curve is near the right upper corner). In the other samples the grind size must be smaller,
especially for the Stringer samples.
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Galena grade recovery (Theoretical grade-recovery curve)
Teoretical grade-recovery curve of the galena in the Fissural remobilization samples
Teoretical grade-recovery curve of the galena in the Massive sulfides samples
Teoretical grade-recovery curve of the galena in the Stringer samples
Figure 10 - Theoretical grade-recovery curves of the galena in the different lithologies.
As we can see in the Figure 10, and as it happens for the sphalerite, the samples from the Fissural
remobilization present the best results (the curve is near the right upper corner). In the other samples
the grind size must be smaller, especially for the Stringer samples. The galena present in the samples
from the Stringer is finer; regrinding the ore may imply losses due to ultrafine particles. A minor
recovery should be considered to prevent a low grade concentrate.
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Sphalerite and Galena liberation
Table 4 – Sphalerite liberation (liberated particles and high grade) in all the samples.
Samples Liberated Liberated +
high grade particles
ST_01/200 60,86 71,81
ST_01/211 74,90 88,05
ST_02/329 65,03 70,16
ST_04/385 88,18 92,89
MS_01/159 - -
MS_01/169 60,32 73,08
MS_01/227 64,60 70,90
MS_01/238 59,36 68,59
MS_02/171 44,95 56,82
MS_02/208 60,88 74,64
MS_02/219 68,67 78,95
MS_03/177 60,68 68,94
MS_03/179 73,52 77,69
MS_03/231 30,24 36,83
MS_03/249 68,70 74,54
Table 5 – Galena liberation (liberated particles and high grade) in all the samples.
Samples Liberated Liberated +
high grade particles
ST_01/200 69,98 72,70
ST_01/211 69,32 71,35
ST_02/329 65,79 74,14
ST_04/385 83,68 90,25
MS_01/159 74,24 74,25
MS_01/169 58,99 62,55
MS_01/227 58,63 63,26
MS_01/238 53,80 60,52
MS_02/171 43,57 48,74
MS_02/208 59,83 66,31
MS_02/219 56,34 60,51
MS_03/177 56,81 60,69
MS_03/179 57,22 54,48
MS_03/231 20,54 22,31
MS_03/249 41,91 41,92
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Some considerations and recommendations
The Sphalerite is the main zinc bearing mineral, usually representing more than 99% of the
element. In the samples from the Fissural remobilization, the carbonates (smithsonite) assume
an expressive distribution of the zinc, which can reach almost 50% (sample ST_01_200). Most
of the analyzed ‘smithsonites’ are in fact a zinc dominant member of the siderite-smithsonite
series, with some Mg and Ca. The secondary minerals have two major advantages: the absence
or very low concentrations of penalizing elements, especially Hg*; the concentration process is
easy and allows higher grade concentrates.
In general most of the sphalerite is liberated. The fully liberated particles represent between
50% and 90% (average about 63%), which is relatively high, especially considering the grind size
(about 60 m). The sum of the liberated and high grade particles (see Table 4) is considerably
higher, reaching an average of about 72% of the total sphalerite. Two samples have shown
lower liberation percentages (MS_02/171 and MS_03/231), regrinding the sample will increase
the liberation of the sphalerite. This also true for all the other samples, since most of the
unliberated sphalerite is included in the coarser particles.
The chemical characterization by EDS has showed that the sphalerite from the Fissural
remobilizations and Stringer have a different composition from the Massive sulfide ones. The
first are almost (by EDS) Hg free, with low Fe content (average 1,3%) and Cd (0,17%) and more
In (0,67%). The sphalerite from the Massive sulfides may contain up to 0,86% of Hg, 4,72% of
Fe, 0,44% of Cd and 0,53% of In. We suggest a quantitative chemical assay (by WDS for
example) in order to confirm these values.
The lead presents similar conditions. Galena is the main Pb bearing mineral, with the exception
of the Gossan, where this element is primarily distributed by secondary minerals (mostly
schultenite).
The liberation of the galena is very similar to that of the sphalerite. The unliberated galena can
also be ‘released’ by a smaller grind size, with some limitations since galena is thinner than
most of the sphalerite.
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The absence of major Ag bearing minerals, as well as the inconstancy of the Ag content in the
tetrahedrite, suggest that the galena is the main Ag bearing mineral. This noble metal is
present in quantities not detectable /measurable by EDS, also here a quantitative chemical
analysis may be of interest.
The Gossan presents a contrasting paragenetic assemblage, when compared with the other
samples. Goethite and quartz are the more abundant minerals, the first one as the typical
result of sulfides oxidation, the second for its resilience against supergenic alteration. Other
secondary minerals are present in significant quantities, mostly lead sulfates and arsenates. The
most exuberant identified minerals are related with the remobilization of minor elements
released by the primary sulfides alteration (Ag, Se, Hg, Au). Although these minerals are not
present in appreciable quantities, their content in target elements (ex: Ag, Au, Se) is quite high.
Another interesting feature of the Gossan is the presence of another resilient mineral –
cassiterite. The estimated Wt. % of SnO2 in the Gossan (by MLA) is about 2,25%. Most of the
cassiterite is liberated or associated to friable goethite. The average size (D50) of the cassiterite
is about 14 m, with a D80 of about 40 m. Also this information would benefit from a
confirmation by a quantitative chemical assay.
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TERMINOLOGY
Size classes*
+63 (sample fraction coarser than 63 m);
30-63 (sample fraction between 30 m and 63 m);
15-30 (sample fraction between 15 m and 30 m);
7-15 (sample fraction between 7 m and 15 m);
-7 (sample fraction thinner than 7 m).
* all the size values presented from here are based on a bidimensional approximation of the volumes. The approximation used is the maximum diameter (figure 1).
Figure 11 – The different approximations of particle size. A – Equivalent circle; B- equivalent ellipse; C- maximum diameter.
Table 6 – Liberation classes (the target mineral is the blue one).
Liberation classes
By composition 50% 50% 50%
By free surface 0% 50% 100%
The liberation by particle composition refers to the content of the target mineral in the particle, and that value is expressed in weight %;
The liberation by free surface refers to the surface percentage of the target mineral that is exposed.
A B C
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Table 7 – The different Liberation classes by composition (the target mineral is the blue one).
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90% < x <= 100%
Set of particles where the target mineral represents up
to 25% of its weight.
Set of particles where the target mineral represents between 25 and 50% of its
weight.
Set of particles where the target mineral represents between 50 and 75% of its
weight.
Set of particles where the target mineral represents between 75 and 90% of its
weight.
Set of particles where the target mineral represents
more than 90% of its weight.
Table 8 – Mineral references.
Mineral Density Formula Comments
Sphalerite 4,0 (Zn,Fe)S
Chalcopyrite 4,2 CuFeS2
Galena 7,4 PbS
Pyrite 5,0 FeS2
Tetrahedrite 4,9 Cu6[Cu4(Fe,Zn)2]Sb4S13
Enargite 4,5 Cu3AsS4
Arsenopyrite 6,1 FeAsS
Chalcocite 5,7 Cu2S
Kesterite 4,4 Cu2ZnSnS4
Clausthalite 8,0 PbSe
Tiemannite 8,3 HgSe
Acanthite 7,3 Ag2S
Naumannite 7,5 Ag2Se
Amalgam 8,1 AuAg2Hg
Luanheite 12,5 Ag3Hg
Quartz 2,6 SiO2
Smithsonite 3,9 ZnCO3 With some Fe, Mn, Mg and Ca
Dolomite 2,9 CaMg(CO3)2
Chlorites (2,6 – 3,3) - Chlinochlore and chamosite
Phyllosilicates (2,8 – 3,5) - Moscovite, dickite and phlogopite
Other silicates (2,7 – 3,4) - Diopside, wollastonite and zoisite
Titanite 3,5 CaTi(SiO4)O
Rutile 4,3 TiO2
Cassiterite 6,9 SnO2
Goethite 3,8 α-Fe3+O(OH)
Phosphates (3,2 – 3,6) - Fluorapatite and Florencite-(Ce)
Vanadinite 6,9 Pb5(VO4)3Cl
Schultenite 5,9 Pb(HAsO4)
Sulphur 3,0 S8
Alunite + clay 2,7 - A mixture of amorphous minerals
Others - -
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FISSURAL REMOBILIZATIONS
Sample ST_01/200
Modal mineralogy
Table 9 – Modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/200.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 10,10 8,78 3240
Chalcopyrite 2,20 1,82 928
Galena 4,85 2,28 2946
Pyrite 26,03 18,07 4715
Tetrahedrite 0,08 0,06 56
Enargite 0,01 0,01 15
Arsenopyrite 0
Chalcocite 1,22 0,75 280
Kesterite 0,03 0,02 23
Clausthalite <0,01 <0,01 8
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 4,53 6,00 693
Smithsonite 23,43 26,71 8445
Dolomite 0,15 0,18 19
Chlorites 25,47 33,21 16818
Phyllosilicates 0,83 1,04 695
Other silicates 0,43 0,51 238
Titanite <0,01 <0,01 4
Rutile 0,22 0,18 91
Cassiterite 0,01 0,01 5
Goethite 0,03 0,03 23
Phosphates 0,25 0,27 35
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay 0,03 0,03 72
Others 0,08 0,04 25
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 39374
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Elemental distribution
Table 10 – Elemental distribution of the sample ST_01/200.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 0,60 18,35 50,78
Chalcopyrite 42,91 2,99 4,02
Galena 99,94 3,40
Pyrite 54,10 72,75
Tetrahedrite 12,91 1,49 0,01 0,10 100,00 0,04
Enargite 87,09 0,30 0,02
Arsenopyrite
Chalcocite 54,94 1,29
Kesterite 0,37 0,01 0,04 38,89 0,04
Clausthalite 0,06
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 30,97 49,13
Dolomite
Chlorites 10,84
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates 0,01
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 61,11
Goethite 0,09
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay 0,02
Others 0,37
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcocite is the main copper mineral, representing 54,94% of this metal in the sample. Chalcopyrite
is the second copper mineral, with 42,91%;
- galena is almost the only lead mineral in the sample, with 99,94%;
- the zinc is distributed evenly between the sphalerite (50,78%) and the smithsonite (49,13%).
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Particle size distribution
Table 11 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample ST_01/200.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
150 - - 100,00
125 1,51 1,51 98,49
106 3,56 5,07 94,93
90 5,08 10,15 89,85
75 12,07 22,23 77,77
63 8,69 30,91 69,09
53 7,15 38,07 61,93
45 6,97 45,04 54,96
38 5,34 50,38 49,62
32 5,08 55,46 44,54
27 4,89 60,35 39,65
22 5,10 65,44 34,56
19 3,29 68,73 31,27
16 3,02 71,75 28,25
13,5 3,36 75,11 24,89
11,4 3,25 78,36 21,64
9,6 3,01 81,37 18,63
8,1 3,02 84,39 15,61
6,8 2,93 87,33 12,67
5,7 2,64 89,97 10,03
4,8 2,50 92,47 7,53
4,1 1,99 94,47 5,53
3,4 1,87 96,34 3,66
2,9 1,23 97,56 2,44
2,4 1,29 98,86 1,14
2 0,62 99,48 0,52
1,75 0,23 99,71 0,29
1,45 0,11 99,82 0,18
1,2 0,10 99,93 0,07
1 0,04 99,97 0,03
0,87 0,00 99,97 0,03
0,73 0,02 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 12 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/200.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
90 - - 100,00
75 8,08 8,08 91,92
63 - 8,08 91,92
53 5,14 13,21 86,79
45 3,55 16,76 83,24
38 5,26 22,02 77,98
32 7,80 29,82 70,18
27 5,37 35,20 64,80
22 7,61 42,80 57,20
19 6,45 49,26 50,74
16 4,18 53,44 46,56
13,5 6,04 59,48 40,52
11,4 5,58 65,06 34,94
9,6 4,54 69,60 30,40
8,1 5,97 75,57 24,43
6,8 6,23 81,80 18,20
5,7 4,22 86,02 13,98
4,8 4,22 90,24 9,76
4,1 3,17 93,41 6,59
3,4 2,38 95,78 4,22
2,9 2,19 97,97 2,03
2,4 1,47 99,44 0,56
2 0,42 99,85 0,15
1,75 0,06 99,91 0,09
1,45 0,04 99,95 0,05
1,2 0,03 99,98 0,02
1 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 13 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/200.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
45 - - 100,00
38 2,92 2,92 97,08
32 6,64 9,56 90,44
27 2,49 12,05 87,95
22 6,20 18,25 81,75
19 1,55 19,81 80,19
16 1,87 21,68 78,32
13,5 4,55 26,23 73,77
11,4 6,17 32,40 67,60
9,6 5,99 38,39 61,61
8,1 6,45 44,84 55,16
6,8 6,33 51,17 48,83
5,7 6,95 58,11 41,89
4,8 9,30 67,41 32,59
4,1 6,85 74,26 25,74
3,4 6,80 81,06 18,94
2,9 5,80 86,86 13,14
2,4 5,16 92,02 7,98
2 3,40 95,42 4,58
1,75 1,45 96,87 3,13
1,45 1,03 97,90 2,10
1,2 1,47 99,37 0,63
1 0,36 99,73 0,27
0,87 0,21 99,94 0,06
0,73 0,02 99,96 0,04
0,62 0,03 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 14 – Chalcopyrite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/200.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
75 - - 100,00
63 14,40 14,40 85,60
53 - 14,40 85,60
45 1,87 16,27 83,73
38 3,88 20,15 79,85
32 5,67 25,82 74,18
27 7,11 32,93 67,07
22 6,83 39,76 60,24
19 3,34 43,10 56,90
16 4,78 47,88 52,12
13,5 4,79 52,67 47,33
11,4 6,28 58,95 41,05
9,6 5,43 64,38 35,62
8,1 5,63 70,01 29,99
6,8 6,46 76,47 23,53
5,7 6,51 82,98 17,02
4,8 4,70 87,68 12,32
4,1 2,97 90,65 9,35
3,4 3,16 93,81 6,19
2,9 2,47 96,28 3,72
2,4 2,26 98,54 1,46
2 0,86 99,40 0,60
1,75 0,23 99,63 0,37
1,45 0,12 99,75 0,25
1,2 0,16 99,91 0,09
1 0,05 99,96 0,04
0,87 0,03 99,98 0,02
0,73 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,62 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 15 – Chalcocite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/200.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
75 - - 100,00
63 21,93 21,93 78,07
53 - 21,93 78,07
45 1,11 23,05 76,95
38 3,95 27,00 73,00
32 3,70 30,70 69,30
27 7,55 38,25 61,75
22 6,97 45,23 54,77
19 2,98 48,21 51,79
16 5,49 53,70 46,30
13,5 4,44 58,14 41,86
11,4 5,67 63,81 36,19
9,6 10,11 73,92 26,08
8,1 6,67 80,59 19,41
6,8 6,20 86,79 13,21
5,7 2,95 89,75 10,25
4,8 2,35 92,09 7,91
4,1 2,79 94,89 5,11
3,4 1,57 96,46 3,54
2,9 1,51 97,97 2,03
2,4 1,49 99,46 0,54
2 0,32 99,77 0,23
1,75 0,08 99,86 0,14
1,45 0,05 99,91 0,09
1,2 0,06 99,97 0,03
1 0,02 99,98 0,02
0,87 <0,01 99,99 <0,01
0,73 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
Table 16 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/200.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
9,6 - - 100,00
8,1 30,16 30,16 69,84
6,8 40,40 70,57 29,43
5,7 15,72 86,29 13,71
4,8 - 86,29 13,71
4,1 8,14 94,42 5,58
3,4 - 94,42 5,58
2,9 - 94,42 5,58
2,4 5,58 100,00 -
2 - 100,00 -
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Table 17 – Smithsonite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/200.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
125 - - 100,00
106 1,38 1,38 98,62
90 1,87 3,25 96,75
75 3,73 6,98 93,02
63 5,46 12,44 87,56
53 6,93 19,37 80,63
45 4,71 24,08 75,92
38 6,87 30,94 69,06
32 6,11 37,06 62,94
27 8,10 45,15 54,85
22 5,97 51,12 48,88
19 4,79 55,91 44,09
16 5,33 61,24 38,76
13,5 5,20 66,45 33,55
11,4 5,56 72,01 27,99
9,6 4,86 76,87 23,13
8,1 4,65 81,52 18,48
6,8 4,10 85,62 14,38
5,7 3,44 89,06 10,94
4,8 3,32 92,38 7,62
4,1 2,33 94,71 5,29
3,4 1,85 96,56 3,44
2,9 1,61 98,16 1,84
2,4 1,18 99,35 0,65
2 0,43 99,78 0,22
1,75 0,09 99,87 0,13
1,45 0,05 99,92 0,08
1,2 0,06 99,98 0,02
1 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,73 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,62 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 18 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample ST_01/200.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 20,35 24,15 20,00 19,83 15,67
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 5,92 13,07 26,85 55,60 102,50
… of the sphalerite 6,20 12,90 25,21 48,32 82,44
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/200 has shown that the sphalerite represents 10,10% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 15,67% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 19,83% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 20,00% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 24,15% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 20,35% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 19 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample ST_01/200.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 11,94 5,22 11,03 10,95 60,86
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 2,40 2,65 3,36 1,21 0,28
Chalcopyrite 0,72 9,49 7,72 1,54 0,19
Pyrite 25,40 3,96 3,18 0,49 0,02
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 1,01 10,92 10,49 0,30 0,22
Cassiterite - - - - -
Quartz 8,83 0,27 - 0,05 0,01
Phyllosilicates 40,39 27,36 7,26 9,36 0,72
Other silicates 0,01 - - 0,02 -
Carbonates 16,64 13,11 5,40 3,72 0,10
Others 0,72 0,07 0,16 0,08 -
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/200 has shown that the sphalerite represents 10,10% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 60,86% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 10,95% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 11,03% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 5,22% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 11,94% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 20 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_01/200.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,04 0,17 0,35 0,52 19,27
7-15 m 0,26 0,41 0,65 1,70 21,13
15-30 m 0,95 1,27 1,94 2,24 13,59
30-63 m 2,46 1,45 0,84 2,69 12,39
>63 m 5,96 1,32 5,59 2,80 -
Figure 12 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_01/200.
As we can see in the Figure 12, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral (about 10%)
is present in the >63mm fraction.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 21 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample ST_01/200.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 37,41 23,13 8,65 19,72 11,10
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 5,92 13,07 26,85 55,60 102,50
… of the galena 5,57 12,77 24,87 36,75 24,94
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/200 has shown that the galena represents 4,85% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 11,10% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 19,72% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 8,65% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 23,13% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 37,41% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 22 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample ST_01/200.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 19,19 6,97 1,13 2,72 69,98
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 7,59 7,26 2,23 5,65 0,02
Chalcopyrite 1,09 0,42 5,33 0,08 0,01
Pyrite 33,25 18,52 6,07 4,55 0,04
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 1,03 0,83 0,76 1,33 0,01
Cassiterite - - - - -
Quartz 7,01 - 0,68 - <0,01
Phyllosilicates 31,14 20,54 20,04 3,17 0,14
Other silicates 0,01 - - - -
Carbonates 16,11 17,43 5,96 2,45 0,14
Others 0,53 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/200 has shown that the galena represents 4,85% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 69,98% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 2,72% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 1,13% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 6,97% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 19,19% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 23 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_01/200.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,22 0,38 0,34 0,96 35,52
7-15 m 0,80 0,51 0,30 0,82 20,70
15-30 m 2,07 0,56 0,49 0,95 4,58
30-63 m 8,00 2,53 - - 9,18
>63 m 8,10 2,99 - - -
Figure 13 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_01/200.
