DETA mitigation strategies for Strathcona Mill

嘉能可正在考虑使用DETA（二乙烯三胺），这是一种矿物加工试剂，以改善位于安大略省萨德伯里附近的Strathcona工厂的工艺性能。DETA与镍和铜离子形成可溶配合物，并可能导致这些金属离子的浓度超过最终流出物中允许的值。该项目的目标是研究DETA与尾矿区的水和固体的相互作用，并制定缓解战略。研究将从文献综述和高效液相色谱法（HPLC）的发展开始，该方法用于检测溶液中的DETA和DETA金属配合物。接下来，将进行地球化学建模，以预测在各种条件下可能形成的delta -金属配合物。吸附等温线也将发展，以确定有多少DETA将吸附在矿物固体，多少将留在溶液中。地球化学建模结果和吸附等温线将共同用于创建Strathcona尾矿管理区的模型，该模型将预测各种情景下最终流出物中DETA的浓度。然后将设置溶析仪测试，以研究在几年内吸附在矿物固体上的DETA的长期稳定性。最后，将开发一种活性生物降解工艺，用于在溶液和固体中破坏尾矿浆中的DETA和DETA化合物。如果嘉能可能够安全地使用DETA，公司将能够提高镍的回收率和精矿品位，这将具有很大的经济效益。最终开发出一种允许负责任地使用DETA的有效缓解技术，也将使其他矿业公司受益**********

Glencore is considering the use of DETA (diethylenetriamine), a mineral processing reagent, to improve process performance in Strathcona Mill, located near Sudbury, Ontario. DETA forms soluble complexes with nickel and copper ions, and can cause the concentration of these metal ions to exceed the value permitted in the final effluent. The objectives of this project are to study the interaction of DETA with water and solids in the tailings area, and develop mitigation strategies. The research will begin with a literature review and the development of an HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) method for detection of DETA and DETA-metal complexes in solution. Next, geochemical modeling will be performed to predict the DETA-metal complexes that are likely to form under various conditions. Adsorption isotherms will also be developed to determine how much DETA will adsorb on mineral solids, and how much will remain in solution. Together, the geochemical modeling results and adsorption isotherms will be used to create a model for the Strathcona tailings management area that will predict the concentration of DETA in the final effluent under various scenarios. Lysimeter tests will then be set up to study the long-term stability of DETA adsorbed on the mineral solids over several years. Lastly, an active biodegradation process will be developed for the destruction of DETA and DETA compounds in tailings slurry, both in solution and on the solids. If Glencore can safely use DETA, the company will be able to improve nickel recovery and concentrate grade, which will have a large economic benefit. The ultimate development of an effective mitigation technology that permits the responsible use of DETA will benefit other mining companies as well.**********