andina q132 oct09 (2)

21
SGS -Chile Puerto Madero 9600 Parque Industrial Puerto Santiago, Pudahuel, Santiago Chile Tel: +56-2-747 0140 Fax: +56-2-747 0144 www.sgs.com Member of the SGS Group (SGS SA) An Investigation by QEMSCAN TM into THE MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FEED SAMPLE FROM THE ANDINA PROJECT prepared for AMINPRO Project OL4320 – Q132 Report n°1 October 1, 2009

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  • SGS -Chile Puerto Madero 9600 Parque Industrial Puerto Santiago, Pudahuel, Santiago Chile Tel: +56-2-747 0140 Fax: +56-2-747 0144 www.sgs.com

    Member of the SGS Group (SGS SA)

    An Investigation by QEMSCANTM into

    TTHHEE MMIINNEERRAALLOOGGIICCAALL CCHHAARRAACCTTEERRIISSTTIICCSS OOFF TTHHEE FFEEEEDD SSAAMMPPLLEE

    FFRROOMM TTHHEE AANNDDIINNAA PPRROOJJEECCTT

    prepared for

    AAMMIINNPPRROO

    Project OL4320 Q132 Report n1 October 1, 2009

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

    SGS Minerals Services

    ii

    Table of Contents

    Page No.

    Table of Contents ii

    List of Tables iii

    List of Figures iii

    INTRODUCTION iv

    1 Sample Receipt and Preparation 5

    2. QEMSCAN Setup, Operational Modes and Quality Control 5

    3. Modal Analysis and Grain Size Distribution 3

    4. Copper Ocurrence 4

    5. Liberation 11

    5.1. Chalcopyrite Liberation 11

    5.2. Molybdenite Liberation 12

    6. Associations 14

    6.1. Chalcopyrite Association 15

    6.2. Molybdenite Association 18

    Summary of Results 20

    Appendix : Assay Reconciliation 21

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    iii

    List of Tables

    Table 1: Sample Identification 5

    Table 2: Summary of Operational Statistics 6

    Table 3: Modal Analysis and Grain Size Distribution 8

    List of Figures

    Figure 1: QEMSCANTM

    and Direct Assay Reconciliation 6

    Figure 2: Bulk Modal Distribution 9

    Figure 3: Elemental Cu Deportment as CuT (left). Cu Distribution at 100% (right) 10

    Figure 4: Chalcopyrite Liberation in Samples 11

    Figure 5: Image Grid of Chalcopyrite Liberation 12

    Figure 6: Molybdenite Liberation in Sample 13

    Figure 7: Image Grid of Molybdenite Liberation 13

    Figure 8: Chalcopyrite Association Distribution 15

    Figure 9: Image Grid of Chalcopyrite Associations 16

    Figure 10: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Pyrite 16

    Figure 11: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Hard Silicates 17

    Figure 12: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with A) Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates and B)

    Phyllosilicates

    17

    Figure 13: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Fe-Ti Oxides/Oxyhydroxides 17

    Figure 14: Molybdenite Association Distribution 18

    Figure 15: Image Grid of Molybdenite Associations 19

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    iv

    Introduction

    This summary report describes a mineralogical test program using QEMSCANTM technology

    (Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy), conducted in one feed

    sample of the ore from Andina project, and submitted by Peter Ameluxen. The purpose of this

    test program was to identify mineralogical characteristics, as liberation and association of the

    sample. This program was conducted concurrently with the metallurgical test program OL4320,

    led by Cecilia Gonzlez.

    Mauricio Belmar, Ph.D. Project Mineralogist Advanced Mineralogy Facility Leticia Villagrn Mendoza Geologist Advanced Mineralogy Facility

    Sample Preparation by: J. Diaz QEMSCAN

    TM Operation by: L. Villagrn

    Data Processing by: L. Villagrn Report preparation by: L. Villagrn

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    5

    Testwork Summary

    1. Sample Receipt and Preparation

    One (1) sample from the Andina project identified as Feed was received by the Mineralogy

    Department and assigned the LIMS number OL4320 Q132. Sample identification is present in

    Table 1. A portion of each fraction was submitted for chemical analyses (Cu, Fe, Mo, S) for

    data validation and reconciliation purposes. These results are presented in the assay

    reconciliation section of this report.