As we can see in the Figure 13, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in bigger and low grade particles.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample ST_01/211
Modal mineralogy
Table 24 – Modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/211.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 19,67 14,95 2578
Chalcopyrite 1,27 0,92 250
Galena 3,09 1,27 673
Pyrite 4,11 2,49 224
Tetrahedrite 0
Enargite <0,01 <0,01 2
Arsenopyrite 0
Chalcocite 0,93 0,50 60
Kesterite 0,01 0,01 3
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 2,97 3,44 453
Smithsonite 3,22 3,20 546
Dolomite 0,38 0,41 19
Chlorites 60,95 69,48 24027
Phyllosilicates 1,42 1,56 775
Other silicates 0,94 0,94 254
Titanite <0,01 <0,01 2
Rutile 0,63 0,45 31
Cassiterite <0,01 <0,01 1
Goethite 0,06 0,05 10
Phosphates 0,31 0,30 26
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay 0,03 0,03 22
Others 0
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 29956
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Elemental distribution
Table 25 – Elemental distribution of the sample ST_01/211.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 2,87 67,80 93,61
Chalcopyrite 37,09 4,21 4,40
Galena 100,00 4,10
Pyrite 20,81 21,77
Tetrahedrite
Enargite 100,00 0,08 0,01
Arsenopyrite
Chalcocite 62,68 1,86
Kesterite 0,16 0,01 0,02 86,04 0,01
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 10,36 6,38
Dolomite
Chlorites 61,30
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates 0,04
Titanite 0,00
Rutile
Cassiterite 13,96
Goethite 0,40
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay 0,04
Others
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 0,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcocite is the main copper mineral, representing 62,68% of this metal in the sample. Chalcopyrite
is the second copper mineral, with 37,09%;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample%;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (93,61%) and part by the smithsonite (6,38%).
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Particle size distribution
Table 26 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample ST_01/211.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
180 - - 100,00
150 2,23 2,23 97,77
125 2,08 4,31 95,69
106 0,70 5,01 94,99
90 4,14 9,14 90,86
75 6,99 16,13 83,87
63 6,74 22,87 77,13
53 6,57 29,44 70,56
45 6,93 36,37 63,63
38 5,17 41,54 58,46
32 4,54 46,08 53,92
27 4,86 50,94 49,06
22 5,39 56,32 43,68
19 2,83 59,15 40,85
16 4,28 63,43 36,57
13,5 3,60 67,03 32,97
11,4 4,23 71,27 28,73
9,6 3,76 75,03 24,97
8,1 3,80 78,83 21,17
6,8 3,83 82,66 17,34
5,7 3,69 86,35 13,65
4,8 3,16 89,51 10,49
4,1 2,65 92,16 7,84
3,4 2,83 94,99 5,01
2,9 1,73 96,72 3,28
2,4 1,84 98,56 1,44
2 0,96 99,52 0,48
1,75 0,32 99,84 0,16
1,45 0,07 99,91 0,09
1,2 0,06 99,97 0,03
1 0,02 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,73 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 27 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/211.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
106 - - 100,00
90 3,22 3,22 96,78
75 1,84 5,07 94,93
63 3,32 8,39 91,61
53 7,32 15,71 84,29
45 5,06 20,77 79,23
38 5,24 26,01 73,99
32 6,01 32,02 67,98
27 6,55 38,57 61,43
22 8,19 46,76 53,24
19 4,22 50,99 49,01
16 7,31 58,30 41,70
13,5 6,35 64,65 35,35
11,4 6,37 71,02 28,98
9,6 5,47 76,49 23,51
8,1 4,95 81,44 18,56
6,8 4,63 86,06 13,94
5,7 4,18 90,24 9,76
4,8 3,38 93,62 6,38
4,1 2,37 95,99 4,01
3,4 1,82 97,81 2,19
2,9 1,28 99,10 0,90
2,4 0,69 99,78 0,22
2 0,17 99,95 0,05
1,75 0,02 99,97 0,03
1,45 0,01 99,99 0,01
1,2 0,01 99,99 0,01
1 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 28 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/211.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
53 - - 100,00
45 14,39 14,39 85,61
38 - 14,39 85,61
32 - 14,39 85,61
27 2,00 16,38 83,62
22 1,58 17,96 82,04
19 4,35 22,31 77,69
16 8,05 30,36 69,64
13,5 4,77 35,13 64,87
11,4 5,48 40,60 59,40
9,6 4,83 45,43 54,57
8,1 8,45 53,88 46,12
6,8 8,90 62,78 37,22
5,7 8,72 71,50 28,50
4,8 7,09 78,59 21,41
4,1 4,39 82,98 17,02
3,4 5,91 88,89 11,11
2,9 3,54 92,42 7,58
2,4 4,24 96,67 3,33
2 1,83 98,49 1,51
1,75 0,65 99,15 0,85
1,45 0,35 99,50 0,50
1,2 0,33 99,83 0,17
1 0,12 99,95 0,05
0,73 0,04 99,99 0,01
0,62 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,52 - 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 29 – Chalcopyrite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/211.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
38 - - 100,00
32 7,65 7,65 92,35
27 8,59 16,24 83,76
22 5,71 21,95 78,05
19 - 21,95 78,05
16 6,77 28,72 71,28
13,5 13,13 41,85 58,15
11,4 11,82 53,68 46,32
9,6 10,81 64,49 35,51
8,1 7,23 71,72 28,28
6,8 6,89 78,61 21,39
5,7 6,63 85,24 14,76
4,8 5,09 90,34 9,66
4,1 3,61 93,94 6,06
3,4 3,47 97,42 2,58
2,9 0,88 98,29 1,71
2,4 1,33 99,62 0,38
2 0,26 99,88 0,12
1,75 - 99,88 0,12
1,45 0,05 99,93 0,07
1,2 0,05 99,99 0,01
1 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 - 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 30 – Chalcocite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/211.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
75 - - 100,00
63 22,35 22,35 77,65
53 - 22,35 77,65
45 - 22,35 77,65
38 24,53 46,88 53,12
32 15,28 62,16 37,84
27 - 62,16 37,84
22 - 62,16 37,84
19 - 62,16 37,84
16 2,89 65,05 34,95
13,5 2,28 67,33 32,67
11,4 5,97 73,29 26,71
9,6 6,60 79,90 20,10
8,1 7,36 87,25 12,75
6,8 5,72 92,97 7,03
5,7 3,71 96,68 3,32
4,8 1,50 98,18 1,82
4,1 0,61 98,79 1,21
3,4 0,10 98,89 1,11
2,9 0,59 99,47 0,53
2,4 0,42 99,89 0,11
2 - 99,89 0,11
1,75 0,03 99,92 0,08
1,45 0,06 99,98 0,02
1,2 - 99,98 0,02
1 - 99,98 0,02
0,73 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
Table 31 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/211.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
1,75 - - 100,00
1,45 100,00 100,00 -
1,2 - 100,00 -
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Table 32 – Smithsonite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_01/211.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
75 - - 100,00
63 12,82 12,82 87,18
53 10,20 23,02 76,98
45 - 23,02 76,98
38 12,90 35,92 64,08
32 1,46 37,38 62,62
27 8,17 45,55 54,45
22 6,06 51,61 48,39
19 6,90 58,50 41,50
16 6,73 65,23 34,77
13,5 6,03 71,26 28,74
11,4 5,11 76,37 23,63
9,6 4,02 80,39 19,61
8,1 4,33 84,72 15,28
6,8 3,48 88,20 11,80
5,7 3,00 91,20 8,80
4,8 2,77 93,98 6,02
4,1 2,30 96,27 3,73
3,4 1,49 97,76 2,24
2,9 1,03 98,79 1,21
2,4 0,81 99,60 0,40
2 0,31 99,92 0,08
1,75 0,03 99,95 0,05
1,45 0,01 99,96 0,04
1,2 0,03 99,99 0,01
1 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,52 - 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 33 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample ST_01/211.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 13,41 22,10 24,52 25,41 14,56
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 5,93 12,91 26,71 55,39 117,79
… of the sphalerite 6,31 12,98 25,84 49,02 91,55
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/211 has shown that the sphalerite represents 19,67% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 14,56% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 25,41% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 24,52% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 22,10% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 13,41% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 34 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample ST_01/211.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 3,45 2,50 5,99 13,15 74,90
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 2,15 6,10 11,82 2,05 0,22
Chalcopyrite 0,71 4,32 3,00 2,30 0,17
Pyrite 14,02 3,27 0,14 0,59 -
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 2,45 0,24 1,21 - 0,01
Cassiterite <0,01 - - - -
Quartz 7,01 - 0,23 0,04 <0,01
Phyllosilicates 64,64 50,63 21,66 11,68 1,07
Other silicates <0,01 - 0,25 0,01 <0,01
Carbonates 4,15 0,40 0,34 0,01 0,03
Others 0,70 0,05 - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/211 has shown that the sphalerite represents 19,67% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 74,90% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 13,15% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 5,99% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 2,50% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 3,45% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 35 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_01/211.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,02 0,03 0,17 0,22 12,97
7-15 m 0,16 0,37 0,73 1,27 19,57
15-30 m 0,40 0,55 1,92 2,07 19,58
30-63 m 1,49 1,55 2,10 2,65 17,62
>63 m 1,38 - 1,07 6,94 5,16
Figure 14 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_01/211.
As we can see in the Figure 14, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The major part unliberated
sphalerite (about 25%) is present in high grade particles, mostly in the coarser fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 36 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample ST_01/211.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 32,79 24,11 8,32 26,34 8,43
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 5,93 12,91 26,71 55,39 117,79
… of the galena 6,22 12,37 17,81 50,07 27,78
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/211 has shown that the galena represents 3,09% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 8,43% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 26,34% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 8,32% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 24,11% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 32,79% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 37 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample ST_01/211.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 18,29 6,72 3,64 2,03 69,32
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 21,16 29,76 14,58 10,33 0,01
Chalcopyrite 0,23 6,85 - - -
Pyrite 12,58 0,26 - 4,08 0,01
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 0,14 - 2,56 - -
Cassiterite - - - - -
Quartz 6,37 0,22 - - -
Phyllosilicates 54,30 8,42 17,34 0,98 1,04
Other silicates 0,03 - - - -
Carbonates 0,62 19,70 - - 0,03
Others 0,67 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_01/211 has shown that the galena represents 3,09% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 69,32% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 2,03% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 3,64% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 6,72% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 18,29% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 38 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_01/211.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,13 0,08 0,52 0,09 31,98
7-15 m 0,89 0,65 1,87 0,75 19,96
15-30 m 1,24 1,64 1,25 1,20 2,99
30-63 m 7,60 4,35 - - 14,39
>63 m 8,43 - - - -
Figure 15 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_01/211.
As we can see in the Figure 15, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in bigger and low grade particles.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample ST_02/329
Modal mineralogy
Table 39 – Modal mineralogy of the sample ST_02/329.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 16,55 14,38 2291
Chalcopyrite 15,33 12,68 1947
Galena 12,07 5,67 2182
Pyrite 4,93 3,42 501
Tetrahedrite <0,01 <0,01 2
Enargite 0,01 0,01 8
Arsenopyrite 0
Chalcocite 0,11 0,07 13
Kesterite 0
Clausthalite <0,01 <0,01 3
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 17,57 23,25 4034
Smithsonite 3,21 3,60 696
Dolomite 2,84 3,46 625
Chlorites 21,75 26,66 10902
Phyllosilicates 4,65 5,83 2880
Other silicates 0,51 0,59 368
Titanite <0,01 <0,01 3
Rutile 0,15 0,12 48
Cassiterite 0,03 0,01 4
Goethite 0,04 0,04 11
Phosphates 0,10 0,11 13
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay 0,05 0,06 117
Others 0,10 0,04 14
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 26662
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Elemental distribution
Table 40 – Elemental distribution of the sample ST_02/329.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 1,99 37,39 92,87
Chalcopyrite 98,27 41,80 34,78
Galena 99,98 10,51
Pyrite 20,55 17,10
Tetrahedrite 0,42 0,01 <0,01 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
Enargite 99,58 0,10 0,02
Arsenopyrite
Chalcocite 1,61 0,14
Kesterite
Clausthalite 0,02
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 8,81 7,13
Dolomite
Chlorites 25,70
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates 0,02
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 100,00
Goethite 0,22
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay 0,05
Others 0,91
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 98,27% of this metal in the sample. Chalcocite
is the second copper mineral, representing only 1,61%;
- galena is almost the only lead mineral in the sample, with 99,98%;
- the zinc is present mainly as sphalerite (92,87%) and, with low expression, as smithsonite (7,13%).
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Particle size distribution
Table 41 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample ST_02/329.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
180 - - 100,00
150 2,42 2,42 97,58
125 2,41 4,83 95,17
106 0,96 5,78 94,22
90 1,04 6,82 93,18
75 4,75 11,57 88,43
63 6,50 18,07 81,93
53 5,19 23,26 76,74
45 4,95 28,20 71,80
38 5,38 33,58 66,42
32 5,47 39,05 60,95
27 3,82 42,87 57,13
22 5,95 48,82 51,18
19 3,68 52,50 47,50
16 4,87 57,38 42,62
13,5 4,75 62,13 37,87
11,4 5,13 67,26 32,74
9,6 4,69 71,95 28,05
8,1 4,74 76,69 23,31
6,8 4,79 81,48 18,52
5,7 4,54 86,03 13,97
4,8 3,95 89,98 10,02
4,1 2,98 92,95 7,05
3,4 2,73 95,69 4,31
2,9 1,55 97,24 2,76
2,4 1,54 98,78 1,22
2 0,79 99,56 0,44
1,75 0,25 99,82 0,18
1,45 0,08 99,90 0,10
1,2 0,07 99,97 0,03
1 0,02 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,73 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 <0,01 100,00 -
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Table 42 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_02/329.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
125 - - 100,00
106 3,25 3,25 96,75
90 - 3,25 96,75
75 1,76 5,01 94,99
63 3,25 8,26 91,74
53 6,67 14,93 85,07
45 5,32 20,25 79,75
38 4,95 25,20 74,80
32 7,07 32,27 67,73
27 4,30 36,57 63,43
22 7,31 43,88 56,12
19 5,12 49,00 51,00
16 5,06 54,07 45,93
13,5 5,90 59,96 40,04
11,4 6,75 66,72 33,28
9,6 5,74 72,46 27,54
8,1 6,67 79,13 20,87
6,8 5,84 84,98 15,02
5,7 4,78 89,76 10,24
4,8 3,79 93,55 6,45
4,1 2,57 96,12 3,88
3,4 1,73 97,85 2,15
2,9 1,09 98,94 1,06
2,4 0,71 99,65 0,35
2 0,26 99,91 0,09
1,75 0,04 99,95 0,05
1,45 0,02 99,97 0,03
1,2 0,02 99,99 0,01
1 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,87 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 43 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_02/329.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
75 - - 100,00
63 4,45 4,45 95,55
53 6,11 10,56 89,44
45 - 10,56 89,44
38 2,09 12,65 87,35
32 0,72 13,37 86,63
27 3,30 16,68 83,32
22 5,84 22,52 77,48
19 2,83 25,35 74,65
16 6,39 31,73 68,27
13,5 7,17 38,91 61,09
11,4 6,83 45,74 54,26
9,6 6,09 51,82 48,18
8,1 7,09 58,91 41,09
6,8 7,29 66,20 33,80
5,7 8,06 74,26 25,74
4,8 7,43 81,69 18,31
4,1 5,03 86,72 13,28
3,4 4,41 91,13 8,87
2,9 3,38 94,51 5,49
2,4 2,59 97,10 2,90
2 1,58 98,68 1,32
1,75 0,45 99,14 0,86
1,45 0,30 99,43 0,57
1,2 0,37 99,80 0,20
1 0,13 99,93 0,07
0,87 0,06 99,99 0,01
0,73 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 44 – Chalcopyrite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_02/329.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
125 - - 100,00
106 5,82 5,82 94,18
90 - 5,82 94,18
75 3,77 9,59 90,41
63 5,08 14,67 85,33
53 1,50 16,17 83,83
45 3,99 20,16 79,84
38 7,89 28,05 71,95
32 5,56 33,60 66,40
27 5,25 38,85 61,15
22 6,02 44,88 55,12
19 3,62 48,50 51,50
16 4,39 52,88 47,12
13,5 6,37 59,25 40,75
11,4 7,07 66,32 33,68
9,6 6,46 72,78 27,22
8,1 6,04 78,82 21,18
6,8 6,23 85,05 14,95
5,7 5,16 90,21 9,79
4,8 3,99 94,20 5,80
4,1 2,86 97,06 2,94
3,4 1,42 98,48 1,52
2,9 0,79 99,28 0,72
2,4 0,49 99,77 0,23
2 0,14 99,91 0,09
1,75 0,04 99,95 0,05
1,45 0,03 99,97 0,03
1,2 0,02 99,99 0,01
1 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,87 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 45 – Chalcocite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_02/329.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
19 - - 100,00
16 39,03 39,03 60,97
13,5 21,05 60,08 39,92
11,4 - 60,08 39,92
9,6 7,25 67,33 32,67
8,1 16,63 83,96 16,04
6,8 4,50 88,45 11,55
5,7 4,31 92,76 7,24
4,8 - 92,76 7,24
4,1 1,80 94,57 5,43
3,4 1,65 96,21 3,79
2,9 0,94 97,15 2,85
2,4 1,62 98,77 1,23
2 0,89 99,66 0,34
1,75 0,34 100,00 -
1,45 - 100,00 -
Table 46 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_02/329.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
11,4 - - 100,00
9,6 54,69 54,69 45,31
8,1 - 54,69 45,31
6,8 34,27 88,96 11,04
5,7 - 88,96 11,04
4,8 88,96 11,04
4,1 - 88,96 11,04
3,4 7,50 96,46 3,54
2,9 - 96,46 3,54
2,4 3,54 100,00 -
2 - 100,00 -
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Table 47 – Smithsonite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_02/329.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
163 - - 100,00
53 15,65 15,65 84,35
45 11,96 27,61 72,39
38 4,89 32,50 67,50
32 2,39 34,89 65,11
27 6,55 41,44 58,56
22 5,91 47,36 52,64
19 2,91 50,27 49,73
16 8,75 59,02 40,98
13,5 4,79 63,81 36,19
11,4 5,50 69,31 30,69
9,6 4,22 73,53 26,47
8,1 5,58 79,11 20,89
6,8 5,02 84,13 15,87
5,7 4,18 88,31 11,69
4,8 2,90 91,21 8,79
4,1 2,92 94,13 5,87
3,4 2,71 96,84 3,16
2,9 1,55 98,39 1,61
2,4 1,03 99,42 0,58
2 0,47 99,89 0,11
1,75 0,07 99,95 0,05
1,45 0,02 99,98 0,02
1,2 0,02 99,99 0,01
1 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,87 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 - 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 - 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 48 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample ST_02/329.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 14,65 24,29 20,41 26,66 13,98
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,07 13,00 25,79 54,31 137,59
… of the sphalerite 6,35 12,68 25,39 55,01 108,64
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_02/329 has shown that the sphalerite represents 16,55% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 13,98% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 26,66% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 20,41% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 24,29% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 14,65% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 49 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample ST_02/329.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 5,15 9,54 15,16 5,13 65,03
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 17,19 15,03 14,59 7,94 0,95
Chalcopyrite 35,13 38,40 20,10 5,37 0,35
Pyrite 7,93 1,94 3,22 0,25 <0,01
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 0,09 - - - -
Cassiterite - - - - -
Quartz 10,85 0,26 0,18 0,13 0,07
Phyllosilicates 16,02 5,38 1,54 1,28 0,13
Other silicates 0,06 0,03 0,02
Carbonates 4,11 1,30 0,34 1,71 0,01
Others 0,02 - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_02/329 has shown that the sphalerite represents 16,55% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 65,03% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 5,13% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 15,16% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 9,54% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 5,15% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 50 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_02/329.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,05 0,10 0,33 0,25 13,92
7-15 m 0,44 0,76 1,71 2,56 18,82
15-30 m 1,01 1,37 2,47 0,84 14,72
30-63 m 1,70 1,93 4,00 1,47 17,56
>63 m 1,95 5,39 6,65 - -
Figure 16 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_02/329.
