SOLVING TALC PROBLEM OPTIMIZES RECOVERY AT KANICHEE MINE.

The open pit operation of Kanichee Mining Inc, located about four miles northwest of Temagami, Ontario, is an example of a small low-grade orebody at which milling techniques have been devised to optimize recovery. The major break-through proved to be the stage additions of 100% guar-gum solution to the flotation cells for depression of talcose minerals. Bulk concentrates now produce grade in the order of 4. 0% nickel and 8. 0% copper with recovery rates of 68-70% nickel and 86-90% copper. The mill is now operating at the rate of 500 tons per day seven days a week. The concentrate produced is trucked daily to the smelter of Falconbridge Nickel Mines about 120 miles by road from the mine.