DETA mitigation strategies for Strathcona Mill

Glencore正考虑使用矿物加工试剂DETA（二亚乙基三胺），以改善位于安大略萨德伯里附近的Strathcona Mill的工艺性能。DETA与镍和铜离子形成可溶性络合物，并可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二苯并三氮唑与尾矿区的水和固体的相互作用，并制定缓解战略。研究将开始与文献综述和HPLC（高效液相色谱法）的方法检测DETA和金属络合物在溶液中的发展。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DETA-金属配合物。还将开发吸附等温线以确定有多少DETA将吸附在矿物固体上，以及有多少将保留在溶液中。地球化学建模结果和吸附等温线将用于为Strathcona尾矿管理区创建一个模型，该模型将预测各种情况下最终流出物中DETA的浓度。然后将进行蒸渗仪试验，以研究吸附在矿物固体上的DETA在几年内的长期稳定性。最后，将开发一种主动生物降解工艺，以销毁尾矿浆中的DETA和DETA化合物，包括溶液和固体。如果嘉能可能够安全使用DETA，公司将能够提高镍回收率和精矿品位，这将产生很大的经济效益。最终开发出一种有效的缓解技术，允许负责任地使用DETA，这也将使其他采矿公司受益。

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.