a. Crushing

Large ore rocks from the mine are reduced in size.

Equipment: jaw crusher → cone crusher.

Goal: prepare for grinding.

b. Grinding (Milling)

Crushed ore is ground into a fine slurry.

Equipment: SAG mill → ball mill.

Goal: liberate copper minerals from waste rock.

c. Flotation

The slurry is mixed with reagents (collectors, frothers).

Air bubbles attach to copper minerals → float to surface → skimmed off.

Output: ~25–35% Cu copper concentrate.

d. Thickening & Filtration

Concentrate slurry is thickened and filtered to remove water.

Final moisture: 8–12%.

Sent to the smelter.