Copper flotation profit and control-system accuracy

Copper flotation profit can be estimated online utilising the assay of the on-stream analysers. High and low limits of the profit can be calculated, and the range between limits can be used for an evaluation of the return on investment, which has to be done during the implementation of a new control system or analyser. The range depends on the target values for concentrate and tailings, and on the accuracy of the controls and analyser. The separate pay-back values from any improvement in the controls or the analyser accuracy are estimated. The economic effect is analysed and demonstrated on data collected from two flotation plants.