QMines Advances Copper-Gold Flotation Testwork at Mt Chalmers, Australia

QMines has reported continued progress at its Mt Chalmers copper-gold project in Queensland, Australia, with metallurgical testwork underway to support the project's Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS).

In its quarterly activities report released on October 26, 2026, the company confirmed that drill core samples had been sent for comminution and flotation testing. The program is intended to provide important technical inputs for processing plant design, including mineral recovery and concentrate quality. 

Before a mineral processing plant is developed, metallurgical testing helps engineers understand how ore responds to grinding and flotation.

For copper-gold ore, testwork can help evaluate:

• Mineral liberation: Determining suitable grinding conditions for separating valuable minerals.

• Flotation performance: Assessing mineral recovery under different reagent and operating conditions.

• Concentrate quality: Evaluating the grade and characteristics of the resulting concentrate.

• Process design: Providing data to support equipment selection and the development of a suitable flowsheet.

The results depend on ore mineralogy, liberation characteristics, reagent selection, and test conditions. Actual plant performance must be established through appropriate testing and subsequent operating data.

Flotation machines are an important part of many copper and gold sulfide ore processing circuits. Cell capacity, aeration, slurry circulation, and equipment configuration should be matched to the characteristics of the ore and the requirements of the processing plant.

Wear components also deserve attention during equipment selection and maintenance planning. Rotor and stator material, component compatibility, wear resistance, and replacement access can affect maintenance requirements over the operating life of a flotation cell.

Y&X supplies flotation machines and related spare parts for mineral processing applications, including copper, gold, and polymetallic sulfide ores.

For mining operators and project engineering teams, selecting suitable equipment begins with understanding ore characteristics, process requirements, and plant operating conditions. Compatible flotation machine components can also support routine maintenance and equipment replacement.