As we can see in the Figure 16, most of the sphalerite is liberated. Most of the unliberated mineral is
present in the coarser fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 51 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample ST_02/329.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 28,33 25,24 20,36 13,04 13,03
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,07 13,00 25,79 54,31 137,59
… of the galena 6,08 12,24 23,70 57,12 67,98
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_02/329 has shown that the galena represents 12,07% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 13,03% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 13,04% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 20,36% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 25,24% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 28,33% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 52 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample ST_02/329.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 10,03 11,26 4,58 8,35 65,79
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 36,60 23,13 17,74 3,22 0,16
Chalcopyrite 30,08 29,68 16,95 11,93 0,10
Pyrite 11,58 0,22 0,30 0,28 -
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 0,08 0,02 0,56 0,07 0,03
Cassiterite - - - - -
Quartz 1,98 0,88 0,87 0,37 0,05
Phyllosilicates 7,57 4,16 1,13 0,64 0,03
Other silicates 0,02 - - - <0,01
Carbonates 5,24 4,51 0,32 0,05 0,01
Others 0,11 - - - <0,01
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_02/329 has shown that the galena represents 12,07% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 65,79% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 8,35% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 4,58% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 11,26% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 10,03% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 53 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_02/329.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,21 0,31 0,39 0,45 26,96
7-15 m 1,14 1,77 1,11 1,33 19,89
15-30 m 1,30 3,26 2,09 1,29 12,41
30-63 m 2,88 1,83 0,99 0,82 6,52
>63 m 4,48 4,09 - 4,46 -
Figure 17 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_02/329.
As we can see in the Figure 17, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in bigger and low grade particles.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample ST_04/385
Modal mineralogy
Table 54 – Modal mineralogy of the sample ST_04/385.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 5,98 4,50 906
Chalcopyrite 5,35 3,83 808
Galena 4,95 2,01 1195
Pyrite 5,67 3,41 547
Tetrahedrite 0,02 0,01 6
Enargite 0
Arsenopyrite 0
Chalcocite <0,01 <0,01 1
Kesterite 0
Clausthalite <0,01 <0,01 2
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 29,73 34,10 5493
Smithsonite 2,32 2,29 350
Dolomite 19,96 21,08 4844
Chlorites 22,73 25,59 12267
Phyllosilicates 1,48 1,61 1133
Other silicates 0,92 0,96 598
Titanite 0,01 0,01 4
Rutile 0,38 0,27 56
Cassiterite 0
Goethite 0,05 0,04 16
Phosphates 0,07 0,07 23
Vanadinite 0,06 0,03 71
Schultenite 0,07 0,03 58
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay 0,07 0,08 120
Others 0,19 0,07 24
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 28522
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Elemental distribution
Table 55 – Elemental distribution of the sample ST_04/385.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 1,09 27,17 86,04
Chalcopyrite 99,65 22,06 24,40
Galena 97,98 8,66
Pyrite 35,77 39,57
Tetrahedrite 0,49 0,33 0,01 0,06 100,00 0,03
Enargite
Arsenopyrite
Chalcocite 0,03 <0,01
Kesterite
Clausthalite 0,03
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 9,33 13,93
Dolomite
Chlorites 28,71
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates 0,03
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite
Goethite 0,43
Phosphates
Vanadinite 1,08
Schultenite 99,51 0,91
Sulphur
Alunite + clay 0,14
Others 2,57
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 99,65% of this metal in the sample;
- galena is almost the only lead mineral in the sample, with 97,98%;
- the zinc is distributed, mainly, by the sphalerite (86,04%) and by the smithsonite (13,93%).
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Particle size distribution
Table 56 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample ST_04/385.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
150 - - 100,00
125 0,53 0,53 99,47
106 1,04 1,58 98,42
90 4,25 5,83 94,17
75 4,89 10,72 89,28
63 7,56 18,28 81,72
53 5,85 24,14 75,86
45 5,52 29,66 70,34
38 5,79 35,44 64,56
32 5,61 41,06 58,94
27 6,31 47,37 52,63
22 6,66 54,02 45,98
19 3,94 57,97 42,03
16 4,94 62,90 37,10
13,5 4,27 67,17 32,83
11,4 4,36 71,54 28,46
9,6 3,94 75,48 24,52
8,1 3,89 79,37 20,63
6,8 4,10 83,48 16,52
5,7 3,70 87,18 12,82
4,8 3,32 90,50 9,50
4,1 2,62 93,12 6,88
3,4 2,53 95,64 4,36
2,9 1,59 97,23 2,77
2,4 1,60 98,83 1,17
2 0,79 99,63 0,37
1,75 0,25 99,87 0,13
1,45 0,06 99,93 0,07
1,2 0,05 99,98 0,02
1 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,73 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 57 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_04/385.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
75 - - 100,00
63 11,93 11,93 88,07
53 2,54 14,47 85,53
45 - 14,47 85,53
38 3,59 18,06 81,94
32 8,10 26,16 73,84
27 9,30 35,46 64,54
22 11,07 46,53 53,47
19 5,70 52,23 47,77
16 6,84 59,07 40,93
13,5 5,06 64,13 35,87
11,4 4,67 68,80 31,20
9,6 5,34 74,13 25,87
8,1 6,34 80,47 19,53
6,8 4,84 85,32 14,68
5,7 4,32 89,63 10,37
4,8 3,66 93,29 6,71
4,1 2,44 95,73 4,27
3,4 1,67 97,40 2,60
2,9 1,49 98,90 1,10
2,4 0,77 99,67 0,33
2 0,28 99,94 0,06
1,75 0,03 99,97 0,03
1,45 <0,01 99,98 0,02
1,2 0,02 99,99 0,01
1 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,87 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 - 100,00 <0,01
0,62 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 58 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_04/385.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
38 - - 100,00
32 3,68 3,68 96,32
27 2,27 5,95 94,05
22 4,68 10,63 89,37
19 5,82 16,45 83,55
16 5,14 21,59 78,41
13,5 10,07 31,65 68,35
11,4 7,73 39,38 60,62
9,6 7,11 46,50 53,50
8,1 5,66 52,15 47,85
6,8 8,63 60,79 39,21
5,7 8,16 68,95 31,05
4,8 8,74 77,69 22,31
4,1 5,53 83,22 16,78
3,4 4,63 87,85 12,15
2,9 4,86 92,71 7,29
2,4 3,98 96,69 3,31
2 2,26 98,95 1,05
1,75 0,44 99,38 0,62
1,45 0,28 99,66 0,34
1,2 0,24 99,90 0,10
1 0,05 99,95 0,05
0,87 0,03 99,98 0,02
0,73 <0,01 99,98 0,02
0,62 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 59 – Chalcopyrite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_04/385.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
75 - - 100,00
63 6,50 6,50 93,50
53 - 6,50 93,50
45 8,31 14,81 85,19
38 4,28 19,09 80,91
32 3,12 22,21 77,79
27 6,12 28,34 71,66
22 10,50 38,83 61,17
19 2,65 41,48 58,52
16 10,45 51,93 48,07
13,5 6,03 57,96 42,04
11,4 7,88 65,84 34,16
9,6 6,13 71,97 28,03
8,1 6,78 78,75 21,25
6,8 5,73 84,48 15,52
5,7 4,89 89,37 10,63
4,8 3,60 92,97 7,03
4,1 2,99 95,96 4,04
3,4 2,11 98,07 1,93
2,9 0,98 99,05 0,95
2,4 0,68 99,73 0,27
2 0,19 99,92 0,08
1,75 0,04 99,96 0,04
1,45 0,01 99,97 0,03
1,2 0,02 99,99 0,01
1 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,52 - 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 60 – Smithsonite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample ST_04/385.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
90 - - 100,00
75 12,95 12,95 87,05
63 12,43 25,38 74,62
53 - 25,38 74,62
45 6,70 32,08 67,92
38 12,38 44,45 55,55
32 5,21 49,67 50,33
27 5,86 55,53 44,47
22 4,55 60,08 39,92
19 1,42 61,49 38,51
16 2,25 63,75 36,25
13,5 4,43 68,18 31,82
11,4 7,16 75,34 24,66
9,6 3,94 79,28 20,72
8,1 5,45 84,72 15,28
6,8 4,87 89,59 10,41
5,7 3,04 92,63 7,37
4,8 2,60 95,22 4,78
4,1 1,69 96,91 3,09
3,4 1,49 98,40 1,60
2,9 0,71 99,11 0,89
2,4 0,66 99,77 0,23
2 0,14 99,90 0,10
1,75 0,05 99,95 0,05
1,45 0,02 99,97 0,03
1,2 0,02 99,99 0,01
1 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 - 100,00 <0,01
0 <0,01 100,00 -
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 61 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample ST_04/385.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 15,31 21,13 28,54 22,84 12,17
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 5,98 13,01 26,36 54,17 98,18
… of the sphalerite 6,29 12,36 25,04 41,04 72,55
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_04/385 has shown that the sphalerite represents 5,98% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 12,17% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 22,84% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 28,54% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 21,13% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 15,31% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 62 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample ST_04/385.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 1,05 1,20 4,87 4,70 88,18
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 7,82 27,53 10,85 6,51 0,21
Chalcopyrite 5,85 7,55 17,62 5,91 0,92
Pyrite 5,07 24,69 - - 0,02
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides - - - - -
Cassiterite - - - -
Quartz 39,94 1,00 1,99 1,08 0,02
Phyllosilicates 28,26 1,63 1,79 0,16 0,08
Other silicates 0,11 - - - 0,01
Carbonates 9,83 0,42 1,18 1,28 0,01
Others 0,06 0,43 - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_04/385 has shown that the sphalerite represents 5,98% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 88,18% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 4,70% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 4,87% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 1,20% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 1,05% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 63 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_04/385.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,02 0,08 0,17 0,28 14,77
7-15 m 0,14 0,42 1,21 0,61 18,75
15-30 m 0,09 0,70 1,00 3,82 22,92
30-63 m 0,55 - 2,48 - 19,81
>63 m 0,24 - - - 11,93
Figure 18 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_04/385.
As we can see in the Figure 18, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral (about 12%)
is present in high grade particles (near liberated), distributed in the coarser size fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 64 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample ST_04/385.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 37,89 32,08 23,10 6,00 0,92
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 5,98 13,01 26,36 54,17 98,18
… of the galena 5,96 13,29 24,49 36,04 20,88
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_04/385 has shown that the galena represents 4,95% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 0,92% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 6,00% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 23,10% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 32,08% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 37,89% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 65 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample ST_04/385.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 4,57 1,89 3,30 6,57 83,68
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 6,24 29,47 11,53 1,19 0,02
Chalcopyrite 7,52 4,60 2,82 - 0,21
Pyrite 28,10 9,44 1,14 - 0,01
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 0,01 - - 0,41 -
Cassiterite - - - - -
Quartz 19,09 4,66 3,87 2,44 0,04
Phyllosilicates 12,95 8,93 4,81 1,10 0,11
Other silicates 0,12 - - - -
Carbonates 19,98 4,03 11,16 0,77 0,01
Others 2,63 1,95 4,22 8,89 0,57
The modal mineralogy of the sample ST_04/385 has shown that the galena represents 4,95% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 83,68% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 6,57% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 3,30% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 1,89% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 4,57% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents less
than 25%).
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Table 66 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_04/385.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,14 0,22 0,72 2,53 34,27
7-15 m 0,53 1,04 0,70 1,90 27,93
15-30 m 1,29 0,63 1,25 2,13 17,80
30-63 m 1,69 - 0,64 - 3,68
>63 m 0,92 - - - -
Figure 19 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample ST_04/385.
As we can see in the Figure 19, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in medium to high grade particles (near liberated).
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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GOSSAN
Sample MS_01/159
Modal mineralogy
Table 67 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/159.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 0
Chalcopyrite <0,01 <0,01 3
Galena 0,15 0,06 50
Pyrite 0,68 0,43 112
Tetrahedrite 0
Enargite 0
Arsenopyrite 0
Chalcocite 0,02 0,01 5
Kesterite 0
Clausthalite 0,03 0,01 15
Tiemannite 0,10 0,04 20
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) <0,01 <0,01 3
Luanheite 0,02 <0,01 5
Quartz 37,79 45,26 7856
Smithsonite 5,95 4,87 7113
Dolomite <0,01 <0,01 1
Chlorites 12,82 15,12 5012
Phyllosilicates 0,85 0,95 921
Other silicates 0,47 0,53 614
Titanite 0,01 0,01 4
Rutile 0,06 0,05 1
Cassiterite 2,25 1,02 357
Goethite 37,26 30,83 2558
Phosphates 0,01 0,01 2
Vanadinite 0,26 0,12 129
Schultenite 1,22 0,64 395
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay <0,01 <0,01 11
Others 0,07 0,03 19
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 25206
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Table 68 – Modal mineralogy of the subsample MS_01/159 (second scan in SPL Mode, for bright phases, 15000 particles).
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Clausthalite 0,16 0,06 55
Tiemannite 0,13 0,05 59
Acanthite <0,01 <0,01 2
Naumannite <0,01 <0,01 3
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0,01 <0,01 4
Luanheite 0,08 0,02 20
Cassiterite 2,25 1,02 357
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 500
Some minerals are present in the sample in low concentrations, mostly Ag, Au, Hg and Se bearing
minerals. Despite the statistical representativeness of the method (MLA), who analyses 25000 to
35000 particles in each sample, some may not be ‘found’. In such cases a second scan is preformed,
the SPL (Sparse Phase Liberation) mode, specially designed for Noble metals. In this mode only bright
phases (heavy minerals) are analyzed, which increases the success of the search but is not
representative for a modal analysis. The data gathered must be compared with another heavy mineral
more abundant, in this case cassiterite was the choice.
The modal mineralogy of the heavy minerals was recalculated based on the comparison with
cassiterite abundance (Table 68).
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Elemental distribution
Table 69 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_01/159.
Mineral Ag (%) As (%) Au (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Hg(%) Pb (%) S (%) Se(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite
Chalcopyrite 6,98 <0,01 0,23
Galena 12,26 5,21
Pyrite 1,16 93,63
Arsenopyrite
Chalcocite 93,02 0,78
Kesterite
Clausthalite 1,73 53,26
Tiemannite 73,73 46,18
Acanthite 8,20
Naumannite 2,30 0,56
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 7,11 100,00 2,59
Luanheite 82,40 23,66
Quartz
Smithsonite 9,22 100,00
Dolomite
Chlorites 4,29
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates <0,01
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 100,00
Goethite 85,08
Phosphates
Vanadinite 18,08
Schultenite 100,00 67,93
Sulphur
Alunite + clay 0,15
Others 0,25
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcocite is the main copper mineral, representing 93,02% of this metal in the sample;
- Schultenite is the main lead mineral, with 67,93% and the same for arsenic (100,0%);
- Smithsonite is the only zinc mineral (100,0%);
- Luanheite is the main silver mineral (82,40%), the remaining silver is distributed by the acanthite and
the amalgam, which is also the main gold carrier;
- Tiemannite is the main mercury mineral, representing (73,73%), which is also an important carrier of
selenium (46,18%). The main selenium carrier is the clausthalite, representing 53,26% of this metal.