    One graphite-impregnated polished epoxy grain mount was prepared. This polished section was

    submitted for analyses using QEMSCANTM technology.

    Table 1: Samples Identification

    Sample Identification

    Alimentacion Linea Convencional 30%Alimentacion Linea Sag 70%

    Comp Alim Ro1

    4320 - Q132 Andina

    2. QEMSCANTM Setup, Operational Modes and Quality Control

    The polished sections were analysed using the Particle Mineralogical Analysis (PMA) method in

    order to ensure that all copper-bearing minerals, including non sulphides minerals, were

    characterized. This method is a particle mapping mode of measurement which allows for

    complete mineralogical analysis of the samples and also for a robust determination of the bulk

    mineralogy, with minerals identities and proportions, along with average grain size

    measurement. The PMA mode also provides an analysis of the special details of minerals,

    including liberation and association details.

    For the sample, 19.251 particles were analysed using the PMA mode of operation, creating

    862.382 points from which the mineralogical info has been derived. The operational statistics of

    these analyses are presented in Table 2.

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    Table 2: Summary of Operational Statistics

    Batch ID

    SIP ID

    Analysis Type PMA

    Fraction Sections Pixel Particle Points

    m No. Size (m) No. No.

    Comp Alim Ro -212/+3um 1 4,0 19251 862382

    Q132

    STGO_1

    Sample

    y = 0,5538x

    R2 = 0,9592

    0,01

    0,1

    1

    10

    100

    0,01 0,1 1 10 100

    QEMSCAN Assay (%)

    Ch

    em

    ical

    Assay (

    %)

    Cu

    Fe

    Mo

    S

    Figure 1: QEMSCANTM and Direct Assay Reconciliation

    Key QEMSCANTM mineralogical assays have been regressed with the chemical assays, as

    presented in Figure 1. Overall correlation, as measured by R-squared criteria was 0,9592 with

    a slope 0,5538. This is considered to be acceptable. Full QEMSCANTM and direct chemical

    assays are presented in Appendix.

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    7

    3. Modal Analysis and Grain Size Distribution

    A graphical summary of the particle modal analyses of the Andina project is presented in Figure

    2. Full mineral distribution analyses of this sample are presented in Table 3.

    The Comp Alim Ro sample is mainly composed by Quartz (35,68 wt.%), Sericite/Muscovite

    (19,19 wt.%), K-Feldspar (18,45 wt.%), Plagioclase/Albite (8,98 wt.%) and with lower values

    Tourmaline (4,16 wt.%), Pyrite (2,81 wt.%), Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides (2,57 wt.%), Biotite (1,41

    wt.%), Clays (1,41 wt.%, mainly Kaolinite). With trace amounts there are Chlorite, Zircon,

    Apatite, Ti Oxides, Carbonates (Calcite, Siderite mainly) and Gypsum/Anhydrite.

    The ore minerals in sample are Chalcopyrite (2,50 wt.%), Enargite (0,05 wt.%) and Molybdenite

    (0,03 wt.%).

    4. Copper Occurrence

    Cu distribution by grade is presented in Figure 3.

    The main copper sulphide is Chalcopyrite which represents almost 97 % of the copper in

    sample. Also, copper occurs as Enargite (2,50 %) and as trace there are Covellite and

    Chalcocite/Digenite.

