Figure 6 – Simulated recovery results for gold (left) and copper (right) using JKSimFloat Increasing residence time is expected to improve gold and copper recoveries (Simulations 1, 2, and 7). However, achieving these gains would require additional flotation capacity, meaning an economic assessment is necessary to justify the associated capital and operating costs. In this case, the projected benefit may not be sufficient to warrant proceeding with the investment. Increasing mass pull in the SkimAir® SK240 is predicted to improve gold recovery by 1.6% (Simulation 8). In practice, this can be achieved by operating the SK240 at a shallower froth depth. Although the simulation suggests only a minor reduction in copper concentrate grade, operating at shallow froth depth may significantly increase pyrite recovery to the SK240 concentrate, potentially diluting the final product quality. A carefully designed experimental trial is recommended to identify operating conditions that maximise gold recovery while minimising any adverse impact on copper concentrate quality. 6. ONGOING AND FUTURE OPTIMISATION INITIATIVES Following installation and commissioning of the SK240 flash flotation cell, several optimisation programs were undertaken to improve both cell performance and overall circuit outcomes based on the simulations performed above. 6.1 Mass pull optimization Results from the JKSimFloat simulation indicated potential to increase gold recovery through more aggressive mass pull across the SK240 cell. Given the possible implications for the downstream circuit—particularly the cleaner circuit—the final copper concentrate was closely monitored to assess any impact on overall circuit performance. One clear effect observed during the trial was a reduction in feed grade and mass flow to the cleaner circuit. To maintain final concentrate grade targets under these conditions, it became necessary to slow the cleaner circuit by reducing air rate and PAX addition. These adjustments have implications for both copper and gold recovery. Further work is ongoing to determine the optimal operating conditions that maximize recovery while maintaining product quality. 6.2 Concentrate redirection trial Following the increased mass pull trial in the SK240 cell, it became evident that
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