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Table 70 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_01/159.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
150 - - 100,00
125 3,40 3,40 96,60
106 4,56 7,95 92,05
90 8,51 16,46 83,54
75 10,81 27,26 72,74
63 10,23 37,49 62,51
53 11,53 49,02 50,98
45 7,69 56,71 43,29
38 5,24 61,95 38,05
32 4,60 66,55 33,45
27 4,08 70,63 29,37
22 3,32 73,95 26,05
19 1,91 75,86 24,14
16 2,62 78,48 21,52
13,5 2,23 80,71 19,29
11,4 2,14 82,85 17,15
9,6 1,81 84,66 15,34
8,1 1,92 86,57 13,43
6,8 2,09 88,67 11,33
5,7 2,02 90,68 9,32
4,8 1,88 92,56 7,44
4,1 1,87 94,42 5,58
3,4 1,91 96,33 3,67
2,9 1,26 97,59 2,41
2,4 1,27 98,85 1,15
2 0,69 99,54 0,46
1,75 0,27 99,81 0,19
1,45 0,09 99,90 0,10
1,2 0,07 99,97 0,03
1 0,02 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,73 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 71 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/159.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
22 - - 100,00
19 27,78 27,78 72,22
16 - 27,78 72,22
13,5 - 27,78 72,22
11,4 - 27,78 72,22
9,6 12,15 39,93 60,07
8,1 6,98 46,91 53,09
6,8 12,79 59,70 40,30
5,7 5,15 64,84 35,16
4,8 5,94 70,78 29,22
4,1 6,90 77,68 22,32
3,4 6,29 83,96 16,04
2,9 4,79 88,75 11,25
2,4 7,03 95,78 4,22
2 2,88 98,66 1,34
1,75 - 98,66 1,34
1,45 0,41 99,06 0,94
1,2 0,72 99,78 0,22
1 - 99,78 0,22
0,87 0,16 99,94 0,06
0,73 - 99,94 0,06
0,62 0,05 99,99 0,01
0,52 - 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
Table 72 – Chalcocite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/159.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
11,4 - - 100,00
9,6 79,56 79,56 20,44
8,1 - 79,56 20,44
6,8 - 79,56 20,44
5,7 - 79,56 20,44
4,8 - 79,56 20,44
4,1 - 79,56 20,44
3,4 16,59 96,15 3,85
2,9 - 96,15 3,85
2,4 3,67 99,82 0,18
2 - 99,82 0,18
1,75 - 99,82 0,18
1,45 - 99,82 0,18
1,2 - 99,82 0,18
1 - 99,82 0,18
0,73 - 99,82 0,18
0,62 - 99,82 0,18
0,52 0,18 100,00 -
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Table 73 – Cassiterite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/159.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
63 - - 100,00
53 4,85 4,85 95,15
45 6,78 11,63 88,37
38 8,58 20,20 79,80
32 - 20,20 79,80
27 7,42 27,62 72,38
22 5,97 33,59 66,41
19 4,09 37,68 62,32
16 6,92 44,59 55,41
13,5 6,02 50,61 49,39
11,4 3,00 53,61 46,39
9,6 4,69 58,30 41,70
8,1 5,48 63,78 36,22
6,8 6,45 70,23 29,77
5,7 7,45 77,69 22,31
4,8 6,62 84,31 15,69
4,1 4,03 88,33 11,67
3,4 3,72 92,05 7,95
2,9 3,65 95,70 4,30
2,4 2,54 98,23 1,77
2 1,21 99,44 0,56
1,75 0,20 99,65 0,35
1,45 0,18 99,82 0,18
1,2 0,15 99,97 0,03
1 0,02 99,99 0,01
0,87 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 - 100,00 <0,01
0 <0,01 100,00 -
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Table 74 – Smithsonite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/159.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
63 - - 100,00
53 1,38 1,38 98,62
45 - 1,38 98,62
38 - 1,38 98,62
32 - 1,38 98,62
27 0,27 1,65 98,35
22 0,39 2,04 97,96
19 0,41 2,45 97,55
16 1,75 4,20 95,80
13,5 2,09 6,29 93,71
11,4 1,94 8,23 91,77
9,6 1,94 10,17 89,83
8,1 3,92 14,09 85,91
6,8 4,30 18,39 81,61
5,7 7,09 25,49 74,51
4,8 9,66 35,14 64,86
4,1 13,32 48,47 51,53
3,4 14,50 62,97 37,03
2,9 13,57 76,54 23,46
2,4 12,67 89,21 10,79
2 6,83 96,04 3,96
1,75 1,74 97,78 2,22
1,45 0,76 98,54 1,46
1,2 0,89 99,43 0,57
1 0,30 99,73 0,27
0,87 0,18 99,90 0,10
0,73 0,02 99,92 0,08
0,62 0,04 99,96 0,04
0,52 0,02 99,98 0,02
0 0,02 100,00 -
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Figure 20 – Particle size distribution of the heavy minerals in the subsample (SPL mode scan) MS_01/159.
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Cassiterite distribution and liberation
Table 75 – Cassiterite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_01/159.
Cassiterite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Cassiterite (% of the mineral) 14,99 15,83 15,02 39,97 14,20
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 5,74 13,18 27,24 57,65 107,89
… of the cassiterite 6,40 12,97 22,76 49,29 16,54
* Size of the particles where the cassiterite is contained (includes liberated cassiterite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/159 has shown that the cassiterite represents 2,25% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 14,20% of the cassiterite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 39,97% of the cassiterite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 15,02% of the cassiterite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 15,83% of the cassiterite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 14,99% of the cassiterite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 76 – Cassiterite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_01/159.
Cassiterite liberation by classes (cassiterite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Cassiterite 24,56 2,07 10,40 1,08 61,88
Mineral species, or groups, associated to cassiterite (Wt. %)
Galena 0,02 - - - -
Chalcopyrite - - - - -
Pyrite 0,14 - - - -
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 0,34 - - - -
Quartz 41,43 55,19 31,59 1,18 0,62
Phyllosilicates 13,19 10,58 1,52 3,09 0,04
Other silicates 0,02 0,16 - 0,90 -
Carbonates 2,52 2,58 2,53 3,10 0,09
Others 40,37 0,29 0,24 9,26 0,01
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/159 has shown that the cassiterite represents 2,25% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 61,88% of the cassiterite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of cassiterite);
- 1,08% of the cassiterite is included in rich particles (particles where the cassiterite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 10,40% of the cassiterite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the cassiterite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 2,07% of the cassiterite is included in low grade particles (particles where the cassiterite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 24,56% of the cassiterite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the cassiterite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 77 – Combined distribution of the cassiterite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/159.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,03 0,06 0,20 0,39 14,31
7-15 m 0,50 0,24 0,67 0,69 13,72
15-30 m 1,61 0,40 - - 13,00
30-63 m 8,22 1,37 9,52 - 20,85
>63 m 14,20 - - - -
Figure 21 – Combined distribution of the cassiterite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/159.
As we can see in the Figure 21, most of the cassiterite is liberated. The unliberated mineral (about
40%) is present in coarse particles (>63mm).
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Cassiterite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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MASSIVE SULFIDES
Sample MS_01/169
Modal mineralogy
Table 78 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/169.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 3,99 4,98 4142
Chalcopyrite 0,16 0,19 359
Galena 2,96 2,00 4706
Pyrite 78,62 78,32 27633
Tetrahedrite 0,01 0,01 15
Enargite 0,08 0,09 98
Arsenopyrite 10,92 8,98 8256
Chalcocite 0,04 0,04 33
Kesterite 0,01 0,01 25
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 2,12 4,04 1736
Smithsonite 0,01 0,01 8
Dolomite 0,01 0,02 7
Chlorites 0,21 0,32 269
Phyllosilicates 0,22 0,39 237
Other silicates 0,14 0,23 90
Titanite 0,01 0,01 3
Rutile 0
Cassiterite 0,31 0,22 153
Goethite <0,01 0,01 5
Phosphates 0,03 0,05 2
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay <0,01 <0,01 11
Others 0,16 0,10 67
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 47855
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Elemental distribution
Table 79 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_01/169.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 0,46 2,85 99,90
Chalcopyrite 42,61 0,12 0,12
Galena 100,00 0,86
Pyrite 89,20 90,75
Tetrahedrite <0,01 1,91 <0,01 <0,01 0,48 0,02
Enargite 0,36 28,56 0,06
Arsenopyrite 99,64 9,74 5,34 99,52
Chalcocite 25,84 0,02
Kesterite 1,08 <0,01 <0,01 0,52 0,05
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite <0,01 0,04
Dolomite
Chlorites 0,08
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates <0,01
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 99,48
Goethite 0,01
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay <0,01
Others 0,39
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 42,61% of this metal in the sample. Chalcocite
and enargite are the other important copper minerals in the sample;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (99,90%), only 0,10% in carbonates (smithsonite) and
kesterite.
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Particle size distribution
Table 80 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_01/169.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
125 - - 100,00
106 2,18 2,18 97,82
90 1,54 3,72 96,28
75 3,78 7,50 92,50
63 4,39 11,89 88,11
53 4,49 16,38 83,62
45 4,78 21,16 78,84
38 5,35 26,51 73,49
32 4,00 30,51 69,49
27 4,65 35,16 64,84
22 5,85 41,01 58,99
19 4,38 45,39 54,61
16 5,06 50,45 49,55
13,5 5,09 55,54 44,46
11,4 5,64 61,18 38,82
9,6 6,52 67,70 32,30
8,1 6,96 74,67 25,33
6,8 7,07 81,74 18,26
5,7 5,95 87,68 12,32
4,8 4,21 91,89 8,11
4,1 2,78 94,67 5,33
3,4 2,07 96,74 3,26
2,9 1,12 97,86 2,14
2,4 1,01 98,87 1,13
2 0,48 99,35 0,65
1,75 0,24 99,59 0,41
1,45 0,14 99,73 0,27
1,2 0,13 99,86 0,14
1 0,07 99,93 0,07
0,87 <0,01 99,94 0,06
0,73 0,05 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 81 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/169.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
53 - - 100,00
45 0,56 0,56 99,44
38 4,78 5,33 94,67
32 0,83 6,17 93,83
27 0,63 6,80 93,20
22 1,71 8,51 91,49
19 2,08 10,59 89,41
16 2,54 13,13 86,87
13,5 3,71 16,85 83,15
11,4 4,81 21,65 78,35
9,6 11,43 33,09 66,91
8,1 14,00 47,09 52,91
6,8 14,71 61,80 38,20
5,7 13,16 74,96 25,04
4,8 8,61 83,57 16,43
4,1 5,14 88,70 11,30
3,4 3,55 92,25 7,75
2,9 2,75 95,00 5,00
2,4 2,37 97,38 2,62
2 1,29 98,66 1,34
1,75 0,39 99,06 0,94
1,45 0,32 99,38 0,62
1,2 0,40 99,78 0,22
1 0,13 99,91 0,09
0,87 0,05 99,96 0,04
0,73 0,01 99,97 0,03
0,62 0,01 99,98 0,02
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 82 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/169.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
45 - - 100,00
38 3,10 3,10 96,90
32 - 3,10 96,90
27 - 3,10 96,90
22 3,07 6,16 93,84
19 0,66 6,82 93,18
16 0,40 7,22 92,78
13,5 2,66 9,88 90,12
11,4 2,78 12,65 87,35
9,6 6,02 18,67 81,33
8,1 9,44 28,11 71,89
6,8 11,64 39,75 60,25
5,7 14,73 54,48 45,52
4,8 10,70 65,18 34,82
4,1 6,81 71,99 28,01
3,4 5,59 77,58 22,42
2,9 3,59 81,17 18,83
2,4 3,30 84,47 15,53
2 3,20 87,68 12,32
1,75 1,87 89,55 10,45
1,45 1,80 91,35 8,65
1,2 3,47 94,82 5,18
1 2,40 97,22 2,78
0,87 1,94 99,16 0,84
0,73 0,24 99,40 0,60
0,62 0,55 99,94 0,06
0,52 0,03 99,97 0,03
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 83 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/169.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
27 - - 100,00
22 9,00 9,00 91,00
19 - 9,00 91,00
16 9,64 18,64 81,36
13,5 7,28 25,91 74,09
11,4 6,61 32,52 67,48
9,6 8,98 41,51 58,49
8,1 18,97 60,48 39,52
6,8 9,62 70,10 29,90
5,7 11,09 81,19 18,81
4,8 5,36 86,56 13,44
4,1 3,10 89,66 10,34
3,4 2,73 92,39 7,61
2,9 2,67 95,06 4,94
2,4 2,71 97,78 2,22
2 1,38 99,16 0,84
1,75 0,64 99,80 0,20
1,45 0,14 99,94 0,06
1,2 0,03 99,96 0,04
1 - 99,96 0,04
0,87 - 99,96 0,04
0,73 0,01 99,98 0,02
0,62 - 99,98 0,02
0,52 0,02 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Figure 22 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_01/169.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 84 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_01/169.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 33,71 45,31 8,98 8,64 3,36
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,30 12,58 26,02 53,91 103,93
… of the sphalerite 6,20 12,90 25,21 48,32 82,44
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/169 has shown that the sphalerite represents 3,99% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 3,36% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 8,64% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 8,98% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 45,31% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 33,71% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 85 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_01/169.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 13,38 5,96 7,58 12,76 60,32
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 1,98 1,43 1,44 1,72 0,12
Chalcopyrite 0,11 0,50 1,00 0,57 0,13
Pyrite 84,88 47,94 22,94 9,24 0,85
Arsenopyrite 8,96 12,39 12,66 4,68 0,22
Other sulfides 0,22 0,16 - 0,04 0,01
Cassiterite 0,25 0,34 - 0,05 0,01
Quartz 1,07 1,48 0,31 1,01 0,02
Phyllosilicates 0,03 - - - 0,01
Other silicates 0,01 - - - -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others 0,04 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/169 has shown that the sphalerite represents 3,99% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 60,32% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 12,76% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 7,58% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 5,96% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 13,38% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 86 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/169.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,57 0,73 1,32 3,13 27,95
7-15 m 3,32 2,52 4,07 7,20 28,19
15-30 m 2,48 1,72 0,45 0,99 3,34
30-63 m 3,66 0,97 1,74 1,43 0,83
>63 m 3,36 - - - -
Figure 23 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/169.
As we can see in the Figure 23, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral is,
predominantly, distributed by the different liberation classes of the 7-15 m fraction, mostly as binary
particles with pyrite.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 87 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_01/169.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 41,78 31,25 9,45 11,42 6,09
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,30 12,58 26,02 53,91 103,93
… of the galena 6,24 9,99 23,06 39,84 13,94
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/169 has shown that the galena represents 2,96% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 6,09% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 11,42% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 9,45% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 31,25% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 41,78% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 88 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_01/169.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 25,95 7,89 3,61 3,56 58,99
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 1,87 1,60 2,57 0,01 0,07
Chalcopyrite 0,10 0,26 0,06 - <0,01
Pyrite 87,56 55,89 22,95 11,70 0,51
Arsenopyrite 7,60 5,67 6,71 3,24 0,10
Other sulfides 0,15 - - -
Cassiterite 0,07 - - - -
Quartz 0,72 0,38 2,44 0,52 0,06
Phyllosilicates 0,04 - - - -
Other silicates <0,01 - - - -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others 0,07 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/169 has shown that the galena represents 2,96% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 58,99% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 3,56% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 3,61% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 7,89% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 25,95% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 89 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/169.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 2,09 1,15 0,87 1,01 36,67
7-15 m 5,12 1,43 1,63 2,08 20,99
15-30 m 5,18 1,36 1,10 0,47 1,34
30-63 m 7,47 3,95 - - -
>63 m 6,09 - - - -
Figure 24 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/169.
As we can see in the Figure 24, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in low grade particles, which are mostly coarser.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample MS_01/227
Modal mineralogy
Table 90 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/227.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 5,83 7,27 2805
Chalcopyrite 0,20 0,24 206
Galena 9,83 6,63 5520
Pyrite 78,53 78,19 16353
Tetrahedrite 0,06 0,07 41
Enargite 0,06 0,06 35
Arsenopyrite 1,82 1,49 538
Chalcocite 0
Kesterite 0,01 0,01 15
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 0,60 1,15 221
Smithsonite 0,01 0,01 3
Dolomite 0,06 0,10 6
Chlorites 0,22 0,34 202
Phyllosilicates 0,35 0,63 194
Other silicates 2,05 3,56 84
Titanite 0
Rutile 0
Cassiterite 0,14 0,10 48
Goethite 0,01 0,02 4
Phosphates 0
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay <0,01 <0,01 2
Others 0,23 0,14 25
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 26302
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Elemental distribution
Table 91 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_01/227.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 0,73 4,21 99,82
Chalcopyrite 58,04 0,16 0,15
Galena 100,00 2,88
Pyrite 96,64 91,78
Tetrahedrite 0,04 18,07 <0,01 0,04 19,70 0,12
Enargite 1,55 22,82 0,04
Arsenopyrite 98,41 1,76 0,90 80,30
Chalcocite
Kesterite 1,08 <0,01 <0,01 0,97 0,03
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite <0,01 0,03
Dolomite
Chlorites 0,07
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates 0,01
Titanite
Rutile
Cassiterite 99,03
Goethite 0,02
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay <0,01
Others 0,60
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 58,04% of this metal in the sample.
Tetrahedrite and enargite are the other important copper minerals in the sample;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (99,82%), only 0,18% in carbonates (smithsonite) and
kesterite/tetrahedrite.
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Particle size distribution
Table 92 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_01/227.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
212 - - 100,00
180 1,84 1,84 98,16
150 - 1,84 98,16
125 1,46 3,30 96,70
106 - 3,30 96,70
90 2,14 5,44 94,56
75 2,66 8,10 91,90
63 3,15 11,25 88,75
53 4,81 16,06 83,94
45 2,98 19,04 80,96
38 4,66 23,69 76,31
32 3,81 27,50 72,50
27 4,29 31,79 68,21
22 5,16 36,95 63,05
19 3,63 40,58 59,42
16 4,53 45,11 54,89
13,5 4,75 49,86 50,14
11,4 5,18 55,04 44,96
9,6 5,63 60,67 39,33
8,1 6,97 67,65 32,35
6,8 7,69 75,34 24,66
5,7 7,70 83,03 16,97
4,8 6,24 89,27 10,73
4,1 4,08 93,35 6,65
3,4 3,08 96,43 3,57
2,9 1,38 97,81 2,19
2,4 1,18 98,99 1,01
2 0,56 99,56 0,44
1,75 0,21 99,77 0,23
1,45 0,09 99,86 0,14
1,2 0,07 99,93 0,07
1 0,03 99,96 0,04
0,87 <0,01 99,96 0,04
0,73 0,03 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 93 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/227.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
63 - - 100,00
53 0,74 0,74 99,26
45 2,46 3,20 96,80
38 - 3,20 96,80
32 - 3,20 96,80
27 2,95 6,15 93,85
22 1,36 7,52 92,48
19 3,34 10,86 89,14
16 4,15 15,00 85,00
13,5 4,81 19,81 80,19
11,4 4,65 24,46 75,54
9,6 8,60 33,06 66,94
8,1 10,93 43,99 56,01
6,8 13,73 57,73 42,27
5,7 13,64 71,37 28,63
4,8 10,68 82,05 17,95
4,1 6,66 88,71 11,29
3,4 4,89 93,60 6,40
2,9 2,78 96,38 3,62
2,4 2,11 98,49 1,51
2 0,87 99,37 0,63
1,75 0,25 99,62 0,38
1,45 0,15 99,76 0,24
1,2 0,15 99,92 0,08
1 0,05 99,96 0,04
0,87 0,02 99,98 0,02
0,73 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,62 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0 0,01 100,00 -
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Table 94 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/227.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
45 - - 100,00
38 1,06 1,06 98,94
32 0,59 1,65 98,35
27 - 1,65 98,35
22 0,33 1,98 98,02
19 1,49 3,47 96,53
16 2,20 5,67 94,33
13,5 4,35 10,02 89,98
11,4 4,41 14,43 85,57
9,6 4,56 18,99 81,01
8,1 7,70 26,69 73,31
6,8 11,17 37,86 62,14
5,7 12,97 50,83 49,17
4,8 12,34 63,18 36,82
4,1 9,05 72,22 27,78
3,4 7,57 79,79 20,21
2,9 4,37 84,17 15,83
2,4 4,30 88,47 11,53
2 3,39 91,86 8,14
1,75 1,55 93,41 6,59
1,45 1,32 94,73 5,27
1,2 2,50 97,23 2,77
1 1,52 98,76 1,24
0,87 0,96 99,72 0,28
0,73 0,09 99,81 0,19
0,62 0,16 99,97 0,03
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 95 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/227.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
13,5 - - 100,00
11,4 12,39 12,39 87,61
9,6 - 12,39 87,61
8,1 4,53 16,92 83,08
6,8 15,60 32,52 67,48
5,7 31,51 64,03 35,97
4,8 15,04 79,07 20,93
4,1 8,73 87,80 12,20
3,4 6,24 94,03 5,97
2,9 2,13 96,17 3,83
2,4 2,60 98,76 1,24
2 0,95 99,71 0,29
1,75 - 99,71 0,29
1,45 - 99,71 0,29
1,2 0,29 100,00 -
1 - 100,00 -
Figure 25 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_01/227.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 96 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_01/227.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 38,91 35,05 12,16 10,73 3,15
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,25 12,51 26,43 55,72 142,94
… of the sphalerite 6,40 10,84 19,63 46,03 54,43
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/227 has shown that the sphalerite represents 5,83% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 3,15% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 10,73% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 12,16% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 35,05% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 38,91% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 97 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_01/227.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 14,81 9,77 4,52 6,30 64,60
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 6,69 6,07 7,97 4,95 0,43
Chalcopyrite 0,03 0,33 1,12 0,39 0,04
Pyrite 85,73 55,61 29,54 11,04 0,31
Arsenopyrite 3,45 1,19 0,25 0,28 0,03
Other sulfides 0,07 0,32 - - 0,01
Cassiterite 0,03 - - 0,13 -
Quartz 0,01 0,15 - 0,17 0,01
Phyllosilicates - - - - -
Other silicates <0,01 - - - -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others 0,08 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/227 has shown that the sphalerite represents 5,83% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 64,60% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 6,30% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 4,52% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 9,77% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 14,81% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 98 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/227.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,49 0,80 1,57 2,29 33,76
7-15 m 2,12 2,05 2,31 3,46 25,11
15-30 m 2,97 2,27 0,64 0,55 5,74
30-63 m 6,08 4,65 - - -
>63 m 3,15 - - - -
Figure 26 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/227.