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    Table 3: Modal Analysis and Grain Size Distribution

    Survey Name Andina

    Id 4320 - Q132

    Sample Name Comp Alim Ro

    Fraction Name -212/+3um

    Mass Size Dist. (%) 100

    Particle Size 88

    Mineral Chalcopyrite 2,50

    Mass Enargite 0,05

    (%) Other Cu Sulphides 0,01

    Pyrite 2,81

    Molybdenite 0,03

    Other Sulphides 0,01

    Quartz 35,68

    K-Feldspar 18,45

    Plagioclase/Albite 8,98

    Tourmaline 4,16

    Amphiboles 0,07

    Sericite/Muscovite 19,19

    Clays 1,41

    Biotite 1,41

    Chlorites 0,77

    Zircon 0,02

    Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides 2,57

    Ti Oxides 0,94

    Carbonates 0,75

    Gypsum-Anhydrite 0,05

    Apatite 0,14

    Other 0,01

    Total 100,00

    Mean Chalcopyrite 33

    Grain Enargite 16

    Size Other Cu Sulphides 6

    (m) Pyrite 37

    Molybdenite 14

    Other Sulphides 8

    Quartz 45

    K-Feldspar 21

    Plagioclase/Albite 26

    Tourmaline 30

    Amphiboles 8

    Sericite/Muscovite 20

    Clays 7

    Biotite 11

    Chlorites 13

    Zircon 9

    Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides 24

    Ti Oxides 18

    Carbonates 14

    Gypsum-Anhydrite 22

    Apatite 19

    Other 8

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    Figure 2: Bulk Modal Distribution

    0%

    10%

    20%

    30%

    40%

    50%

    60%

    70%

    80%

    90%

    100%

    Sample

    Min

    era

    l M

    as

    s (

    %)

    Other 0,04

    Apatite 0,14

    Gypsum-Anhydrite 0,05

    Carbonates 0,75

    Fe-Ti Oxides 3,51

    Phyllosilicates 22,79

    Tourmaline 4,16

    Feldspar/Amphibole 27,50

    Quartz 35,68

    Molybdenite 0,03

    Pyrite 2,81

    Other Cu Sulphides 0,05

    Chalcopyrite 2,50

    Comp Alim Ro

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    Figure 3: Elemental Cu Deportment as CuT (left). Cu Distribution at 100% in Sample (right).

    0,00

    0,20

    0,40

    0,60

    0,80

    1,00

    Sample

    Cu

    Gra

    de I

    n S

    am

    ple

    (%

    )

    Chalcocite 0,00

    Covellite 0,00

    Enargite 0,02

    Chalcopyrite 0,85

    Comp Alim Ro0%

    10%

    20%

    30%

    40%

    50%

    60%

    70%

    80%

    90%

    100%

    Sample

    No

    rmali

    zed

    Cu

    Gra

    de i

    n S

    am

    ple

    (%

    )

    Chalcocite 0,18

    Covellite 0,37

    Enargite 2,50

    Chalcopyrite 96,95

    Comp Alim Ro

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    11

    5. Liberation

    Liberation analyses in composites samples are presented in this chapter. For the purposes of

    this analysis, particle liberation is defined based on 2D particle area percent. Particles are

    classified in the following groups (in descending order) based on mineral area percent: free

    (>=95%), liberated (=80%), middling (=50%), sub-middling (=20%) and locked ( 20% 8,40

    Chalcopyrite Mid > 50% 5,37

    Liberated Chalcopyrite > 80% 22,07

    Free Chalcopyrite 49,82

    Comp Alim Ro

    Figure 4: Chalcopyrite Liberation in Samples

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    Background

    Chalcopyrite

    Enargite

    Other Cu Sulphides

    Pyrite

    Molybdenite

    Other Sulphides

    Quartz

    K-Feldspar

    Plagioclase/Albite

    Tourmaline

    Amphiboles

    Sericite/Muscovite

    Clays

    Biotite

    Chlorites

    Zircon

    Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides

    Ti Oxides

    Carbonates

    Gypsum-Anhydrite

    Apatite

    Other

    Figure 5: Image Grid of Chalcopyrite Liberation

    5.2 Molybdenite Liberation

    Molybdenite Liberation is presented in Figure 6.

    Molybdenite is 49,94 % liberated and 44,39 % locked.

