604 The potential benefit of the NovaCell™ in treating the full rougher tail stream was evaluated by testing the original sample without desliming. This sample was significantly finer, with a P80 of 100µm and ~66% of the feed being below 53 µm. The head grade of the sample was 0.08% Cu. The samples were analyzed on a size-by-size basis, with the results presented in Error! Reference source not found.. Table 10 – Feed distribution and NovaCell™ recovery for rougher tails without desliming Particle Size (µm) Feed Distribution NovaCellTM Recovery Tails Mass Copper Mass Copper Mass Copper -600 +300 0% 1% 35% 87% 65% 13% -300 +212 2% 3% 67% 91% 33% 9% -212 +106 16% 22% 11% 61% 89% 39% -106 +53 16% 22% 2% 37% 98% 63% -53 66% 51% 4% 29% 96% 71% Total 100% 100% 6% 40% 94% 60% The test achieved an overall copper recovery of 40% at a product mass pull of 6%. Because this test simulates the NovaCell™ treating the entire rougher tails stream, no material bypassed the CPF to the tailings thickener. Thus, the results are directly comparable to the product outputs shown in Error! Reference source n ot found. and Error! Reference source not found., indicating a higher overall copper recovery with a lower product mass pull. This performance was achieved without desliming or separate fine and coarse flotation stages. By treating all particle sizes within a single device, the NovaCell™ offers a clear opportunity to simplify circuit design, reduce processing complexity, and lower both capital and operating costs in mineral concentrators. Case Study 3: NovaCell pilot plant trail on Mantos Blancos rougher tailings material The Mantos Blancos mine is a copper-silver deposit located in the northern region of Chile and is owned by Capstone Copper (Capstone). In 2023, Capstone wanted to investigate NovaCell™ in a tailing scavenging application and provided a dry sample of the plant tailings for testing. At a feed grade of 0.17% Cu, a copper recovery of 74% was achieved at an enrichment ratio of 5.1 after 45 minutes of flotation. Recovery of both coarse and fine copper particles were observed indicating strong economic potential for the NovaCell™. In 2024, a continuous NovaCell™ pilot plant trial commenced for a six-month period. The primary objective was to confirm the metallurgical performance at pilot-scale. Capstone Copper defined the performance criteria as follows: • stage copper recovery > 40%, adjusted for residence time and the expected particle size distribution. • product upgrade ratio > 5.0 • product mass pull < 12% To facilitate quick installation and operational efficiency, the NovaCell™ pilot plant was designed within two 20-foot shipping containers, as illustrated in Error! Reference source not found.. The plant was f ully instrumented and fitted with an automated control system, enabling continuous and stable operation throughout the campaign. The nominal feed rate was ~1.7 (dry) tph.
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