As we can see in the Figure 26, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral is
predominantly distributed by the coarser fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 99 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_01/227.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 47,10 27,23 11,26 8,64 5,77
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,25 12,51 26,43 55,72 142,94
… of the galena 6,04 9,95 14,88 16,37 21,59
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/227 has shown that the galena represents 9,83% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 5,77% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 8,64% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 11,26% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 27,23% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 47,10% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 100 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_01/227.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 23,99 7,24 5,51 4,62 58,63
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 3,57 3,86 4,21 2,48 0,08
Chalcopyrite 0,09 0,16 0,27 0,23 <0,01
Pyrite 88,42 61,19 32,28 13,63 0,43
Arsenopyrite 2,42 0,75 0,95 0,56 <0,01
Other sulfides 0,07 0,42 - - -
Cassiterite 0,02 0,24 0,38 - -
Quartz 0,14 - 0,01 - -
Phyllosilicates 0,14 - - - -
Other silicates <0,01 - - - -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others 0,13 0,41 - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/227 has shown that the galena represents 9,83% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 58,63% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 4,62% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 5,51% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 7,24% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 23,99% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 101 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/227.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 1,71 0,92 1,23 1,38 41,85
7-15 m 4,04 2,51 2,55 2,34 15,79
15-30 m 5,28 2,35 1,73 0,90 0,99
30-63 m 7,19 1,45 - - -
>63 m 5,77 - - - -
Figure 27 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/227.
As we can see in the Figure 27, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in low grade particles, which are mostly coarser.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample MS_01/238
Modal mineralogy
Table 102 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/238.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 22,65 27,32 13212
Chalcopyrite 0,14 0,16 264
Galena 11,29 7,36 7886
Pyrite 63,00 60,69 16938
Tetrahedrite 0,11 0,11 73
Enargite 0,08 0,09 71
Arsenopyrite 0,07 0,06 50
Chalcocite 0
Kesterite 0,01 0,01 24
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 1,01 1,86 153
Smithsonite 0,03 0,04 5
Dolomite 0,01 0,02 9
Chlorites 0,37 0,55 300
Phyllosilicates 0,47 0,81 365
Other silicates 0,23 0,40 125
Titanite 0,01 0,01 1
Rutile 0
Cassiterite 0,25 0,17 102
Goethite 0,26 0,34 8
Phosphates 0
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay <0,01 0,01 10
Others 0,02 0,01 6
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 39602
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Elemental distribution
Table 103 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_01/238.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 1,01 18,24 99,93
Chalcopyrite 38,75 0,14 0,11
Galena 100,00 3,50
Pyrite 97,88 77,98
Tetrahedrite 0,98 29,32 0,01 0,06 90,98 0,05
Enargite 34,71 30,86 0,06
Arsenopyrite 64,30 0,09 0,04 9,02
Chalcocite
Kesterite 1,07 <0,01 <0,01 0,59 0,01
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 0,04 0,01
Dolomite
Chlorites 0,18
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates <0,01
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 99,41
Goethite 0,56
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay <0,01
Others 0,08
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 38,75% of this metal in the sample. The
remaining copper is evenly distributed by the tetrahedrite and the enargite;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (99,93%), only 0,07% in the tetrahedrite, carbonates
(smithsonite) and kesterite.
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Particle size distribution
Table 104 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_01/238.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
150 - - 100,00
125 0,53 0,53 99,47
106 1,97 2,50 97,50
90 3,85 6,35 93,65
75 4,31 10,66 89,34
63 4,06 14,72 85,28
53 4,84 19,57 80,43
45 4,74 24,31 75,69
38 4,75 29,06 70,94
32 3,08 32,14 67,86
27 3,66 35,80 64,20
22 4,15 39,94 60,06
19 3,86 43,80 56,20
16 4,54 48,34 51,66
13,5 4,09 52,44 47,56
11,4 5,27 57,70 42,30
9,6 6,60 64,30 35,70
8,1 7,54 71,84 28,16
6,8 7,83 79,67 20,33
5,7 7,13 86,80 13,20
4,8 4,85 91,64 8,36
4,1 3,13 94,77 5,23
3,4 2,17 96,94 3,06
2,9 1,10 98,05 1,95
2,4 0,99 99,04 0,96
2 0,45 99,49 0,51
1,75 0,19 99,68 0,32
1,45 0,10 99,78 0,22
1,2 0,10 99,89 0,11
1 0,06 99,95 0,05
0,87 0,00 99,95 0,05
0,73 0,04 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 105 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/238.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
106 - - 100,00
90 0,93 0,93 99,07
75 2,19 3,11 96,89
63 0,76 3,87 96,13
53 1,94 5,81 94,19
45 1,31 7,13 92,87
38 2,47 9,60 90,40
32 2,98 12,58 87,42
27 2,92 15,50 84,50
22 3,88 19,38 80,62
19 3,46 22,84 77,16
16 4,75 27,59 72,41
13,5 4,35 31,93 68,07
11,4 6,32 38,26 61,74
9,6 8,81 47,07 52,93
8,1 10,79 57,86 42,14
6,8 11,05 68,91 31,09
5,7 10,21 79,12 20,88
4,8 7,33 86,45 13,55
4,1 4,64 91,09 8,91
3,4 3,31 94,39 5,61
2,9 2,16 96,55 3,45
2,4 1,83 98,38 1,62
2 0,78 99,16 0,84
1,75 0,28 99,44 0,56
1,45 0,19 99,63 0,37
1,2 0,23 99,86 0,14
1 0,08 99,94 0,06
0,87 0,04 99,97 0,03
0,73 0,01 99,98 0,02
0,62 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0 0,01 100,00 -
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Table 106 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/238.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
53 - - 100,00
45 1,33 1,33 98,67
38 0,80 2,13 97,87
32 0,99 3,13 96,87
27 1,53 4,65 95,35
22 2,65 7,30 92,70
19 1,31 8,60 91,40
16 3,12 11,73 88,27
13,5 2,66 14,39 85,61
11,4 4,72 19,11 80,89
9,6 7,15 26,25 73,75
8,1 10,03 36,29 63,71
6,8 12,76 49,05 50,95
5,7 13,55 62,59 37,41
4,8 10,58 73,17 26,83
4,1 6,44 79,61 20,39
3,4 5,00 84,60 15,40
2,9 3,11 87,71 12,29
2,4 2,77 90,48 9,52
2 2,27 92,75 7,25
1,75 1,32 94,08 5,92
1,45 1,21 95,29 4,71
1,2 2,21 97,50 2,50
1 1,34 98,84 1,16
0,87 0,88 99,72 0,28
0,73 0,09 99,81 0,19
0,62 0,16 99,96 0,04
0,52 0,01 99,98 0,02
0 0,02 100,00 -
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Table 107 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_01/238.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
22 - - 100,00
19 24,97 24,97 75,03
16 24,97 75,03
13,5 24,97 75,03
11,4 4,26 29,23 70,77
9,6 2,94 32,17 67,83
8,1 10,60 42,76 57,24
6,8 14,80 57,56 42,44
5,7 16,52 74,08 25,92
4,8 4,97 79,05 20,95
4,1 7,59 86,65 13,35
3,4 3,88 90,53 9,47
2,9 3,53 94,06 5,94
2,4 3,96 98,02 1,98
2 1,49 99,51 0,49
1,75 0,28 99,79 0,21
1,45 0,08 99,87 0,13
1,2 0,10 99,97 0,03
1 0,03 100,00 -
0,87 - 100,00 -
Figure 28 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_01/238.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 108 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_01/238.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 28,01 35,83 15,04 11,55 9,58
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,34 12,24 26,25 55,43 104,16
… of the sphalerite 6,42 11,41 22,89 43,28 83,21
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/238 has shown that the sphalerite represents 22,65% of
its weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 9,58% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 11,55% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 15,04% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 35,83% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 28,01% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 109 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_01/238.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 11,04 9,33 11,03 9,23 59,36
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 10,13 7,43 4,77 4,07 0,53
Chalcopyrite 0,10 0,11 0,17 0,19 0,04
Pyrite 81,01 56,46 32,47 12,51 0,62
Arsenopyrite 0,04 0,05 - - -
Other sulfides 0,15 0,06 <0,01 0,08 0,01
Cassiterite 0,18 0,19 0,42 0,03 0,02
Quartz 1,60 0,04 0,02 <0,01 <0,01
Phyllosilicates 0,10 0,05 0,01 - <0,01
Other silicates 0,02 0,03 0,02 0,01 -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others - 0,03 - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/238 has shown that the sphalerite represents 22,65% of
its weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 59,36% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 9,23% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 11,03% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 9,33% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 11,04% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 110 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/238.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,37 0,57 0,80 1,23 25,05
7-15 m 1,83 1,70 2,81 4,66 24,84
15-30 m 1,96 2,05 2,30 2,07 6,65
30-63 m 3,36 2,90 2,59 1,27 1,44
>63 m 3,53 2,12 2,55 - 1,38
Figure 29 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/238.
As we can see in the Figure 29, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral is,
predominantly, distributed by the different coarser fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 111 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_01/238.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 36,53 32,82 11,31 10,27 9,06
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,34 12,24 26,25 55,43 104,16
… of the galena 6,34 10,18 19,55 30,14 23,84
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/238 has shown that the galena represents 11,29% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 9,06% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 10,27% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 11,31% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 32,82% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 36,53% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 112 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_01/238.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 24,46 6,63 8,39 6,72 53,80
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 17,94 14,60 9,65 6,80 0,38
Chalcopyrite 0,06 0,52 0,04 0,05 0,01
Pyrite 75,95 49,14 28,56 9,47 0,68
Arsenopyrite 0,05 - - - <0,01
Other sulfides 0,10 0,05 0,24 0,05 <0,01
Cassiterite 0,16 0,08 0,04 0,06 0,01
Quartz 0,15 - - - <0,01
Phyllosilicates 0,02 <0,01 - - -
Other silicates 0,01 - - 0,06 -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others 0,03 - - - <0,01
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_01/238 has shown that the galena represents 11,29% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 53,80% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 6,72% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 8,39% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 6,63% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 24,46% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 113 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/238.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 1,15 0,66 1,06 1,34 32,33
7-15 m 3,68 2,57 2,78 4,11 19,68
15-30 m 3,63 2,21 2,40 1,28 1,79
30-63 m 6,94 1,19 2,14 - -
>63 m 9,06 - - - -
Figure 30 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_01/238.
As we can see in the Figure 30, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in low grade particles, which are mostly coarser.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample MS_02/171
Modal mineralogy
Table 114 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/171.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 3,61 4,53 3885
Chalcopyrite 0,20 0,24 550
Galena 4,26 2,89 7741
Pyrite 84,46 84,57 24447
Tetrahedrite 0,02 0,02 28
Enargite 0,01 0,01 20
Arsenopyrite 5,44 4,50 4244
Chalcocite <0,01 <0,01 4
Kesterite <0,01 0,01 23
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 0,57 1,09 413
Smithsonite 0,02 0,03 14
Dolomite 0,01 0,02 4
Chlorites 0,40 0,62 382
Phyllosilicates 0,44 0,80 237
Other silicates 0,24 0,40 154
Titanite <0,01 0,01 3
Rutile 0,09 0,11 4
Cassiterite 0,13 0,09 101
Goethite 0,01 0,01 5
Phosphates 0
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay 0,01 0,02 13
Others 0,05 0,03 16
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 42288
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Elemental distribution
Table 115 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_02/171.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 0,41 2,48 99,77
Chalcopyrite 83,15 0,15 0,15
Galena 100,00 1,18
Pyrite 94,37 93,62
Tetrahedrite <0,01 6,92 <0,01 0,01 2,11 0,05
Enargite 0,08 4,86 0,01
Arsenopyrite 99,92 4,77 2,55 97,89
Chalcocite 3,75 <0,01
Kesterite 1,32 <0,01 <0,01 0,95 0,04
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 0,02 0,14
Dolomite
Chlorites 0,13
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates 0,02
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 99,05
Goethite 0,01
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay <0,01
Others 0,13
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 83,15% of this metal in the sample. Chalcocite,
tetrahedrite and enargite are the other important copper minerals in the sample;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (99,77%), only 0,23% in carbonates (smithsonite) and
kesterite.
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Particle size distribution
Table 116 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_02/171.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
180 - - 100,00
150 0,81 0,81 99,19
125 1,26 2,08 97,92
106 2,98 5,06 94,94
90 2,96 8,02 91,98
75 5,15 13,17 86,83
63 5,39 18,55 81,45
53 4,21 22,76 77,24
45 4,60 27,36 72,64
38 4,70 32,06 67,94
32 4,87 36,93 63,07
27 4,73 41,66 58,34
22 6,54 48,20 51,80
19 5,57 53,77 46,23
16 6,65 60,42 39,58
13,5 6,55 66,97 33,03
11,4 6,53 73,51 26,49
9,6 6,30 79,81 20,19
8,1 5,61 85,41 14,59
6,8 4,43 89,84 10,16
5,7 3,24 93,08 6,92
4,8 2,24 95,32 4,68
4,1 1,45 96,78 3,22
3,4 1,09 97,86 2,14
2,9 0,63 98,49 1,51
2,4 0,63 99,12 0,88
2 0,31 99,43 0,57
1,75 0,17 99,61 0,39
1,45 0,12 99,73 0,27
1,2 0,12 99,84 0,16
1 0,07 99,92 0,08
0,87 <0,01 99,92 0,08
0,73 0,06 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 <0,01 100,00 -
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Table 117 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_02/171.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
53 - - 100,00
45 1,37 1,37 98,63
38 1,07 2,44 97,56
32 1,28 3,72 96,28
27 0,79 4,51 95,49
22 3,99 8,50 91,50
19 2,93 11,43 88,57
16 5,71 17,14 82,86
13,5 6,78 23,92 76,08
11,4 9,81 33,73 66,27
9,6 11,47 45,20 54,80
8,1 12,08 57,27 42,73
6,8 9,51 66,78 33,22
5,7 8,44 75,22 24,78
4,8 6,72 81,94 18,06
4,1 4,71 86,66 13,34
3,4 3,54 90,20 9,80
2,9 3,41 93,61 6,39
2,4 3,20 96,81 3,19
2 1,49 98,30 1,70
1,75 0,55 98,85 1,15
1,45 0,39 99,24 0,76
1,2 0,51 99,75 0,25
1 0,14 99,89 0,11
0,87 0,07 99,97 0,03
0,73 0,01 99,97 0,03
0,62 0,01 99,98 0,02
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
0 0,01 100,00 -
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Table 118 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_02/171.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
63 - - 100,00
53 0,18 0,18 99,82
45 0,42 0,60 99,40
38 1,39 1,99 98,01
32 0,72 2,71 97,29
27 1,17 3,88 96,12
22 4,04 7,92 92,08
19 1,59 9,51 90,49
16 1,97 11,48 88,52
13,5 2,58 14,06 85,94
11,4 3,88 17,94 82,06
9,6 8,03 25,97 74,03
8,1 10,33 36,30 63,70
6,8 8,26 44,56 55,44
5,7 8,72 53,28 46,72
4,8 6,65 59,93 40,07
4,1 5,14 65,08 34,92
3,4 4,33 69,40 30,60
2,9 3,99 73,40 26,60
2,4 4,03 77,43 22,57
2 4,30 81,73 18,27
1,75 2,69 84,42 15,58
1,45 2,34 86,76 13,24
1,2 5,19 91,95 8,05
1 3,87 95,82 4,18
0,87 3,08 98,90 1,10
0,73 0,34 99,24 0,76
0,62 0,70 99,94 0,06
0,52 0,03 99,97 0,03
0 0,03 100,00 -
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Table 119 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_02/171.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
16 - - 100,00
13,5 12,73 12,73 87,27
11,4 - 12,73 87,27
9,6 4,40 17,12 82,88
8,1 6,67 23,80 76,20
6,8 28,64 52,44 47,56
5,7 11,28 63,72 36,28
4,8 9,11 72,83 27,17
4,1 10,64 83,47 16,53
3,4 3,64 87,11 12,89
2,9 5,42 92,53 7,47
2,4 3,65 96,18 3,82
2 2,46 98,64 1,36
1,75 0,72 99,36 0,64
1,45 0,48 99,84 0,16
1,2 0,07 99,91 0,09
1 0,08 99,99 0,01
0,87 - 99,99 0,01
0,73 - 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
Figure 31 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_02/171.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 120 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_02/171.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 18,61 41,97 22,09 10,17 7,16
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,30 13,10 25,72 53,55 114,58
… of the sphalerite 6,27 11,85 19,51 26,84 34,75
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/171 has shown that the sphalerite represents 3,61% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 7,16% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 10,17% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 22,09% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 41,97% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 18,61% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 121 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_02/171.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 26,51 6,73 9,94 11,87 44,95
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 2,98 2,95 3,39 1,94 0,47
Chalcopyrite 0,19 0,45 0,47 0,32 0,04
Pyrite 89,87 58,72 31,44 11,98 0,89
Arsenopyrite 4,31 2,62 2,44 2,39 0,23
Other sulfides 0,02 - 0,03 0,08 -
Cassiterite 0,07 - - - -
Quartz 0,13 0,15 0,23 0,21 -
Phyllosilicates 0,02 0,11 - 0,10 -
Other silicates <0,01 - - - 0,02
Carbonates 0,01 - - - -
Others 0,01 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/171 has shown that the sphalerite represents 3,61% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 44,95% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 11,87% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 9,94% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 6,73% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 26,51% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 122 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/171.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,35 0,45 0,96 1,27 15,58
7-15 m 4,71 2,42 4,08 7,38 23,37
15-30 m 7,01 2,95 4,29 3,22 4,62
30-63 m 7,28 0,91 0,60 - 1,37
>63 m 7,16 - - - -
Figure 32 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/171.