    Figure 7 shows image grid of Molybdenite liberation.

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    13

    0%

    10%

    20%

    30%

    40%

    50%

    60%

    70%

    80%

    90%

    100%

    Sample

    % M

    oly

    bd

    en

    ite M

    ass In

    Sam

    ple

    Molybdenite Locked 44,39

    Molybdenite Sub-Mid > 20% 2,78

    Molybdenite Mid > 50% 0,00

    Liberated Molybdenite > 80% 49,94

    Free Molybdenite 2,89

    Comp Alim Ro

    Figure 6: Molybdenite Liberation in Sample

    Background

    Chalcopyrite

    Enargite

    Other Cu Sulphides

    Pyrite

    Molybdenite

    Other Sulphides

    Quartz

    K-Feldspar

    Plagioclase/Albite

    Tourmaline

    Amphiboles

    Sericite/Muscovite

    Clays

    Biotite

    Chlorites

    Zircon

    Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides

    Ti Oxides

    Carbonates

    Gypsum-Anhydrite

    Apatite

    Other

    Figure 7: Image Grid of Molybdenite Liberation

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    14

    6 Associations

    Association characteristics are summarized in this chapter.

    For the purposes of this study:

    All association classes are defined based upon particle area percent. Each binary

    classification is defined as containing greater than or equal to (> or =) 95 area% of the

    mineral in study (Chalcopyrite or Molybdenite, etc), plus the specified mineral or

    mineral group.

    Categories containing only a single mineral name represent only the mineral specified

    (for example Pyrite).

    The Other Copper Sulphides group is comprised of all copper sulphides, excluding the

    mineral in study.

    The Phyllosilicates category is comprised of clay minerals, micas and chlorites.

    The Hard Silicates group is comprised of K-Feldspar, Plagioclase/Albite, Quartz,

    Tourmaline...

    The Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates group represents the mineral in study in association

    with a Hard Silicates and with a Phyllosilicates.

    The Fe-Ti Oxides/Oxyhydroxides category is comprised of Fe Oxides

    (Magnetite/Hematite) and Ti Oxides (Rutile, Ilmenite).

    Particles containing the mineral in study which occurs with a combination of any of the

    associations described above fall into the Complex association class.

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    15

    6.1 Chalcopyrite Association

    Chalcopyrite association is showed in Figure 8.

    Chalcopyrite is mainly associated with Phyllosilicates (17,83 %), Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates

    (9,61 %), Fe-Ti Oxides/Oxyhydroxides (5,62 %), Hard Silicates (4,07 %) and Pyrite (2,72 %).

    Complex association reaches 9,69 %.

    Examples of Chalcopyrite associations are showed in Figure 9.

    0%

    10%

    20%

    30%

    40%

    50%

    60%

    70%

    80%

    90%

    100%

    Sample

    % C

    halc

    op

    yri

    te M

    ass In

    Sam

    ple

    Complex 9,69

    Bin Chalcopyrite: Fe-Ti Ox./Oxyhydrox. 5,62

    Bin Chalcopyrite: Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates 9,61

    Bin Chalcopyrite: Phylosillicates 17,83

    Bin Chalcopyrite: Hard Silicates 4,07

    Bin Chalcopyrite: Molybdenite 0,01

    Bin Chalcopyrite: Others Cu Sulphides 0,64

    Bin Chalcopyrite: Pyrite 2,72

    Free Chalcopyrite 49,82

    Comp Alim Ro

    Figure 8: Chalcopyrite Association Distribution

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    Figure 9: Image Grid of Chalcopyrite Associations

    Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Pyrite, Hard Silicates, Hard

    Silicates/Phyllosilicates, Phyllosilicates and Fe-Ti Oxides/Oxyhydroxides are in Figures 10, 11,

    12 and 13 respectively.

