Sulfur in Ore Concentrate (CS744)

Significance of the Topic

Extracting metals from ore relies on effective separation of valuable minerals from gangue. Ore concentrates contain sulfide minerals and sulfur levels serve as a quality control metric. Accurate sulfur analysis helps optimize extraction yields and estimate metal content in concentrates.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note demonstrates a method for quantifying sulfur in ore concentrates using the LECO CS744 and S744 combustion analyzers. The aim is to establish a reliable, rapid procedure for routine monitoring of sulfur levels to gauge concentration efficiency and support process control in mining laboratories.

Used Instrumentation

• LECO CS744 or S744 sulfur by combustion analyzers with touch-screen interface
• 528-018 or 528-018HP crucibles
• LECOCEL® II flux and Iron Chip accelerator
• Optional ceramic crucibles pre-baked at ≥1000°C or ≥1250°C
• Balance, tongs, and metal scoop

Methodology

Sample Preparation:

• Crush samples to a homogeneous powder.
• Optionally bake ceramic crucibles to remove contaminants.

Analytical Procedure:

1. Instrument Setup: purge and blank determination with LECOCEL II and iron accelerator.
2. Calibration and Drift Correction: analyze multiple replicates of zinc sulfide reference material across a defined mass range, adding flux and accelerator.
3. Sample Analysis: weigh 0.02–0.10 g of concentrate, add flux and accelerator, and perform combustion analysis. Maximum detectable sulfur is 17.5 mg.

Main Results and Discussion

Typical analyses of copper and lead concentrates yielded precise sulfur contents:

• Copper concentrate: mean 24.26% S, standard deviation 0.16%
• High-sulfur copper concentrate: mean 28.95% S, standard deviation 0.26%
• Lead concentrate: mean 14.44% S, standard deviation 0.15%

These results demonstrate excellent repeatability and accuracy, supporting the method’s suitability for routine quality control.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid and user-friendly sulfur quantification.
• Wide detection range accommodates varied concentrate grades.
• Critical for monitoring process efficiency in mining operations.
• Helps estimate metal content and optimize downstream processing.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements may include integration with automated sample handling, multi-element analysis capabilities, and data analytics driven by AI for predictive process control. Portable or at-line analyzers could further enhance real-time decision making.

Conclusion

The LECO CS744/S744 sulfur by combustion method offers a robust, precise, and efficient approach for sulfur determination in ore concentrates, facilitating quality control and process optimization in mining laboratories.