As we can see in the Figure 32, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral is, mostly,
distributed by coarser fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 123 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_02/171.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 25,75 32,63 17,63 10,55 13,45
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,30 13,10 25,72 53,55 114,58
… of the galena 6,20 10,67 20,56 13,12 23,77
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/171 has shown that the galena represents 4,26% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 13,45% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 10,55% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 17,63% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 32,63% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 25,75% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 124 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_02/171.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 40,30 6,52 4,44 5,17 43,57
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 2,47 3,79 1,08 1,14 0,13
Chalcopyrite 0,15 0,25 0,09 0,07 0,04
Pyrite 89,30 52,76 32,13 10,02 0,52
Arsenopyrite 4,96 5,56 4,61 2,88 0,08
Other sulfides 0,02 0,04 - - -
Cassiterite 0,06 - 0,41 0,14 -
Quartz 0,09 0,12 - 0,51 -
Phyllosilicates 0,08 - 0,02 0,12 <0,01
Other silicates 0,02 0,09 - 0,07 -
Carbonates <0,01 - - - -
Others 0,03 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/171 has shown that the galena represents 4,26% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 43,57% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 5,17% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 4,44% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 6,52% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 40,30% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 125 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/171.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 1,62 0,90 0,92 0,54 21,77
7-15 m 6,97 1,51 1,51 2,24 20,40
15-30 m 9,72 2,11 2,01 2,39 1,40
30-63 m 8,54 2,00 - - -
>63 m 13,45 - - - -
Figure 33 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/171.
As we can see in the Figure 33, the galena presents a bimodal distribution. Half of the mineral is
liberated; the other part is present in low grade particles, but mostly in the coarser fractions.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample MS_02/208
Modal mineralogy
Table 126 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/208.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 20,12 25,40 16664
Chalcopyrite 0,13 0,16 403
Galena 17,18 11,72 17598
Pyrite 54,45 54,87 17227
Tetrahedrite 0,03 0,03 39
Enargite 0,03 0,03 8
Arsenopyrite 6,45 5,36 3847
Chalcocite 0,01 0,01 3
Kesterite <0,01 <0,01 30
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 0,31 0,59 144
Smithsonite 0,07 0,10 54
Dolomite 0,02 0,04 14
Chlorites 0,44 0,70 451
Phyllosilicates 0,24 0,44 238
Other silicates 0,14 0,24 116
Titanite <0,01 <0,01 1
Rutile 0
Cassiterite 0,27 0,19 182
Goethite 0,01 0,01 5
Phosphates 0,01 0,01 3
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay 0,01 0,03 27
Others 0,08 0,05 16
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 57070
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Elemental distribution
Table 127 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_02/208.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 3,29 16,80 99,87
Chalcopyrite 57,46 0,14 0,12
Galena 100,00 5,82
Pyrite 87,81 73,52
Tetrahedrite <0,01 11,93 <0,01 0,02 2,98 0,02
Enargite 0,23 17,85 0,02
Arsenopyrite 99,76 8,17 3,69 97,02
Chalcocite 12,00 0,01
Kesterite 0,76 <0,01 <0,01 0,25 <0,01
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 0,08 0,11
Dolomite
Chlorites 0,19
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates <0,01
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 99,75
Goethite 0,02
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay 0,01
Others 0,29
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 57,46% of this metal in the sample. Chalcocite,
tetrahedrite and enargite are the other important copper minerals in the sample;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (99,87%), only 0,13% in carbonates (smithsonite),
tetrahedrite and kesterite.
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Particle size distribution
Table 128 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_02/208.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
125 - - 100,00
106 0,35 0,35 99,65
90 0,67 1,02 98,98
75 3,55 4,57 95,43
63 3,96 8,54 91,46
53 7,58 16,11 83,89
45 4,43 20,54 79,46
38 5,08 25,62 74,38
32 4,60 30,22 69,78
27 3,63 33,85 66,15
22 4,55 38,40 61,60
19 3,76 42,16 57,84
16 5,37 47,53 52,47
13,5 6,47 54,00 46,00
11,4 7,44 61,43 38,57
9,6 8,40 69,83 30,17
8,1 8,62 78,45 21,55
6,8 6,79 85,25 14,75
5,7 5,21 90,45 9,55
4,8 3,21 93,66 6,34
4,1 2,06 95,73 4,27
3,4 1,46 97,18 2,82
2,9 0,81 98,00 2,00
2,4 0,90 98,90 1,10
2 0,38 99,28 0,72
1,75 0,19 99,47 0,53
1,45 0,14 99,60 0,40
1,2 0,15 99,75 0,25
1 0,11 99,86 0,14
0,87 0,01 99,86 0,14
0,73 0,11 99,98 0,02
0,62 - 99,98 0,02
0,52 0,02 99,99 0,01
0 0,01 100,00 -
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Table 129 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_02/208.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
106 - - 100,00
90 0,63 0,63 99,37
75 0,50 1,12 98,88
63 0,26 1,39 98,61
53 1,34 2,72 97,28
45 1,86 4,58 95,42
38 3,38 7,96 92,04
32 2,26 10,22 89,78
27 1,77 11,99 88,01
22 4,02 16,02 83,98
19 4,03 20,05 79,95
16 5,39 25,43 74,57
13,5 7,36 32,79 67,21
11,4 9,93 42,71 57,29
9,6 10,91 53,63 46,37
8,1 11,36 64,98 35,02
6,8 10,08 75,06 24,94
5,7 7,84 82,91 17,09
4,8 5,29 88,19 11,81
4,1 3,36 91,55 8,45
3,4 2,53 94,08 5,92
2,9 2,15 96,22 3,78
2,4 1,74 97,96 2,04
2 0,85 98,81 1,19
1,75 0,35 99,16 0,84
1,45 0,27 99,43 0,57
1,2 0,34 99,77 0,23
1 0,13 99,90 0,10
0,87 0,06 99,96 0,04
0,73 0,01 99,97 0,03
0,62 0,01 99,98 0,02
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 130 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_02/208.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
63 - - 100,00
53 1,11 1,11 98,89
45 1,39 2,50 97,50
38 2,01 4,51 95,49
32 1,07 5,58 94,42
27 2,02 7,59 92,41
22 1,95 9,54 90,46
19 2,57 12,11 87,89
16 4,03 16,14 83,86
13,5 5,26 21,40 78,60
11,4 7,40 28,80 71,20
9,6 9,36 38,16 61,84
8,1 12,01 50,17 49,83
6,8 10,70 60,87 39,13
5,7 9,52 70,40 29,60
4,8 6,42 76,81 23,19
4,1 4,26 81,07 18,93
3,4 3,30 84,37 15,63
2,9 2,35 86,72 13,28
2,4 2,51 89,24 10,76
2 2,30 91,53 8,47
1,75 1,37 92,90 7,10
1,45 1,20 94,10 5,90
1,2 2,43 96,54 3,46
1 1,69 98,22 1,78
0,87 1,33 99,55 0,45
0,73 0,14 99,69 0,31
0,62 0,27 99,96 0,04
0,52 0,01 99,98 0,02
0 0,02 100,00 -
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Table 131 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_02/208.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
19 - - 100,00
16 5,27 5,27 94,73
13,5 4,16 9,42 90,58
11,4 11,94 21,37 78,63
9,6 16,22 37,59 62,41
8,1 12,88 50,47 49,53
6,8 17,56 68,03 31,97
5,7 5,41 73,44 26,56
4,8 9,15 82,59 17,41
4,1 4,39 86,98 13,02
3,4 2,75 89,72 10,28
2,9 4,51 94,23 5,77
2,4 3,11 97,33 2,67
2 1,53 98,86 1,14
1,75 0,16 99,03 0,97
1,45 0,47 99,49 0,51
1,2 0,28 99,77 0,23
1 0,16 99,93 0,07
0,87 0,01 99,95 0,05
0,73 0,01 99,96 0,04
0,62 0,02 99,98 0,02
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
Figure 34 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_02/208.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 132 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_02/208.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 20,93 44,51 17,13 13,76 3,67
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,37 12,74 25,16 56,82 87,09
… of the sphalerite 6,40 12,38 22,61 44,63 86,74
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/208 has shown that the sphalerite represents 20,12% of
its weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 3,67% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 13,76% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 17,13% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 44,51% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 20,93% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 133 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_02/208.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 10,53 6,56 8,28 13,76 60,88
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 15,12 8,76 8,51 5,00 0,90
Chalcopyrite 0,09 0,19 0,15 0,17 0,03
Pyrite 71,63 49,60 22,94 9,07 0,60
Arsenopyrite 7,66 4,17 4,64 1,72 0,14
Other sulfides 0,11 0,02 0,07 0,01
Cassiterite 0,15 0,22 0,17 0,04 0,01
Quartz 0,02 0,06 0,02 0,01 <0,01
Phyllosilicates 0,03 0,03 0,05 0,02 0,01
Other silicates 0,01 <0,01 - 0,01 <0,01
Carbonates 0,05 0,02 0,01 0,02 <0,01
Others 0,03 - 0,03 0,02 -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/208 has shown that the sphalerite represents 20,12% of
its weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 60,88% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 13,76% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 8,28% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 6,56% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 10,53% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 134 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/208.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,27 0,35 0,64 1,18 18,49
7-15 m 2,03 1,55 2,30 5,87 32,77
15-30 m 2,02 1,21 2,04 3,58 8,27
30-63 m 4,50 1,93 2,85 3,13 1,35
>63 m 1,71 1,53 0,44 - -
Figure 35 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/208.
As we can see in the Figure 35, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral is
distributed evenly by the other classes.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 135 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_02/208.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 26,38 40,56 13,37 13,88 5,80
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,37 12,74 25,16 56,82 87,09
… of the galena 6,37 11,53 20,37 33,28 52,57
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/208 has shown that the galena represents 17,18% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 5,80% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 13,88% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 13,37% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 40,56% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 26,38% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 136 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_02/208.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 17,98 8,92 6,80 6,48 59,83
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 17,47 9,52 9,61 4,85 0,55
Chalcopyrite 0,12 0,08 0,21 0,04 0,01
Pyrite 69,27 50,01 25,58 9,52 0,74
Arsenopyrite 7,06 5,38 2,75 1,60 0,15
Other sulfides 0,09 0,02 0,03 <0,01 <0,01
Cassiterite 0,17 0,06 0,03 0,03 <0,01
Quartz 0,03 - 0,16 - -
Phyllosilicates 0,04 - - - <0,01
Other silicates <0,01 0,03 - - -
Carbonates 0,03 0,01 0,01 0,04 <0,01
Others 0,07 <0,01 - - <0,01
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/208 has shown that the galena represents 17,18% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 59,83% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 6,48% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 6,80% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 8,92% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 17,98% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 137 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/208.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,87 0,68 0,68 0,80 23,34
7-15 m 3,34 1,42 2,04 3,20 30,56
15-30 m 3,17 1,43 1,76 1,86 5,14
30-63 m 7,72 3,18 1,59 0,61 0,79
>63 m 2,87 2,21 0,72 - -
Figure 36 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/208.
As we can see in the Figure 36, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in low grade particles, which are mostly coarser.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample MS_02/219
Modal mineralogy
Table 138 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/219.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 8,53 10,44 7967
Chalcopyrite 0,15 0,17 423
Galena 4,18 2,77 5583
Pyrite 81,44 79,64 23301
Tetrahedrite 0,07 0,07 64
Enargite <0,01 <0,01 2
Arsenopyrite 2,68 2,17 1853
Chalcocite 0
Kesterite 0,02 0,02 90
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 0,64 1,20 177
Smithsonite 0,01 0,02 5
Dolomite 0,01 0,02 9
Chlorites 0,71 1,06 455
Phyllosilicates 0,77 1,36 302
Other silicates 0,48 0,80 135
Titanite 0,01 0,01 1
Rutile 0,01 0,02 2
Cassiterite 0,22 0,16 112
Goethite 0,02 0,03 5
Phosphates <0,01 <0,01 1
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay 0,01 0,02 24
Others 0,04 0,02 15
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 40526
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Elemental distribution
Table 139 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_02/219.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 1,02 5,92 99,81
Chalcopyrite 66,21 0,12 0,11
Galena 100,00 1,18
Pyrite 95,98 91,47
Tetrahedrite 0,03 28,35 <0,01 0,04 14,54 0,09
Enargite 0,01 0,29 <0,01
Arsenopyrite 99,97 2,49 1,28 85,46
Chalcocite
Kesterite 5,15 <0,01 0,01 1,94 0,06
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 0,01 0,04
Dolomite
Chlorites 0,23
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates 0,01
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 98,06
Goethite 0,04
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay <0,01
Others 0,10
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 66,21% of this metal in the sample.
Tetrahedrite, chalcocite and enargite are the other important copper minerals in the sample;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (99,81%), only 0,19% in tetrahedrite, carbonates
(smithsonite) and kesterite.
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Particle size distribution
Table 140 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_02/219.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
125 - - 100,00
106 0,66 0,66 99,34
90 1,03 1,69 98,31
75 2,35 4,04 95,96
63 1,03 5,07 94,93
53 3,64 8,70 91,30
45 3,59 12,30 87,70
38 3,25 15,55 84,45
32 4,26 19,81 80,19
27 5,83 25,64 74,36
22 8,22 33,85 66,15
19 6,79 40,64 59,36
16 8,75 49,39 50,61
13,5 8,80 58,19 41,81
11,4 9,04 67,22 32,78
9,6 8,23 75,45 24,55
8,1 7,10 82,55 17,45
6,8 5,37 87,92 12,08
5,7 3,59 91,51 8,49
4,8 2,08 93,59 6,41
4,1 1,40 94,99 5,01
3,4 1,42 96,41 3,59
2,9 0,91 97,32 2,68
2,4 1,23 98,55 1,45
2 0,51 99,07 0,93
1,75 0,27 99,34 0,66
1,45 0,20 99,55 0,45
1,2 0,22 99,76 0,24
1 0,13 99,89 0,11
0,87 0,01 99,90 0,10
0,73 0,08 99,98 0,02
0,62 - 99,98 0,02
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
0 0,01 100,00 -
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Table 141 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_02/219.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
38 - - 100,00
32 1,08 1,08 98,92
27 1,29 2,37 97,63
22 2,77 5,14 94,86
19 2,97 8,11 91,89
16 6,69 14,81 85,19
13,5 8,61 23,42 76,58
11,4 10,88 34,29 65,71
9,6 13,33 47,63 52,37
8,1 11,40 59,03 40,97
6,8 9,88 68,91 31,09
5,7 7,13 76,04 23,96
4,8 5,52 81,56 18,44
4,1 3,96 85,52 14,48
3,4 3,55 89,07 10,93
2,9 3,35 92,42 7,58
2,4 3,26 95,68 4,32
2 1,78 97,47 2,53
1,75 0,77 98,24 1,76
1,45 0,63 98,87 1,13
1,2 0,76 99,63 0,37
1 0,22 99,84 0,16
0,87 0,10 99,95 0,05
0,73 0,01 99,96 0,04
0,62 0,02 99,98 0,02
0,52 0,01 99,99 0,01
0 0,01 100,00 -
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Table 142 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_02/219.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
45 - - 100,00
38 1,02 1,02 98,98
32 1,66 2,69 97,31
27 - 2,69 97,31
22 2,58 5,27 94,73
19 3,33 8,60 91,40
16 1,70 10,30 89,70
13,5 5,42 15,72 84,28
11,4 7,86 23,58 76,42
9,6 10,13 33,71 66,29
8,1 13,05 46,76 53,24
6,8 8,39 55,15 44,85
5,7 6,53 61,68 38,32
4,8 4,31 65,99 34,01
4,1 3,67 69,67 30,33
3,4 3,56 73,23 26,77
2,9 2,93 76,16 23,84
2,4 3,98 80,13 19,87
2 3,61 83,75 16,25
1,75 2,71 86,46 13,54
1,45 2,70 89,15 10,85
1,2 5,91 95,06 4,94
1 3,12 98,18 1,82
0,87 1,41 99,59 0,41
0,73 0,13 99,73 0,27
0,62 0,20 99,93 0,07
0,52 0,03 99,96 0,04
0 0,04 100,00 -
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Table 143 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_02/219.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
19 - - 100,00
16 19,74 19,74 80,26
13,5 5,42 25,15 74,85
11,4 4,76 29,91 70,09
9,6 12,41 42,32 57,68
8,1 12,90 55,22 44,78
6,8 11,02 66,24 33,76
5,7 8,46 74,70 25,30
4,8 8,58 83,27 16,73
4,1 4,26 87,53 12,47
3,4 1,61 89,14 10,86
2,9 4,12 93,26 6,74
2,4 4,38 97,64 2,36
2 1,15 98,79 1,21
1,75 0,59 99,38 0,62
1,45 0,34 99,72 0,28
1,2 0,18 99,90 0,10
1 0,05 99,95 0,05
0,87 - 99,95 0,05
0,73 - 99,95 0,05
0,62 0,01 99,96 0,04
0,52 0,01 99,97 0,03
0 0,03 100,00 -
Figure 37 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_02/219.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 144 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_02/219.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 23,61 49,58 21,59 3,89 1,33
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,30 13,21 25,40 53,58 100,57
… of the sphalerite 6,30 12,59 20,46 29,53 35,71
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/219 has shown that the sphalerite represents 8,53% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 1,33% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 3,89% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 21,59% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 49,58% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 23,61% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 145 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_02/219.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 12,12 4,50 4,42 10,28 68,67
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 2,45 2,47 2,84 1,34 0,24
Chalcopyrite 0,09 0,27 0,24 0,37 0,02
Pyrite 90,87 59,09 30,46 12,56 1,06
Arsenopyrite 2,49 3,63 1,39 0,71 0,10
Other sulfides 0,02 - 0,04 0,09 0,01
Cassiterite 0,12 0,46 - 0,06 <0,01
Quartz 0,30 - - 0,04 -
Phyllosilicates 0,52 - 0,26 - <0,01
Other silicates 0,28 - - 0,12 <0,01
Carbonates - 0,12 - - -
Others 0,01 0,01 - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/219 has shown that the sphalerite represents 8,53% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 68,67% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 10,28% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 4,42% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 4,50% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 12,12% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 146 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/219.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,30 0,39 0,57 1,01 21,34
7-15 m 3,27 1,30 2,49 5,37 37,15
15-30 m 5,01 1,52 0,97 3,90 10,19
30-63 m 2,97 0,54 0,38 - -
>63 m 0,57 0,76 - - -
Figure 38 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/219.