    Figure 10: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Pyrite

    Background

    Chalcopyrite

    Enargite

    Other Cu Sulphides

    Pyrite

    Molybdenite

    Other Sulphides

    Quartz

    K-Feldspar

    Plagioclase/Albite

    Tourmaline

    Amphiboles

    Sericite/Muscovite

    Clays

    Biotite

    Chlorites

    Zircon

    Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides

    Ti Oxides

    Carbonates

    Gypsum-Anhydrite

    Apatite

    Other

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    17

    Figure 11: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Hard Silicates

    Figure 12: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with A) Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates and B) Phyllosilicates

    Figure 13: Examples of Chalcopyrite in association with Fe-Ti Oxides/Oxyhydroxides

    A

    Background

    Chalcopyrite

    Enargite

    Other Cu Sulphides

    Pyrite

    Molybdenite

    Other Sulphides

    Quartz

    K-Feldspar

    Plagioclase/Albite

    Tourmaline

    Amphiboles

    Sericite/Muscovite

    Clays

    Biotite

    Chlorites

    Zircon

    Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides

    Ti Oxides

    Carbonates

    Gypsum-Anhydrite

    Apatite

    Other

    B

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    18

    6.2 Molybdenite Association

    Molybdenite association is showed in Figure 14.

    Molybdenite in samples is mainly associated with Pyrite (49,44 %) and Hard Silicates (34,55 %),

    specially Tourmaline and Quartz.

    Examples of Molybdenite associations are in Figure 15.

    0%

    10%

    20%

    30%

    40%

    50%

    60%

    70%

    80%

    90%

    100%

    Sample

    % M

    oly

    bd

    en

    ite M

    ass In

    Sam

    ple

    Complex 12,09

    Bin Moly: Hard Silicates 34,55

    Bin Moly: Chalcopyrite 0,53

    Bin Moly: Pyrite 49,94

    Free Moly 2,89

    Comp Alim Ro

    Figure 14: Molybdenite Association Distribution

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    19

    Background

    Chalcopyrite

    Enargite

    Other Cu Sulphides

    Pyrite

    Molybdenite

    Other Sulphides

    Quartz

    K-Feldspar

    Plagioclase/Albite

    Tourmaline

    Amphiboles

    Sericite/Muscovite

    Clays

    Biotite

    Chlorites

    Zircon

    Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides

    Ti Oxides

    Carbonates

    Gypsum-Anhydrite

    Apatite

    Other

    Figure 15: Image Grid of Molybdenite Associations

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    20

    Summary of Results

    The QEMSCANTM mineralogical study of Feed sample of the ore mineral from Andina project

    identified the following characteristics:

    The Comp Alim Ro sample is mainly composed by silicates as Quartz,

    Sericite/Muscovite, K-Feldspar and Plagioclase/Albite. With lower amounts there are

    Tourmaline, Pyrite, Fe Oxides/Oxyhydroxides, Biotite and Clays (mainly Kaolinite). Main

    ore minerals are Chalcopyrite and Molybdenite.

    Copper occurs mostly as Chalcopyrite (97 %) and in second place as Enargite (2,50 %).

    As trace there are Covellite and Chalcocite/Digenite.

    Chalcopyrite in sample is mainly free and it is mostly in association with Phyllosilicates,

    Complex, Hard Silicates/Phyllosilicates, Hard Silicates and Pyrite.

    Molybdenite is mainly associated with Pyrite and Hard Silicates (as Tourmaline and

    Quartz).

  • Andina OL4320-Q132

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    21

    Appendix - QEMSCANTM Data

    OL4320-Q132

    Assay Reconciliation

    y = 0,5538x

    R2 = 0,9592

    0,01

    0,1

    1

    10

    100

    0,01 0,1 1 10 100

    QEMSCAN Assay (%)

    Ch

    em

    ica

    l A

    ssay (

    %)

    Cu

    Fe

    Mo

    S

    Sample QEM Chem QEM Chem QEM Chem QEM Chem

    Comp Alim Ro 0,87 0,85 5,42 3,11 0,02 0,02 2,40 1,94

    Assays (%)

    SMoCu Fe