As we can see in the Figure 38, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral is,
predominantly, distributed by the different liberation classes of the 7-15 m and 15-30 m fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 147 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_02/219.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 22,90 42,92 16,79 13,97 3,42
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,30 13,21 25,40 53,58 100,57
… of the galena 5,98 12,03 18,82 26,74 9,68
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/219 has shown that the galena represents 4,18% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 3,42% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 13,97% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 16,79% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 42,92% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 22,90% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 148 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_02/219.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 29,11 5,47 4,91 4,17 56,34
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 3,33 4,05 3,41 2,09 0,14
Chalcopyrite 0,10 0,26 - 0,15 0,01
Pyrite 90,60 61,76 32,26 11,95 0,68
Arsenopyrite 2,15 1,30 0,90 1,19 0,06
Other sulfides 0,05 0,01 0,09 - <0,01
Cassiterite 0,05 - - - -
Quartz 0,09 - - - <0,01
Phyllosilicates 0,43 - - - <0,01
Other silicates 0,24 0,37 - - -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others 0,06 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_02/219 has shown that the galena represents 4,18% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 56,34% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 4,17% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 4,91% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 5,47% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 29,11% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 149 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/219.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 1,45 0,86 0,66 0,69 19,24
7-15 m 5,63 1,33 1,50 2,70 31,75
15-30 m 8,82 1,22 1,65 0,78 4,33
30-63 m 9,81 2,05 1,10 - 1,01
>63 m 3,42 - - - -
Figure 39 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_02/219.
As we can see in the Figure 39, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in low grade particles, which are mostly coarser.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample MS_03/177
Modal mineralogy
Table 150 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/177.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 3,89 4,85 3304
Chalcopyrite 0,04 0,04 124
Galena 5,14 3,46 6255
Pyrite 87,60 87,11 26405
Tetrahedrite 0,07 0,07 89
Enargite 0
Arsenopyrite 1,10 0,91 983
Chalcocite 0
Kesterite 0,02 0,03 70
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 0,69 1,31 312
Smithsonite <0,01 0,01 12
Dolomite 0,02 0,04 7
Chlorites 0,22 0,35 250
Phyllosilicates 0,37 0,66 334
Other silicates 0,53 0,97 127
Titanite 0,01 0,01 3
Rutile <0,01 <0,01 1
Cassiterite 0,14 0,10 89
Goethite <0,01 <0,01 3
Phosphates <0,01 0,01 1
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay <0,01 0,01 20
Others 0,13 0,08 24
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 38413
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Elemental distribution
Table 151 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_03/177.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 0,44 2,62 99,59
Chalcopyrite 30,46 0,03 0,03
Galena 100,00 1,40
Pyrite 98,15 95,39
Tetrahedrite 0,07 56,48 0,01 0,04 31,04 0,21
Enargite
Arsenopyrite 99,93 0,97 0,51 68,96
Chalcocite
Kesterite 13,06 <0,01 0,01 4,19 0,19
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite <0,01 0,02
Dolomite
Chlorites 0,07
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates <0,01
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 95,81
Goethite <0,01
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay <0,01
Others 0,32
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- tetrahedrite is the main copper mineral, representing 56,48% of this metal in the sample.
Chalcopyrite and kesterite are the other important copper minerals in the sample;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (99,59%), only 0,41% in tetrahedrite, carbonates
(smithsonite) and kesterite.
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Particle size distribution
Table 152 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_03/177.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
212 - - 100,00
180 2,11 2,11 97,89
150 1,82 3,93 96,07
125 4,41 8,34 91,66
106 3,91 12,25 87,75
90 6,05 18,29 81,71
75 6,09 24,38 75,62
63 4,99 29,37 70,63
53 5,08 34,45 65,55
45 4,58 39,04 60,96
38 3,67 42,70 57,30
32 3,38 46,08 53,92
27 2,85 48,93 51,07
22 3,82 52,75 47,25
19 2,43 55,18 44,82
16 3,01 58,19 41,81
13,5 3,50 61,69 38,31
11,4 4,27 65,96 34,04
9,6 5,15 71,11 28,89
8,1 5,86 76,97 23,03
6,8 6,42 83,39 16,61
5,7 5,64 89,03 10,97
4,8 3,95 92,98 7,02
4,1 2,52 95,50 4,50
3,4 1,90 97,40 2,60
2,9 0,88 98,28 1,72
2,4 0,79 99,07 0,93
2 0,40 99,47 0,53
1,75 0,19 99,66 0,34
1,45 0,11 99,78 0,22
1,2 0,11 99,89 0,11
1 0,06 99,95 0,05
0,87 <0,01 99,95 0,05
0,73 0,04 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 <0,01 100,00 -
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Table 153 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/177.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
90 - - 100,00
75 4,58 4,58 95,42
63 - 4,58 95,42
53 - 4,58 95,42
45 - 4,58 95,42
38 0,85 5,43 94,57
32 2,96 8,40 91,60
27 2,76 11,15 88,85
22 1,37 12,53 87,47
19 1,47 13,99 86,01
16 3,01 17,01 82,99
13,5 4,90 21,91 78,09
11,4 5,04 26,95 73,05
9,6 9,35 36,30 63,70
8,1 11,87 48,17 51,83
6,8 13,32 61,49 38,51
5,7 12,59 74,08 25,92
4,8 8,76 82,84 17,16
4,1 5,55 88,39 11,61
3,4 3,93 92,32 7,68
2,9 2,99 95,31 4,69
2,4 2,52 97,82 2,18
2 1,08 98,90 1,10
1,75 0,40 99,30 0,70
1,45 0,28 99,58 0,42
1,2 0,27 99,85 0,15
1 0,08 99,94 0,06
0,87 0,04 99,97 0,03
0,73 0,01 99,98 0,02
0,62 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0 0,01 100,00 -
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Table 154 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/177.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
27 - - 100,00
22 0,37 0,37 99,63
19 1,12 1,49 98,51
16 1,24 2,73 97,27
13,5 1,63 4,36 95,64
11,4 4,02 8,38 91,62
9,6 6,93 15,31 84,69
8,1 8,34 23,65 76,35
6,8 11,61 35,26 64,74
5,7 13,27 48,52 51,48
4,8 11,16 59,68 40,32
4,1 7,51 67,19 32,81
3,4 5,72 72,91 27,09
2,9 4,36 77,27 22,73
2,4 4,13 81,40 18,60
2 3,59 84,99 15,01
1,75 2,28 87,27 12,73
1,45 2,17 89,44 10,56
1,2 4,50 93,94 6,06
1 3,22 97,15 2,85
0,87 2,15 99,30 0,70
0,73 0,25 99,55 0,45
0,62 0,41 99,96 0,04
0,52 0,02 99,97 0,03
0 0,03 100,00 -
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Table 155 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/177.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
13,5 - - 100,00
11,4 8,36 8,36 91,64
9,6 16,89 25,26 74,74
8,1 4,99 30,25 69,75
6,8 17,84 48,09 51,91
5,7 20,92 69,01 30,99
4,8 9,48 78,49 21,51
4,1 5,45 83,93 16,07
3,4 6,31 90,24 9,76
2,9 3,50 93,73 6,27
2,4 4,09 97,82 2,18
2 1,24 99,06 0,94
1,75 0,23 99,29 0,71
1,45 0,52 99,81 0,19
1,2 0,11 99,92 0,08
1 0,07 99,99 0,01
0,87 - 99,99 0,01
0,73 - 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 - 99,99 0,01
0 0,01 100,00 -
Figure 40 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_03/177.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 156 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_03/177.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 29,65 41,10 8,63 7,64 12,98
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,32 12,36 25,79 55,88 138,98
… of the sphalerite 6,42 11,10 22,50 34,90 81,51
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/177 has shown that the sphalerite represents 3,89% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 12,98% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 7,64% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 8,63% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 41,10% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 29,65% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 157 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_03/177.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 16,84 6,65 7,57 8,26 60,68
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 2,64 6,32 4,20 2,88 0,45
Chalcopyrite 0,01 0,09 0,17 0,31 0,02
Pyrite 94,91 57,42 32,04 12,55 0,76
Arsenopyrite 0,56 1,92 0,42 0,44 0,61
Other sulfides 0,07 - 0,02 0,12 <0,01
Cassiterite 0,06 0,52 0,59 0,61 0,03
Quartz 0,05 <0,01 0,05 <0,01 <0,01
Phyllosilicates - - - - -
Other silicates <0,01 - - - -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others <0,01 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/177 has shown that the sphalerite represents 3,89% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 60,68% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 8,26% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 7,57% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 6,65% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 16,84% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 158 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/177.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,47 0,75 1,32 1,76 25,35
7-15 m 2,73 2,83 3,83 4,74 26,97
15-30 m 1,93 0,43 1,82 1,76 2,69
30-63 m 3,31 2,64 0,60 - 1,09
>63 m 8,39 - - - 4,58
Figure 41 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/177.
As we can see in the Figure 41, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral is,
predominantly, distributed by the different liberation classes of the 7-15 m and >63 m fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 159 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_03/177.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 40,83 32,01 6,90 7,80 12,46
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,32 12,36 25,79 55,88 138,98
… of the galena 6,23 10,35 17,20 11,15 7,44
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/177 has shown that the galena represents 5,14% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 12,46% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 7,80% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 6,90% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 32,01% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 40,83% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 160 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_03/177.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 30,53 4,92 3,86 3,88 56,81
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 2,28 4,36 5,25 1,51 0,04
Chalcopyrite 0,01 0,09 0,15 0,32
Pyrite 93,69 55,23 31,10 15,22 0,61
Arsenopyrite 0,61 4,47 1,61 1,06 0,03
Other sulfides 0,04 0,17 0,31 - 0,01
Cassiterite 0,06 0,11 - - 0,03
Quartz 0,15 0,25 0,03 0,10 0,01
Phyllosilicates 0,01 - - - <0,01
Other silicates 0,50 - - - -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others 0,04 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/177 has shown that the galena represents 5,14% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 56,81% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 3,88% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 3,86% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 4,92% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 30,53% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 161 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/177.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 1,62 1,10 1,29 1,27 35,55
7-15 m 4,93 2,17 2,12 2,10 20,69
15-30 m 3,92 1,46 0,46 0,51 0,56
30-63 m 7,60 0,19 - - -
>63 m 12,46 - - - -
Figure 42 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/177.
As we can see in the Figure 42, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in low grade particles, which are mostly coarser.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample MS_03/179
Modal mineralogy
Table 162 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/179.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 3,06 3,80 1374
Chalcopyrite 0,03 0,03 42
Galena 3,88 2,61 2784
Pyrite 86,32 85,59 15830
Tetrahedrite 0,02 0,02 14
Enargite <0,01 0,01 2
Arsenopyrite 3,71 3,04 1127
Chalcocite 0
Kesterite 0,01 0,01 23
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 1,16 2,20 233
Smithsonite 0,04 0,05 7
Dolomite 0,06 0,10 10
Chlorites 0,40 0,61 294
Phyllosilicates 0,56 1,00 325
Other silicates 0,35 0,60 119
Titanite 0,01 0,02 7
Rutile <0,01 <0,01 2
Cassiterite 0,16 0,11 48
Goethite 0,09 0,11 6
Phosphates <0,01 0,01 1
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay <0,01 <0,01 5
Others 0,13 0,08 10
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 22263
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Elemental distribution
Table 163 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_03/179.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 0,34 2,08 99,60
Chalcopyrite 46,13 0,02 0,02
Galena 100,00 1,07
Pyrite 95,79 95,07
Tetrahedrite 0,01 30,33 <0,01 0,01 3,51 0,07
Enargite 0,07 11,12 <0,01
Arsenopyrite 99,93 3,24 1,73 96,49
Chalcocite
Kesterite 12,42 <0,01 0,01 1,84 0,11
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 0,04 0,22
Dolomite
Chlorites 0,13
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates <0,01
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 98,16
Goethite 0,13
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay <0,01
Others 0,39
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 46,13% of this metal in the sample.
Tetrahedrite, kesterite and enargite are the other important copper minerals in the sample;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (99,60%), only 0,40% in tetrahedrite, carbonates
(smithsonite) and kesterite.
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Particle size distribution
Table 164 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_03/179.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
180 - - 100,00
150 3,25 3,25 96,75
125 - 3,25 96,75
106 4,67 7,93 92,07
90 - 7,93 92,07
75 3,78 11,70 88,30
63 4,42 16,12 83,88
53 3,48 19,60 80,40
45 3,77 23,36 76,64
38 5,52 28,88 71,12
32 4,11 32,99 67,01
27 5,83 38,82 61,18
22 5,52 44,35 55,65
19 3,46 47,81 52,19
16 4,38 52,19 47,81
13,5 4,60 56,79 43,21
11,4 4,45 61,23 38,77
9,6 4,65 65,89 34,11
8,1 5,16 71,05 28,95
6,8 5,28 76,33 23,67
5,7 5,93 82,26 17,74
4,8 5,18 87,45 12,55
4,1 3,83 91,28 8,72
3,4 3,45 94,73 5,27
2,9 1,87 96,60 3,40
2,4 1,65 98,25 1,75
2 0,86 99,11 0,89
1,75 0,34 99,45 0,55
1,45 0,19 99,64 0,36
1,2 0,18 99,82 0,18
1 0,10 99,92 0,08
0,87 0,01 99,93 0,07
0,73 0,07 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 <0,01 100,00 -
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Table 165 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/179.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
38 - - 100,00
32 5,01 5,01 94,99
27 - 5,01 94,99
22 4,39 9,40 90,60
19 - 9,40 90,60
16 3,82 13,23 86,77
13,5 2,45 15,68 84,32
11,4 6,64 22,32 77,68
9,6 8,25 30,57 69,43
8,1 10,67 41,24 58,76
6,8 9,46 50,69 49,31
5,7 11,04 61,73 38,27
4,8 11,09 72,82 27,18
4,1 9,74 82,57 17,43
3,4 7,21 89,78 10,22
2,9 4,60 94,38 5,62
2,4 3,49 97,87 2,13
2 1,22 99,09 0,91
1,75 0,32 99,41 0,59
1,45 0,23 99,64 0,36
1,2 0,27 99,91 0,09
1 0,06 99,96 0,04
0,87 0,02 99,98 0,02
0,73 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,62 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 166 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/179.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
27 - - 100,00
22 0,33 0,33 99,67
19 0,65 0,97 99,03
16 1,47 2,44 97,56
13,5 0,90 3,35 96,65
11,4 3,32 6,66 93,34
9,6 5,79 12,45 87,55
8,1 6,11 18,56 81,44
6,8 6,88 25,44 74,56
5,7 11,17 36,61 63,39
4,8 9,29 45,90 54,10
4,1 9,34 55,24 44,76
3,4 7,57 62,81 37,19
2,9 5,96 68,77 31,23
2,4 7,16 75,93 24,07
2 6,18 82,11 17,89
1,75 2,69 84,81 15,19
1,45 2,86 87,66 12,34
1,2 5,91 93,57 6,43
1 3,77 97,34 2,66
0,87 2,14 99,48 0,52
0,73 0,17 99,65 0,35
0,62 0,31 99,96 0,04
0,52 0,02 99,98 0,02
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 167 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/179.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
13,5 - - 100,00
11,4 10,94 10,94 89,06
9,6 - 10,94 89,06
8,1 7,11 18,05 81,95
6,8 18,69 36,74 63,26
5,7 13,44 50,18 49,82
4,8 14,98 65,16 34,84
4,1 17,83 83,00 17,00
3,4 4,04 87,04 12,96
2,9 8,57 95,61 4,39
2,4 3,03 98,64 1,36
2 0,77 99,41 0,59
1,75 0,39 99,80 0,20
1,45 0,18 99,98 0,02
1,2 - 99,98 0,02
1 - 99,98 0,02
0,87 - 99,98 0,02
0,73 - 99,98 0,02
0,62 - 99,98 0,02
0,52 10,94 10,94 89,06
0 - 100,00 -
Figure 43 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_03/179.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 168 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_03/179.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 46,17 33,28 10,58 3,46 6,50
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,06 12,87 26,66 52,14 150,26
… of the sphalerite 6,08 11,69 23,88 23,55 36,44
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/179 has shown that the sphalerite represents 3,06% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 6,50% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 3,46% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 10,58% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 33,28% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 46,17% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 169 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_03/179.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 13,78 4,47 4,06 4,17 73,52
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 2,74 4,84 4,69 3,65 0,22
Chalcopyrite 0,00 - 0,43 1,21 0,03
Pyrite 92,49 50,95 22,67 10,68 0,31
Arsenopyrite 2,45 6,97 7,83 0,20 0,03
Other sulfides 0,04 - - - 0,02
Cassiterite 0,05 0,01 - - -
Quartz 0,37 - - - -
Phyllosilicates - - - - -
Other silicates - - - 1,28 -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others - - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/179 has shown that the sphalerite represents 3,06% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 73,52% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 4,17% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 4,06% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 4,47% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 13,78% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 170 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/179.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,43 0,72 1,12 1,37 42,52
7-15 m 1,72 1,05 2,37 1,70 26,44
15-30 m 2,67 1,70 0,58 1,09 4,55
30-63 m 2,46 1,00 - - -
>63 m 6,50 - - - -
Figure 44 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/179.
As we can see in the Figure 44, most of the sphalerite is liberated. The unliberated mineral is
predominantly distributed by the low grade particles, mostly in the coarser fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 171 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_03/179.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 47,96 22,33 11,23 9,58 8,91
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,06 12,87 26,66 52,14 150,26
… of the galena 5,70 10,64 14,50 7,86 6,56
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/179 has shown that the galena represents 3,88% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 8,91% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 9,58% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 11,23% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 22,33% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 47,96% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 172 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_03/179.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 33,71 5,88 3,19 2,74 54,48
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 1,15 4,82 0,38 1,58 0,06
Chalcopyrite 0,01 0,12 - - -
Pyrite 92,90 49,98 25,81 13,69 0,28
Arsenopyrite 2,93 8,28 8,91 1,22 <0,01
Other sulfides 0,02 0,61 0,08 - 0,01
Cassiterite 0,07 - 0,90 - -
Quartz 0,21 0,04 - - -
Phyllosilicates 0,07 - - - -
Other silicates - - - - -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others 0,10 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/179 has shown that the galena represents 3,88% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 54,48% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 2,74% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 3,19% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 5,88% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 33,71% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 173 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/179.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 2,21 1,58 1,59 1,36 41,22
7-15 m 5,23 2,15 1,60 1,38 11,97
15-30 m 7,79 2,15 - - 1,28
30-63 m 9,58 - - - -
>63 m 8,91 - - - -
Figure 45 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/179.
As we can see in the Figure 45, most of the galena is liberated. The unliberated mineral is concentrated
in low grade particles, which are mostly coarser.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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STRINGER
Sample MS_03/231
Modal mineralogy
Table 174 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/231.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 2,11 1,82 726
Chalcopyrite 7,80 6,41 2045
Galena 0,24 0,11 221
Pyrite 25,13 17,31 2342
Tetrahedrite 0,11 0,08 37
Enargite 0,15 0,11 80
Arsenopyrite 0,33 0,19 40
Chalcocite 0,50 0,31 147
Kesterite <0,01 <0,01 15
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 1,70 2,24 255
Smithsonite 0,49 0,44 177
Dolomite 0,08 0,10 6
Chlorites 59,79 69,43 24555
Phyllosilicates 0,25 0,31 401
Other silicates 0,22 0,26 103
Titanite 0
Rutile 0,93 0,76 109
Cassiterite 0,04 0,02 26
Goethite 0,08 0,07 37
Phosphates <0,01 <0,01 6
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay 0,01 0,01 30
Others 0,01 0,01 7
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 31365
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Elemental distribution
Table 175 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_03/231.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 0,10 4,28 96,42
Chalcopyrite 84,13 8,63 15,87
Galena 100,00 0,19
Pyrite 42,51 78,18
Tetrahedrite 0,29 1,17 0,01 0,17 70,00 0,55
Enargite 18,16 2,20 0,28
Arsenopyrite 81,55 0,44 0,44 30,00
Chalcocite 12,46 0,59
Kesterite 0,04 <0,01 0,01 3,16 0,07
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 0,77 2,96
Dolomite
Chlorites 47,30
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates <0,01
Titanite
Rutile
Cassiterite 96,84
Goethite 0,17
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay 0,01
Others 0,05
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcopyrite is the main copper mineral, representing 84,13% of this metal in the sample. Chalcocite,
tetrahedrite and enargite are the other important copper minerals in the sample;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (96,42%).
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Particle size distribution
Table 176 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_03/231.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
180 - - 100,00
150 1,69 1,69 98,31
125 4,01 5,70 94,30
106 7,63 13,33 86,67
90 9,85 23,18 76,82
75 11,83 35,01 64,99
63 9,94 44,95 55,05
53 9,00 53,95 46,05
45 6,54 60,49 39,51
38 6,65 67,14 32,86
32 4,69 71,83 28,17
27 4,17 76,00 24,00
22 3,21 79,22 20,78
19 1,96 81,18 18,82
16 2,20 83,38 16,62
13,5 1,90 85,29 14,71
11,4 1,90 87,18 12,82
9,6 1,78 88,97 11,03
8,1 1,82 90,79 9,21
6,8 1,88 92,67 7,33
5,7 1,68 94,34 5,66
4,8 1,52 95,87 4,13
4,1 1,20 97,07 2,93
3,4 1,05 98,11 1,89
2,9 0,60 98,72 1,28
2,4 0,83 99,55 0,45
2 0,27 99,82 0,18
1,75 0,11 99,93 0,07
1,45 0,03 99,96 0,04
1,2 0,02 99,99 0,01
1 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 177 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/231.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
75 - - 100,00
63 11,94 11,94 88,06
53 1,56 13,49 86,51
45 1,16 14,65 85,35
38 - 14,65 85,35
32 10,02 24,68 75,32
27 5,65 30,33 69,67
22 11,29 41,62 58,38
19 6,49 48,11 51,89
16 7,88 55,99 44,01
13,5 5,28 61,27 38,73
11,4 6,95 68,22 31,78
9,6 6,71 74,93 25,07
8,1 5,98 80,91 19,09
6,8 5,41 86,32 13,68
5,7 3,57 89,89 10,11
4,8 3,13 93,02 6,98
4,1 2,02 95,04 4,96
3,4 1,95 96,99 3,01
2,9 1,54 98,53 1,47
2,4 1,12 99,65 0,35
2 0,17 99,82 0,18
1,75 0,07 99,89 0,11
1,45 0,05 99,94 0,06
1,2 0,04 99,98 0,02
1 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,73 <0,01 99,99 0,01
0,62 - 99,99 0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 178 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/231.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
19 - - 100,00
16 2,97 2,97 97,03
13,5 11,76 14,73 85,27
11,4 6,64 21,37 78,63
9,6 5,20 26,57 73,43
8,1 4,47 31,04 68,96
6,8 10,58 41,61 58,39
5,7 8,43 50,04 49,96
4,8 8,64 58,68 41,32
4,1 8,33 67,01 32,99
3,4 5,92 72,93 27,07
2,9 5,24 78,17 21,83
2,4 6,40 84,57 15,43
2 3,55 88,12 11,88
1,75 2,84 90,96 9,04
1,45 3,27 94,23 5,77
1,2 4,71 98,94 1,06
1 0,94 99,89 0,11
0,87 0,10 99,99 0,01
0,73 0,01 100,00 -
0,62 - 100,00 -
Table 179 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/231.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
11,4 - - 100,00
9,6 18,24 18,24 81,76
8,1 15,54 33,78 66,22
6,8 14,28 48,06 51,94
5,7 14,10 62,16 37,84
4,8 14,87 77,03 22,97
4,1 10,49 87,52 12,48
3,4 1,70 89,23 10,77
2,9 7,53 96,75 3,25
2,4 2,88 99,63 0,37
2 - 99,63 0,37
1,75 - 99,63 0,37
1,45 0,37 100,00 -
1,2 - 100,00 -
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Figure 46 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_03/231.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 180 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_03/231.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 6,89 14,94 14,26 27,22 36,70
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,05 12,99 27,56 56,62 116,81
… of the sphalerite 6,27 12,44 21,69 33,55 67,62
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/231 has shown that the sphalerite represents 2,11% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 36,70% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 27,22% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 14,26% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 14,94% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 6,89% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 181 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_03/231.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 41,54 16,41 5,21 6,59 30,24
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 0,22 1,49 5,02 0,07 0,02
Chalcopyrite 8,54 18,59 3,09 3,45 0,53
Pyrite 30,62 20,08 3,76 - 0,02
Arsenopyrite 0,60 - 0,08 - -
Other sulfides 1,05 7,01 5,09 0,79 1,29
Cassiterite 0,03 0,17 - - -
Quartz 1,55 - - - -
Phyllosilicates 54,13 20,92 22,09 11,01 1,28
Other silicates <0,01 - - - -
Carbonates 0,14 0,16 - 0,04 -
Others 0,26 0,07 - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/231 has shown that the sphalerite represents 2,11% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 30,24% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 6,59% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 5,21% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 16,41% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 41,54% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 182 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/231.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,03 0,19 0,26 0,19 6,22
7-15 m 0,30 0,47 1,06 3,25 9,85
15-30 m 2,21 1,42 2,95 3,15 4,53
30-63 m 13,42 11,14 0,94 - 1,73
>63 m 25,59 3,20 - - 7,91
Figure 47 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/231.
As we can see in the Figure 47, most of the sphalerite is unliberated. The majority of the unliberated
mineral is included in the coarser fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 183 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_03/231.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 11,95 11,16 16,03 36,79 24,08
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,05 12,99 27,56 56,62 116,81
… of the galena 5,48 11,98 13,36 14,44 7,21
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/231 has shown that the galena represents 0,24% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 24,08% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 36,79% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 16,03% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 11,16% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 11,95% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 184 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_03/231.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 62,86 13,15 1,67 1,78 20,54
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 3,04 13,49 15,06 - 1,23
Chalcopyrite 9,01 11,15 15,21 - -
Pyrite 61,83 37,33 - 1,03 -
Arsenopyrite 0,97 - - - -
Other sulfides 1,05 - - - -
Cassiterite 0,03 - - - -
Quartz 0,35 - - - -
Phyllosilicates 22,78 1,87 6,62 14,57 1,32
Other silicates - - - - -
Carbonates 0,03 - - - -
Others 0,03 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/231 has shown that the galena represents 0,24% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 20,54% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 1,78% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 1,67% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 13,15% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 62,86% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 185 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/231.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,20 0,65 0,22 0,71 10,17
7-15 m 1,25 - 1,45 1,07 7,40
15-30 m 6,03 7,02 - - 2,97
30-63 m 31,30 5,48 - - -
>63 m 24,08 - - - -
Figure 48 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/231.
As we can see in the Figure 48, most of the galena is unliberated. The majority of the unliberated
mineral is included in the coarser fractions.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
7-15 m
15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Sample MS_03/249
Modal mineralogy
Table 186 – Modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/249.
Mineral Weight % Area % Nº of particles
Sphalerite 4,59 3,61 452
Chalcopyrite 2,73 2,04 249
Galena 0,01 <0,01 10
Pyrite 9,09 5,71 686
Tetrahedrite <0,01 <0,01 1
Enargite 1,27 0,90 137
Arsenopyrite 0,01 0,01 3
Chalcocite 1,22 0,68 86
Kesterite 0
Clausthalite 0
Tiemannite 0
Acanthite 0
Naumannite 0
Amalgam (AuAgHg) 0
Luanheite 0
Quartz 14,14 16,95 2998
Smithsonite 0,60 0,50 164
Dolomite 0,07 0,08 11
Chlorites 62,74 65,79 24130
Phyllosilicates 2,62 2,95 1700
Other silicates 0,34 0,37 315
Titanite <0,01 <0,01 2
Rutile 0,31 0,23 50
Cassiterite 0,05 0,02 14
Goethite 0,13 0,11 19
Phosphates 0,01 0,01 4
Vanadinite 0
Schultenite 0
Sulphur 0
Alunite + clay 0,03 0,03 26
Others 0,03 0,01 4
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 31365
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Elemental distribution
Table 187 – Elemental distribution of the sample MS_03/249.
Mineral As (%) Cu (%) Fe (%) Pb (%) S (%) Sb(%) Sn (%) Zn (%)
Sphalerite 0,31 19,76 98,06
Chalcopyrite 37,18 4,21 11,79
Galena 100,00 0,02
Pyrite 21,49 60,15
Tetrahedrite <0,01 0,01 <0,01 <0,01 27,50 <0,01
Enargite 98,08 24,31 5,14
Arsenopyrite 1,92 0,02 0,04 72,50
Chalcocite 38,50 3,05
Kesterite
Clausthalite
Tiemannite
Acanthite
Naumannite
Amalgam (AuAgHg)
Luanheite
Quartz
Smithsonite 1,29 1,93
Dolomite
Chlorites 72,07
Phyllosilicates
Other silicates 0,02
Titanite <0,01
Rutile
Cassiterite 100,00
Goethite 0,41
Phosphates
Vanadinite
Schultenite
Sulphur
Alunite + clay 0,05
Others 0,16
TOTAL 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00 100,00
The elemental distribution achieved by MLA has shown that:
- chalcocite is the main copper mineral, representing 38,50% of this metal in the sample. Chalcopyrite
and enargite are the other important copper minerals in the sample;
- galena is the only lead mineral in the sample;
- the zinc is mostly distributed by the sphalerite (98,06%).
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Particle size distribution
Table 188 – Particle size distribution (maximum diameter) of the sample MS_03/249.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
180 - - 100,00
150 2,21 2,21 97,79
125 1,56 3,77 96,23
106 1,74 5,51 94,49
90 6,04 11,54 88,46
75 4,42 15,97 84,03
63 6,44 22,41 77,59
53 4,04 26,45 73,55
45 6,11 32,56 67,44
38 4,90 37,45 62,55
32 4,28 41,73 58,27
27 4,87 46,60 53,40
22 5,03 51,63 48,37
19 3,88 55,51 44,49
16 3,86 59,37 40,63
13,5 4,33 63,71 36,29
11,4 4,05 67,76 32,24
9,6 4,65 72,41 27,59
8,1 4,80 77,21 22,79
6,8 4,87 82,08 17,92
5,7 4,90 86,98 13,02
4,8 4,01 90,98 9,02
4,1 3,07 94,05 5,95
3,4 2,63 96,68 3,32
2,9 1,33 98,02 1,98
2,4 1,16 99,18 0,82
2 0,54 99,72 0,28
1,75 0,19 99,90 0,10
1,45 0,05 99,96 0,04
1,2 0,03 99,99 0,01
1 0,01 99,99 0,01
0,87 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,73 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 - 100,00 -
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Table 189 – Sphalerite grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/249.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
106 - - 100,00
90 10,17 10,17 89,83
75 - 10,17 89,83
63 2,65 12,82 87,18
53 6,38 19,21 80,79
45 - 19,21 80,79
38 7,67 26,88 73,12
32 13,82 40,69 59,31
27 8,36 49,06 50,94
22 5,93 54,99 45,01
19 4,41 59,39 40,61
16 4,76 64,15 35,85
13,5 5,75 69,90 30,10
11,4 5,91 75,81 24,19
9,6 5,43 81,24 18,76
8,1 4,32 85,56 14,44
6,8 4,95 90,51 9,49
5,7 3,92 94,43 5,57
4,8 2,34 96,78 3,22
4,1 1,37 98,15 1,85
3,4 0,74 98,89 1,11
2,9 0,46 99,35 0,65
2,4 0,51 99,87 0,13
2 0,09 99,95 0,05
1,75 0,02 99,98 0,02
1,45 0,01 99,98 0,02
1,2 0,01 99,99 0,01
1 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0,87 - 100,00 <0,01
0,73 - 100,00 <0,01
0,62 - 100,00 <0,01
0,52 <0,01 100,00 <0,01
0 <0,01 100,00 -
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Table 190 – Galena grain size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/249.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
5,7 - - 100,00
4,8 21,57 21,57 78,43
4,1 27,30 48,87 51,13
3,4 - 48,87 51,13
2,9 10,43 59,30 40,70
2,4 11,13 70,43 29,57
2 6,61 77,04 22,96
1,75 16,52 93,57 6,43
1,45 2,61 96,17 3,83
1,2 2,43 98,61 1,39
1 1,39 100,00 -
0,87 - 100,00 -
Table 191 – Cassiterite size distribution (maximum diameter) in the sample MS_03/249.
Sieve size (m) Retained (Wt. %) Cumulative retained (Wt. %) Cumulative passing (Wt. %)
8,1 - - 100,00
6,8 28,11 28,11 71,89
5,7 24,46 52,57 47,43
4,8 23,01 75,58 24,42
4,1 14,16 89,73 10,27
3,4 6,68 96,42 3,58
2,9 - 96,42 3,58
2,4 3,58 100,00 -
2 - 100,00 -
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Figure 49 – Size distribution of the main copper minerals in the sample MS_03/249.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation
Table 192 – Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_03/249.
Sphalerite distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Sphalerite (% of the mineral) 6,92 19,49 24,29 28,92 20,38
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,14 12,76 26,40 52,71 117,20
… of the sphalerite 6,58 12,81 27,52 42,78 99,59
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated sphalerite).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/249 has shown that the sphalerite represents 4,59% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 20,38% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 28,92% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 24,29% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 19,49% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 6,92% of the sphalerite is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 193 – Sphalerite distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_03/249.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (sphalerite content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Sphalerite 7,04 7,77 10,65 5,84 68,70
Mineral species, or groups, associated to sphalerite (Wt. %)
Galena 0,01 - - - -
Chalcopyrite 0,90 6,83 0,47 0,75 0,15
Pyrite 21,11 14,92 0,47 3,76 <0,01
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 6,83 11,99 24,24 2,03 1,34
Cassiterite - - - - -
Quartz 16,11 0,10 0,89 0,10 <0,01
Phyllosilicates 51,88 31,24 17,36 9,27 0,88
Other silicates 0,05 0,02 0,05 - -
Carbonates 0,02 1,00 - - 0,02
Others 0,37 0,18 - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/249 has shown that the sphalerite represents 4,59% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 68,70% of the sphalerite is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of sphalerite);
- 5,84% of the sphalerite is included in rich particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 75 and 90%);
- 10,65% of the sphalerite is included in medium grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents between 50 and 75%);
- 7,77% of the sphalerite is included in low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite represents
between 25 and 50%);
- 7,04% of the sphalerite is included in very low grade particles (particles where the sphalerite
represents less than 25%).
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Table 194 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/249.
Sphalerite distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m 0,01 0,03 0,17 0,58 6,13
7-15 m 0,50 0,88 0,62 1,27 16,22
15-30 m 1,28 2,17 0,90 2,06 17,87
30-63 m 2,35 2,60 6,39 1,93 15,66
>63 m 2,90 2,09 2,57 - 12,82
Figure 50 – Combined distribution of the sphalerite (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/249.
As we can see in the Figure 50, most of the sphalerite is unliberated. The majority of the unliberated
mineral is included in the coarser fractions.
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Sphalerite distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
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7-15 m
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15-30 m
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30-63 m
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>63 m
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Galena distribution and liberation
Table 195 – Galena distribution by grain size classes, in the sample MS_03/249.
Galena distribution by grain size classes *
<7 m 7-15 m 15-30 m 30-63 m >63 m
Galena (% of the mineral) 41,91 - - 54,26 3,83
Size distribution… (D80 in m)
… of the particles 6,14 12,76 26,40 52,71 117,20
… of the galena 4,59 - - 5,25 1,37
* Size of the particles where the sphalerite is contained (includes liberated galena).
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/249 has shown that the galena represents 0,01% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by size classes allows to say that:
- 3,83% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions higher than 63 m;
- 54,26% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 30 m and 63 m;
- 0,00% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 15 m and 30 m;
- 0,00% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions between 7 m and 15 m;
- 41,91% of the galena is included in particles with dimensions smaller than 7 m.
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Table 196 – Galena distribution by liberation classes, in the sample MS_03/249.
Sphalerite liberation by classes (galena content)
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
Galena 58,09 - - - 41,91
Mineral species, or groups, associated to galena (Wt. %)
Sphalerite 0,37 - - - -
Chalcopyrite 0,05 - - - -
Pyrite 83,71 - - - -
Arsenopyrite - - - - -
Other sulfides 0,03 - - - -
Cassiterite - - - - -
Quartz 1,83 - - - -
Phyllosilicates 13,54 - - - -
Other silicates 0,02 - - - -
Carbonates - - - - -
Others 0,03 - - - -
The modal mineralogy of the sample MS_03/249 has shown that the galena represents 0,01% of its
weight. The study of its distribution by liberation classes allows to say that:
- 41,91% of the galena is liberated (all the particles with more than 90% of galena);
- 0,00% of the galena is included in rich particles (particles where the galena represents between 75
and 90%);
- 0,00% of the galena is included in medium grade particles (particles where the galena represents
between 50 and 75%);
- 0,00% of the galena is included in low grade particles (particles where the galena represents between
25 and 50%);
- 58,09% of the galena is included in very low grade particles (particles where the galena represents
less than 25%).
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Table 197 – Combined distribution of the galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/249.
Galena distribution (Wt. %)
Size classes Liberation classes
0% < x <= 25% 25% < x <= 50% 50% < x <= 75% 75% < x <= 90% 90%< x <= 100%
<7 m - - - - 41,91
7-15 m - - - - -
15-30 m - - - - -
30-63 m 54,26 - - - -
>63 m 3,83 - - - -
Figure 51 – Combined distribution of the Galena (size classes Vs liberation classes) in the sample MS_03/249.
Galena has a very low representativeness in this sample. However we can see a bimodal distribution
between: fine liberated particles and coarse unliberated low grade particles.
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Galena distribution and liberation images (by size classes, sorted by decreasing liberation)
<7 m
7-15 m No particles in this class.
15-30 m No particles in this class.
30-63 m
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>63 m
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End of report
This report can only be reproduced in its entirety. The results obtained refer exclusively to the sample (s) tested. Sampling is the responsibility of the customer.
Pedro Nuno Alves
(Responsável pelo Laboratório)